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Legacy Five to harmonize at Immanuel Baptist, May 31

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 11:25 AM

OFFICIAL BIO: When the Legendary Cathedral Quartet retired in December of 1999, Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett decided to continue the rich musical tradition of Southern Gospel Quartet singing. Legacy Five was organized and had their official debut in January 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since that day, they have made a major mark on the Southern Gospel Music world. Immediately audiences responded overwhelmingly to their four-part harmony and their ability to effectively communicate the message of Christ. Since the quartet’s formation, they have established and maintained a firm place at the top of Christian music.

Legacy Five has enjoyed more success in their short career than many groups experience in decades. In their first seven years, The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel music’s leading fan and trade publication, has nominated Legacy Five for some 55 Singing News fan awards. Year after year they are recognized as one of Gospel music’s favorite. The Southern Gospel Music Association honored Legacy Five with Recording of the year and they have had 2 Dove Award nominations. They have 13 recordings including one with the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra. In September, 2004, the readers of the Singing News Magazine gave Legacy Five awards including Favorite Male Quartet. Legacy Five was the most awarded quartet at the National Quartet Convention in 2004.

Legacy Five has been featured on numerous video tapings of the Gaither and friends Homecoming Video series, which has sold multiple millions of copies worldwide. They have also appeared on “In Touch,” with Dr. Charles Stanley, as well as In Touch Ministries’ sponsored cruises. Legacy Five is also regulars at Dr. David Jeremiah’s Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. Viewers across America have seen Legacy Five on TNN, TBN, Sky Angel, INSP, GMT, The Odyssey Network and a host of local channels.

The rich four and five part harmony that Legacy Five has become noted for are the result of a masterful weaving together of five unique and versatile talents. Glenn Dustin sings the bass, Scott Howard sings the baritone, Scott Fowler sings the Lead and Frank Seamans sings the tenor. After Roger Bennett’s death on March 17, 2007 from complications associated with Leukemia, Tim Parton joined Legacy Five as pianist.

Some 150 times a year, Legacy Five presents Gospel music in a way that has endeared them to audiences all across the United States and Canada

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Deadline approaches for HFSO’s Young Artist Solo Competition

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 10:52 AM

The deadline is May 30 to enter the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra’s David L. Belew Young Artist Solo Competition.

In addition to an award of $1000, the young artist will be given the opportunity to perform with the Hamilton-Fairfield Symphony Orchestra during the 2009-2010 season. The award given will be at the discretion of the judges and must be used to further the young person’s musical development.

Applicants must reside in Butler County and must be completing grades 9-11 in the 2009/2010 school year.

Instrumental categories include: Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, Percussion and Piano

Auditions begin 3 p.m. Saturday; June 13. Notification of the exact audition time will be given following receipt of the application.

Applicants must perform one movement chosen from a concerto or concerto equivalent. This music must have available orchestral accompaniment.

Auditioned selections must be performed with accompaniment. Piano soloists will have a second piano available for the orchestral accompaniment at the audition.

Three copies of the music must be provided for the judges.

For information, call (513) 844-1584 or email.

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Scott Miller & The Commonwealth play Southgate House, July 24

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 10:21 AM

Scott Miller & The Commonwealth, 9 p.m. Friday, July 24, the Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $15, available on-line. (859) 431-2201.

OFFICIAL BIO: Unlike most of the faux-simplified-effete’-elite-Americana/ Alt-Country world, Scott Miller was actually raised on a working farm. His parents were a WWII generation couple that carried on the Spartan lifestyle of their Scots-Irish forefathers. Miller has described the lifestyle as “Amish that drink.”

In 1990, with a lucky-to-get blue blood education from the College of William and Mary, (“I at least learned how to spell ‘bourgeoisie’”), Miller moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he started scraping a living in local bars and clubs.

The owner of a now defunct bar called “Hawkeye’s” quickly recognized Miller’s genius and gave him a regular night, where he built a loyal legion of fans and record bar tabs (despite the fact that Miller didn’t drink then…). The marquis outside said “Scott Miller: Every Damn Friday” for four long years, while Miller began touring regionally and building a following.

The next phase found Miller in the roots rock band called the V-roys, the first band signed to Jack Emerson’s (R.I.P.) and Steve Earle’s E-Squared label. His songwriting became more mature. His understanding of the music “biz” (“It ain’t called ‘show-friends.”) became more astute, but his guitar playing remained the ham fisted flat-picking of his youth. He calls them “solos.”

Sugar Hill picked Miller up for his next phase of musical life. Three studio records and one live album followed.

Before recording Citation, Miller and the Commonwealth landed a TV gig on the WB Network.

“Hell, I got the job as band leader on Jeff Foxworthy’s ‘Blue Collar TV’ show.” Miller recounts, “Suddenly the band and I didn’t have to load up and travel every night, we could walk across from the theater where it was taped into a 5-star hotel bar, and make great money doing it. I hated it, of course.”

The new record, “For Crying Out Loud,” is burning up the Americana charts. With 13 tracks and a new approach to song-building, the new record is a departure in some ways from anything Miller has done so far. Financed by the sale of initial song demos and an enhanced CD with video presold to the fan base, FCOL was truly an independent record and the debut on Miller’s own label, F.A.Y. Recordings.

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The Hamilton Lane Library Kicks Off Reading & All That Jazz Programs, June 2

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 09:25 AM

The Hamilton Lane Library starts off the thirteenth season of Reading & All That Jazz with a Brown Bag Book Review on June 2 at noon. Bring your lunch and listen as reviewer Mary Kay Fischer discusses “The Soloist” by Steve Lopez.

The next Reading & All That Jazz program will be a jazz concert featuring the Cunningham Duo. Enjoy their guitar, drums and bass performance on Tuesday, June 9 at noon.

All programs, free and open to the public, are on Tuesdays at noon at the Hamilton Lane Library, 300 N. Third St.

For more information about these and other programs at the Lane Libraries, please call (513) 894-6557.

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Image set for Fairfield Footlighters’ ‘Moon Over Buffalo’

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 25, 2009, 04:01 PM

Fairfield Footlighters present “Moon Over Buffalo” by Ken Ludwig, 8 p.m. May 22-23 and May 28-30, 2 p.m. May 24 and 31, Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield. $12 adults; $10 students/seniors. (513) 867-5348.

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Singer/songwriters dominate the next Music Cafe, May 26

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 05:36 PM

The Music Cafe, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. (513) 863-8873. Performers include Donna Frost, Patrick Stoutenborough, Didymus, Brandon Meade and David Sams.

Branden Meade writes songs that capture the emotions of true love, adventures on the open road, barroom brawls and time spent contemplating life. His experiences come through in a way that anyone can feel.

“I have been singing onstage since childhood,” he said, “first at church, then on to venues as a young man.

“I’ve been writing and recording original material in various bands and solo for 13 years and now feel I’ve found my niche: My voice, a strong melody and an acoustic guitar.

His self-titled EP was released in October, 2008.

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New work commissioned for Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 04:18 PM

Visitors to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park this summer should withhold judgment on the monolith that arrived a couple of weeks ago. It’s not an homage to “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and it’s not finished yet.

The 16-foot tall slab of black granite — which was mined in India and finished in China - is just the base for “Wherefore Art Thou,” a larger than life representation of the William Shakespeare tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet being created by renown Kentucky artist Sam McKinney.

The commission has been shepherded by Cincinnati resident Duncan White, who also raised funds to place another McKinney sculpture, the bronze and stone “Adam’s First Breath,” at Pyramid Hill.

That piece was so well-received that White was inspired to request another. “One of my favorite stories is the balcony scene in ‘Romeo & Juliet,’” White said. “So I said to my wife Nancy that Romeo and Juliet would look nice out here.”

McKinney said that he was quite familiar with the story when he received the commission, but re-visited the script before starting on the piece. “There are a lot of cliche representations of Romeo and Juliet, so I tried to stay away from that and went toward the darker side of the story,” he said, “where it’s presented almost as if they’re floating and praying for each other but can’t touch because of the black monolith that represents the rift between their families.”

The monolith, however, has a heart-shaped hole cut in it to represent their love, and they both reach over their heads to touch through that hole.

“In her hand that’s clutched to her breast, Juliet holds the vial of liqueur she took to fake her death,” McKinney said. “Romeo, on the other side, clutches the remnant of a the attire that she’s wearing, and he also holds a dagger as if he were in the moment of his death.”

The figures are 9 feet tall from head to heels, McKinney said, but over 11 feet with their hands extended.

The work is scheduled to be unveiled the second week of May, 2010.

For a preview of the artist’s maquette and views of the work in progress, visit sammckinneyart.com.

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Community theatre ‘sampler weekend’ at Parrish Auditorium, June 26-27

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 03:54 PM

The Cincinnati Association of Community Theaters (ACT-Cincinnati) will hold its annual regional OCTAfest this year on June 26 and 27 at Parrish Auditorium on the Miami University-Hamilton campus, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton.

Sponsored jointly by ACT-Cincinnati and the Ohio Community Theater Association (OCTA), each member group is invited to bring a 30 minute excerpt of its best show of the past season.

This year there will be thirteen excerpts spread over three sessions (Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon). The excerpts this year include “Gypsy”, “Honky Tonk Angels”, “The Lion In Winter”, “Pirates of Penzance”, and many more. The groups excerpting this year are coming from all over greater Cincinnati.

Everyone who enjoys live theater is encouraged to attend. Tickets are available at the door. A ticket which will allow admission to all excerpts is only $20. Information is available at www.CinStages.com/ACT .

ACT-Cincinnati has been operating for more than 50 years. Its member groups are all over greater Cincinnati and Dayton. Included are hundreds of talented performers, directors, producers, people who work on set design and construction, lighting, sound, costumes, marketing and administration. The OCTAfest is a good place to meet representatives of all of the local groups and to learn more about community theater.

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Kids can learn how to do laundry without electricity, May 30

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 03:07 PM

The William Holmes McGuffey Museum at Miami University will hold an Old-Fashioned Laundry Day from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, open to children ages 3-12.

The free historical event is open to the public and will give children a chance to learn about history by doing laundry without electricity using old fashioned washtubs, wringers and washboards. All children need to be accompanied by an adult to participate.

The goal of the program is to provide children with an interactive understanding of history and the physical labor involved with doing laundry the old-fashioned way. Children will take part in everything from hand-mixing laundry soap, scrubbing and wringing out wet laundry, and hanging their clothes to dry.

A grant from the Oxford Community Foundation enabled the initial purchase of equipment necessary to hold the event in 2007. This year is the third Old-Fashioned Laundry Day that has been held at the McGuffey Museum at 401 E. Spring St. in Oxford, Ohio.

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InsideOut Studio adds color to MRDD’s Liberty Center

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 01:47 PM

Art exhibition “InsideOut Studio Artists: Alicia Ann Jones & Andrew Piercy”, Reception 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 29; also on view 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30, Studio 501, Jolie Harris Studio, Pendelton Arts Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Cincinnati. (513) 721-4489.

Art is everywhere now at the Liberty Center since the art room opened up last year. Not only has the lobby been livened up by a dynamic installation, but even the garbage cans have taken on a colorful air.

“We wanted to offer opportunities for folks that wanted to express themselves in different ways,” said Sherry Dillon, manager of program development for the Butler County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities drop-in center. “It started out small, but we’ve doubled in size in the last four months, venturing out into pottery and ceramics — and now we even have a budding photographer.”

Dubbed “InsideOut Studio,” the art room has not only given the MRDD clients a creative outlet, but some of them have even gained a bit of regional notoriety.

An exhibition of work by Alicia Ann Jones and Andrew Piercy, two of the center’s regular visitors, will be part of the Pendelton Arts Center’s Final Friday exhibitions on May 29.

InsideOut artists have also had their work on display at the Kona Bistro in Oxford and the West Chester Medical Center.

“We had a couple of folks who just weren’t interested in any of the things we offer,” Dillon said. “Now they talk more, they are more engaged in general.”

The initial cost for the studio came from MRDD funds, but grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council has added to the program, including the a purchase of a kiln that will soon be installed. Their work sells, too, and what doesn’t go to the artists goes toward the purchase of materials.

The studio artists also get instruction and help from professional artists, including Debbie Brod, who coordinated the lobby installation, and Suzanne Fisher, who helped land the Pendleton exhibition.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” said Tracy Boraz, one of the art room facilitators. “The simple task of putting paint on canvas has an incredible impact on their self-esteem.”

For two days in June, InsideOut Studio will host Tim Lefens, an artist nationally known for his work with the developmentally disabled.

Lefen’s Artistic Realization Technologies (A.R.T.) program, founded almost 20 years ago, will further expand the art room’s offerings to clients who have not been able to participate because of physical limitations.

The Liberty Center is one of 10 studios Lefens is visiting through a grant he received from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to train artists and “trackers” on the use of a headgear piece which uses sophisticated lasers to let the artist simply look at the canvas where they want the paint to go and the tracker follows the light of the laser with a brush loaded with the color chosen by the artist.

++++++++++

PHOTOS, Top to bottom:

Below: A slide show of some InsideOut artists and their work.

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‘A Chorus Line’ is a story of passion and inspiration, says the current ‘Cassie’

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 12:31 PM

“A Chorus Line,” book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26-June 7, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut, Cincinnati. $20-$56. 1-800-982-2787 or on-line at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Cincinnati.

Although it’s a musical about Broadway musicals, and specifically the performers who aren’t in the spotlight, “A Chorus Line” has still been able to resonate with non-showbiz folk since 1975.

“The show is a timeless classic and the whole point of the story is what you can when you can’t dance anymore,” said Robyn Hurder, who plays Cassie on the national tour that will open at the Aronoff Center next week. “But it’s much deeper than that. It’s about passion and inspiration and about what you do when you can’t do the thing you live for anymore.

“Throughout the show, there are all kinds of stories,” she said. “Every person in the audice will find someone or something to relate to. These are real people and we’ve shown what our lives are about, and when they spread out across the stage for the grand finale, they’re not just ‘A Chorus Line,’ but individuals.”

Cassie’s story is that of a former star who is seeking to return to the chorus line because it’s become too hard for her to find work at the star level, but she’s OK with it because the line feels like home to her. It’s better to dance in the chorus than to not dance at all. And even though Hurder is just beginning her career, that’s a sentiment she can relate to.

Hurder grew up in Maine and was passionate about dancing before she knew anything about it. Her mother started her in dance lessons at age 6 because the girl never passed on an opportunity to dance in restaurants or any public place where there was music. And then, when she was 8, they took her to a touring production of “Cats.”

“From then on, I knew what I wanted to do,” she said. “I was obsessed with Broadway and stuck to it.”

She went to college for a year and a half at the University of New Hampshire, but saw that as only a stepping stone.

“I was ready to skedaddle out of Maine and go to New York City,” she said. “You don’t need a degree to sing, act and dance, and you don’t have your health and body forever but you can always go back to school.”

So she decided to take a sabbattical, go to New York for one week and audition as much as she could, and see what happened.

“I just needed to do it for myself,” she said. “I was so shocked to start getting phone calls later that week.”

Out of seven auditions, she was offered four jobs, including one for a European tour of “A Chorus Line” and a national tour of “Grease,” but opted to take a job on a European cruise ship instead because it offered her a chance to work under the direction of the guy who originated the role of Mike in the first production of “A Chorus Line.” It also gave the 19-year-old dancer a chance to see 36 cities in Europe and enough money to move to New York so she could get her next job in the national tour of “Starlight Express.”

But in order to land the role of Cassie in this production, she first had to endure a two-week “Cassie Camp” as part of the audition process, during which she learned the entire 12-minute sequence, one-on-one with an instsructor.

“It was the most intense thing I ever did in my life,” she said. “They finally brought me up on stage at the Broadhurst with all of the creative team and I had to do the entire 12 minutes.

“Within an hour, I got a call from my agent telling me I had the job. That was the best feeling ever.

“Anyone who has a strong attachment to dance can relate to the role,” she said. “It takes a lot to do that every night, and every night I leave the stage wondering if I can possibly do it again tomorrow, but every morning I wake up ready to do it again and I am so grateful for it.

“There’s only a handful of us that can do this professionally, and now I’m part of that club.”

PHOTO: Robyn Hurder (Cassie) is elated to be “on the line” with her husband Clyde. Broadway: Grease (Marty), Chicago (Mona, Roxie u/s), Wedding Singer (Donatella, Holly u/s), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Violet). Nat’l Tours: Spamalot (Lady Of The Lake u/s), Starlight Express (Pearl).

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Guitarist Eric Loy performs for Lane Library’s Sunday Sounds, June 7

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 11:03 AM

The Fairfield Lane Library Sunday Sounds series presents Eric Loy, 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7, Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Dr. (513) 894-6557.

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Alternate Routes detour into the 20th Century Theatre, June 2

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 22, 2009, 10:37 AM

The Alternate Routes and Carbon Leaf, 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, the 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Rd., Cincinnati. 412 advance, $15 day of show. (513) 731-8000.

ABOUT THE ALTERNATE ROUTES: Since forming over seven years ago at Fairfield University in Connecticut, the Alternate Routes has hung on tightly to their music and their ideals, playing wherever they can, shuttling from temporary homesteads in Bridgeport, Boston, New York and back again, logging trucker’s miles between Colorado and Connecticut in recent years hoping to build an audience that mirrors the one they’ve created in the Northeast. For the longest time they held on to menial day jobs to support their rock ‘n’ roll habit. One day broke, broken, and down to their last buck, they made enough money gambling to pay for the pressing of an early EP.

“We’re not an overnight success story by any stretch,” said singer/songwriter/guitarist Tim Warren in the band’s official bio. “We take it one city at a time, one fan at a time. It’s not glamorous, but we pride ourselves on working hard and making life on the road a viable reality. We’ve seen what’s out there in the live music circuit and we continue the journey based on the fact that we believe we have something unique and musical to offer.”

Their sound - a hybrid vibe of rock’n’roll grit and ghostly, meaningful balladry-provides the kind of wide-ranging sonic experience that leaves crowds feeling they got more than they bargained for.

“Every night we push ourselves to take our show to a new level,” said guitarist Eric Donnelly.” That’s what keeps us going, knowing that the next thing is gonna be the great thing. The next album is what we’re fighting for, the next big gig. That’s the addiction part of what we do.”

It’s also, as the band titled its latest album, “A Sucker’s Dream.”

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UPDATED: Multi-genre production ‘Kolam’ celebrates the culture of India, May 24

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 21, 2009, 01:59 PM

“Kolam: A Colorful Sketch of India,” 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24, Fath Auditorium, Cincinnati Art Museum. $8 museum members, $16 non-members; $5 children/students/seniors. (513) 315-9286.

NEW PHOTO:

Anusha (Lexington) and Anupriya (Dayton) rehearsing for the piece ‘Wonders in Stone’

“Kolam” is a multimedia musical theater production that uses a combination of visuals, live music, multi-genre Indian dance and story telling to explore the intimate relationship between the Indian performing arts and the visual arts and the underlying philosophy of cultural inclusiveness. Included in this performance is the world premiere of “A Duet for Flute and Harp in the Indian Spring Raga Basant,” featuring world musician Lori Kesner.

The Cincinnati Art Museum hosts this performance in conjunction with the Butterfly Festival at the Krohn Conservatory which is celebrating butterflies from India this spring. A Grand Parade will travel from the Conservatory to the Art Museum at 1 p.m.

“Kolam” is composed, directed and produced by internationally known musician and composer Kanniks Kannikeswaran whose creations are consistent with his vision of building community by celebrating threads of commonality across diverse cultures.

“Globalization is bringing people together in unprecedented ways,” Kannikeswaran said in an e-mail. “The Indian diaspora’s presence is felt in many parts of the globe and the Cincinnati area is no exception. What is Indian culture? What does it offer to the world apart from a skilled technological workforce? What are the images of India apart from what is seen in popular media?”

The tamil word “kolam” means a sketch or a pattern. The production takes audiences on a journey that demonstrates the intimate relationship between the Indian visual and performing arts and the spirit of cultural inclusiveness that characterizes India. It is an intense performance featuring an original music score along with various diverse and colorful Indian classical, folk and contemporary dances and multimedia visuals woven together with a powerful narrative.

IMAGE: Featured dancer Sagoree.

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Sample area music, too, at Taste of Cincinnati

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 21, 2009, 10:34 AM

Not only does the Taste of Cincinnati festival feature more than 40 restaurants serving up their most delicious and delectable menu items, but you can work up an appetite running between the various stages offering live music.

Festival hours are noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, and noon to 9 p.m. Monday, May 25, on six blocks of Fifth Street, from Race Street to Broadway in Downtown Cincinnati.

Festival Admission is free.

The Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, May 23

Marshwiggles, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 12:30 p.m.

B-105 Colgate Country Showdown, B105 Stage, 1 p.m.

Kristen Key, Fountain Square Stage, 1 p.m.

DJ - Gospel Music, Government Square Stage, 1 p.m.

Swarthy Band, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 2 p.m.

Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers, Government Square Stage, 2 p.m.

Cincinnati Super Choir under the direction of P. Ann Everson-Price, Government Square Stage, 2:20 p.m.

Aretha Chapman, Government Square Stage, 2:40 p.m.

Radio-One MOJO/WDBZ/WIZ Mass Choirs, Government Square Stage, 2:55 p.m.

Tyshawn Colquitt, Government Square Stage, 3:15 p.m.

New Vision Choir, Government Square Stage, 3:20 p.m.

Bishop Bobby Hilton & the Word of Deliverance Mass Choir, Government Square Stage, 3:45 p.m.

Katie Reider Tribute, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 4 p.m.

Katie Reider Band, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 4 p.m.

WIZ Airforce with Simone, BT Big Terrence, Don Juan FaSho, DJ Skillz, DJ Dimepiece & DJ Diamond, Government Square Stage, 4 p.m.

Forehead, Fountain Square Stage, 4:30 p.m.

Jon Justice Band, Chemed Plaza Stage, 6 p.m.

Eli Young Band, B105 Stage, 7 p.m.

Edie Carey, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 7:30 p.m.

The Rusty Griswolds, Fountain Square Stage, 8 p.m.Randy Houser, B105 Stage, 9 p.m.

Groove Crew, Chemed Plaza Stage, 9 p.m.

Catie Curtis, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 24

The Coy Taylor Band, B105 Stage, 1 p.m.

The Bell and the Hammer, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 1 p.m.

Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, Fountain Square Stage, 1 p.m.

Bootleg Rider, Government Square Stage, 2 p.m.

Ellery, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 2:30 p.m.

The Danny Frazier Band, B105 Stage, 3 p.m.

3 Day Rule, Fountain Square Stage, 4:30 p.m.

Love and Theft, B105 Stage, 5 p.m.

The Chocolate Horse, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 5 p.m.

Good Day Sir, Government Square Stage, 5 p.m.

Tracy Walker Band, Chemed Plaza Stage, 6 p.m.

Trailer Choir, B105 Stage, 7 p.m.

Donna Mogavero, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 7 p.m.

Big Whiskey, Fountain Square Stage, 8 p.m.

Sullivan Janszen Band, Government Square Stage, 8 p.m.

Bucky Covington, B105 Stage, 9 p.m.

Tracy Walker Band, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 9 p.m.

The Rattlesnakin’ Daddies, Chemed Plaza Stage, 9 p.m.

Monday, May 25

The Rattlesnakin’ Daddies, B105 Stage, 1 p.m.

Fairmount Girls, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 1 p.m.

After Midnight, Government Square Stage, 2 p.m.

Drew Davis & Jim Zartman, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 2;30 p.m.

Joey & Rory, B105 Stage, 3 p.m.

The Sonny Moorman Group, Fountain Square Stage, 3:30 p.m.

Justin Moore, B105 Stage, 5 p.m.

G Burton Story, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 5 p.m.

Paul Otten & Starve the Barber, Government Square Stage, 6 p.m.

Richie & Rick, Chemed Plaza Stage, 6 p.m.

Leroy Ellington & the E-Funk Band, Fountain Square Stage, 6:30 p.m.

Heidi Newfield, B105 Stage, 7 p.m.

Katie Todd, Katie Reider Tribute Stage, 7:30 p.m.

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Shakespeare Company gives a reading to classic Spanish drama, June 16-17

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 21, 2009, 10:22 AM

In conjunction with the Cincinnati Opera’s “Spanish Season,” the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents a staged reading of the classic drama “Fuente Ovejuna” by Lope de Vega, June 16-17, 719 Race St., Cincinnati. Admission is “pay what you can,” with a suggested donation of $5. (513) 381-2273.

“Fuente Ovejuna” features the CSC Resident acting company including Sara Clark, Jeremy Dubin, Christopher Guthrie, Sherman Fracher, Matt Johnson and Kelly Mengelkoch and is directed by artistic director Brian Isaac Phillips.

An adventure that Phillips describes as “part ‘Romeo & Juliet,’ part ‘Seven Samurai,’ and part ‘Spartacus’,” “Fuente Ovejuna” tells the story of a small Spanish town living under the tyrannical rule of Commander Don Fernan Gomez, who treats his subjects like slaves. After losing another battle, the angry Commander attempts to take advantage of one of the town’s young women. When her fiancé flies to her rescue, he sets off a chain of events that spurs the entire town to rise up against Gomez as one avenging angel. Packed with action, humor and romance, Fuente Ovejuna remains one of the most popular works of Spain’s beloved playwright, Lope de Vega.

“When we heard about the Cincinnati Opera’s Opera Goes to Spain season, and saw the excitement created by a citywide celebration of Spanish arts and culture, we wanted to join other arts organizations in supporting the Opera in this unique summer programming,” Phillips said in a statement. “What better way for Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to participate than by presenting the work of one of Shakespeare’s great Spanish contemporaries, Lope de Vega.”

The play will be read aloud in English by the CSC Resident Acting Company without costumes, setting or props, allowing actors and audiences to focus on the rich story of the play.

One of the fathers of Spanish drama, Lope de Vega penned over one thousand plays between 1590 and 1635 during the Golden Age of Spain. His prolific output of comedies and “cloak and sword” dramas made him one of the most produced and most popular playwrights on the period. Loosely based on historical events 150 years before, Fuente Ovejuna represents Lope de Vega at his finest.

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Fairfield Footlighters gets technical with ‘Moon Over Buffalo’

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 03:02 PM

Fairfield Footlighters present “Moon Over Buffalo” by Ken Ludwig, 8 p.m. May 22-23 and May 28-30, 2 p.m. May 24 and 31, Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield. $12 adults; $10 students/seniors. (513) 867-5348; www.fairfield-footlighters.org.

When director Heidi Schiller got involved with the Fairfield Footlighters, she gave them a list of plays she thought would be good for the group. “Moon Over Buffalo,” which opens Friday, May 22, was near the top of that list.

“It’s extremely funny,” she said. “It’s a backstage comedy, which is fun for the actors, and the audiences love to see what goes on backstage with all the crazy people.”

The crazy people in this case are led by George and Charlotte Hay, an acting couple who have had their shot at greatness but now find themselves touring the country in 1953 with two shows in repertory: the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac” and Noel Coward’s “Private Lives.”

“Charlotte’s biggest goal is to be a movie star and have everyone admire her,” said Peggy Allen, who plays Charlotte, a role originated by Carol Burnette. “So she really loves herself more than anybody else.”

“George Hay is an upper middle-aged man who has been acting his entire life,” said Michael Watson, the actor performing the role. “He’s not yet willing to admit that he’s past the age of the characters he wants to play.

“At the beginning of the play, he’s even more discouraged, because one of his rivals — actor Ronald Coleman — has been given a role that he wanted.”

That role is starring in “The Twilight of the Scarlet Pimpernel,” which would also feature Greer Garson and is being directed by the great Frank Capra. Word gets to the Hays that Coleman broke his leg and Garson dropped out, so Capra is coming to Buffalo to check out the couple to see if they would be right for the film.

But due to a perfect storm of comedic set ups, George spends the morning drinking and gets the matinee performance mixed up with the evening show and enters as Cyrano when the rest of the cast is doing “Private Lives.”

One of the challenges of doing this show for a community theater group is the rapid scene changes. Most use minimal sets and lighting tricks to make the transitions, but the Footlighters have been able to make use of a turntable rented from the University of Cincinnati, even though it meant building a second stage on top of the Fairfield Community Art Center’s existing stage.

“It’s been a massive amount of work,” Schiller said. “We’ve spent the last three weekends building up the deck 11 inches. But it will open a lot of doors for the Footlighters with the knowledge that we can do this.”

Also in the cast are Amy Sullivan as Ethel, Jana Emmons as Rosalind, Kevin Noll as Howard, Angie Dodge as Eileen, Ronnie Mason as Paul and Tom Redman as Richard.

PHOTOS: Top to bottom: Peggy Allen as Charlotte Hay, Michael Watson as George Hay; Ronnie Mason as Paul (hiding), Kevin Noll as Howard, and Michael Watson as George Hay; Ronnie Mason as Paul and Angie Dodge as Eileen; Amy Sullivan as Ethel, Michael Watson as George Hay. Photos by Richard O Jones.

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Mad Anthony continues the ‘Nunsense’ franchise with ‘Meshuggah-Nuns’, May 27

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 02:44 PM

Mad Anthony Theatre Company presents “Meshuggah-Nuns” by Dan Goggin, 8 p.m. May 27-30; 2 p.m. May 31, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. $15 members, $17 non-members. (513) 867-7988; www.fitton center.org

The nuns are at it again.

Director Pat Ganz has assembled the Little Sisters of Hoboken for the fourth installment of the popular “Nunsense” series of musicals. This is the second Mad Anthony Theatre production; the first two were produced by the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre.

The premise this time is that four of the nuns have won an all-expense paid trip on the “Faiths of All Nations” Cruise. At sea, the ship runs into a terrible storm that lasts nearly a week.

“Everyone on the ship gets sick, except for the nuns and the actor playing Tevye in the ship’s production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’” Ganz said. “The reason the nuns don’t get sick is that (the convent’s chef) Siser Julia Child of God has put Dramamine in brownies they take on board with them.”

The ship’s captain, aware of the Sisters’ show-business savvy, asks that they and Tevye put on an original revue. The result is “Meshuggah-Nuns.”

Two of the actresses are making their Mad Anthony return in the series: Michelle Lewis as Sister Amnesia and Meggan Peters as Sister Robert Anne.

For Peters, this is her fifth experience with the Nunsense franchise, three of them in Hamilton.

“Sister Robert Anne is the Convent’s ‘street-smart gym teacher with a heart of gold,’” Peters said. “She grew up in Brooklyn, was in a gang, found Jesus, but still has dreams of being a big band singer. She is a practical joker, and is usually in trouble with the Reverend Mother.’”

“Sister Amnesia — aka Sister Mary Paul — lost her memory when she was hit over the head with a crucifix,” Lewis said. “She’s a lovable, sweet, obliviously content character who is a country singer and always plans something special for the audience.” This time, the “something special” is a magic show.

“She is also the voice of Sister Mary Annette, the naughty puppet that always seems to make her way into the show somehow,” Lewis said, “much to the chagrin of Reverend Mother.”

The role of the Reverend Mother, Sister Mary Regina, is being taken over this time by Cheryl Salzman.

“She tries to be strict and maintain order, but things often get out of her control,” Salzman said.

This is Salzman’s second recent community theater production after having taken nearly 20 years off to raise her family. She warmed up with the Fairfield Footlighter’s production of “Steel Magnolias” last year, in which she played Truvey. She is also a former student of Ganz, who spent 30 years as the drama director at Ross High School.

“Pat Ganz’s first year of teaching was my senior year in high school ,where she directed me in her original musical version of ‘Hansel and Gretel,’” she said.

Also new to the series is Kim Newcomer, peforming the role of Sister Hubert, who is supposed to be the most “grounded” of the nuns and number two in command, behind Mother Superior.

“She feels she could bring more dignity to the Rev. Mother position but respects authority and doesn’t question her,” Newcomer said. “Under Hubert’s reserved facade, though, is a person who likes to laugh and have fun - which is not unleashed until the closing number.”

“Meshuggah-Nuns” also includes two non-nun characters: Melody Joy Leopoedis, the cruise director, played by Denise Cox, and Howard Liszt, the man who would’ve been Tevye, played by Bill Balfour.

“Raised in a Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn, Howard has made a career playing any Jewish role he can find,” Balfour said. “When he plays a non-Jewish character his mother has a fit. Most of the time he ends up playing Tevye in ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’

“I hope that the audience walks away from the show laughing and talking about character types that make the show so fun to do,” Balfour said. “I also hope I play the part so well they say ‘That guy would make a good Jew.’”

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Steve Earle performs solo acoustic at Cincinnati Memorial Hall, June 27

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 12:33 PM

Steve Earle with Joe Pug, 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Cincinnati. $25-$40. (513) 235-8105 or on-line at jbmpromotions.com.

Steve Earle’s new album “Townes,” a collection of cover tunes written by Earle’s mentor Townes Van Zandt, is his highly anticipated follow up to the Grammy Award winning album “Washington Square Serenade.” The songs selected for “Townes” were the ones that meant the most to Earle and the ones he personally connected to. Some of the selections chosen were songs that Earle has played his entire career (“Pancho and Lefty,” “Lungs,” “White Freightliner Blues”). He learned the song “(Quicksilver Daydreams of) Maria” directly from Van Zandt. Earle taught himself “Marie” and “Rake” specifically for making this record. Earle recorded the New York sessions solo and then added the other instruments later on in order to preserve the spirit of Van Zandt’s original solo performances to the best of his recollection.

Opening the show will be Chicago-based singer-songwriter Joe Pug.

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May Festival Cathedral Basilica Concert, May 24 in Covington

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 12:09 PM

May Festival concert, 8 p.m. Sunday May 24, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky. $32. (513) 381-3300.

The May Festival Youth Chorus, under the direction of James Bagwell, begins the concert performing a cappella works by Thompson, Morley, Hindemith and Dawson.

The May Festival Chorus, directed by Robert Porco, will then perform one of the greatest works of the English choral repertory, Ralph Vaughn Williams’ Mass in G Minor.

Completing the evening is Brahms’ colorful Gypsy Songs, colorful poems with Hungarian and Gypsy-inspired melodies and lush harmonic textures.

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Hookahville sets up camp at Frontier Ranch for Memorial Day weekend

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 09:56 AM

Looking for a last-minute get-away for the long weekend?

The biannual spring music festival Hookahville will be held this year at Frontier Ranch, 8836 York Rd., Pataskala, Ohio.

Two-day passes are $80 at the gate, cash only. Each Hookahville ticket includes music, camping and parking from 8 a.m. Saturday, May 23, through noon Monday, May 25. Children 12 and under are admitted to the festival free with a paid adult. Single day tickets will be available after 8 a.m. on Sunday for $60 at the gate.

The acts on the bill include the host band ekoostik hookah, above, playing two sets both days, plus Les Claypool, The Wailers, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Toubab Krewe, Great American Taxi, The Ark Band, Oakhurst, Freekbass, Mifune, Sweet Water Meltdown, Higgins & Madwell Band, My Dear Disco, The Ragbirds and Skeleton Crew

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Season tickets now on sale for Broadway Series 2009-10 line-up

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 02:42 PM

Season tickets are now on sale for the Broadway Across America 2009-10 season at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati.

You can select your seats in person at the Broadway Across America Cincinnati Box Office in the Mercantile Center downtown at 120 East Fourth Street, 9 a.m. top 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or by calling the Broadway Across America toll-free Cincinnati Season Ticket Hotline at 800-294-1816.

The season line-up:

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” a brand new musical full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written such as “Blue Skies,” “How Deep Is The Ocean?” and the unforgettable title song. Nov. 10-22.

“Spring Awakening,” the 2007 Tony Award winner and the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock’n’roll. Recommended for mature audiences, this show celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood. Jan.12-24.

Alfred Hitchock’s “The 39 Steps,” another Tony Award-winning play with plenty of suspense and riotous laughter. March 2-14.

“Mary Poppins,” the world’s most famous nanny, combines the original stories by P.L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film. The show includes favorite songs such as “A Spoonful Of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. April 8-25.

“Legally Blonde the Musical” (pictured above) is the smash hit musical based on the MGM film that follows sorority star Elle Woods to Harvard Law School.May 11-23.

“Dreamgirls,” a new version with Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom teaming up with Cincinnati’s Shane Sparks (choreographer & TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”), featuring the hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “ One Night Only” and “Listen”. June 8-20.

Prices for the six season ticket package range between $112 and $515 depending on seat location and performance time.

Season ticket holders will also have priority access to these three “season specials”:

“The Color Purple,” Sept. 29-Oct. 4.

“Rent,” featuring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, Oct. 28-Nov.1.

“Chicago,” Dec. 1-6.

NEW EXTENDED PAYMENT PLAN

Order before June 12th and make three easy monthly payments. This offer is only available using a valid credit card.

EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS:

• Exclusive no fee ticket exchange privileges.
• Priority purchase opportunities for additional tickets to series shows and all Season Specials.
• Lost ticket insurance and replacement service.
• Discount offers at area businesses.
• Purchasing privileges in any of our other Broadway Across America cities.
• Same premium seat location for all season shows.
• Priority renewal for future seasons

SEASON PATRON CLUB

In addition to all of the regular season ticket holder benefits, special Patron Club season tickets (available with an annual membership fee) guarantee seating in the front orchestra or first three rows of the loge and include extended benefits such as complimentary parking for season shows, and name recognition in the PLAYBILL program.

CLOUD CLUB

For theater lovers on a budget, the “Cloud Club” offers our six-show package with COMPLETE subscription benefits starting at: $112 for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings and $152 for Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday Matinees.

THE JANET TAYLOR BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA EDUCATION PROGRAM

Season ticket holders are encouraged to consider an optional $5 contribution to support the Janet Taylor Broadway Across America Education Program. The Education Program was founded in 1988. Its mission is to introduce students and teachers to the outstanding education value of quality touring Broadway shows. Students throughout the region — from public, private and parochial schools — have the opportunity to participate in this ticket subsidy program and interact with professional performers and technicians from the touring productions.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Broadway Across America shows typically run for two weeks at the Aronoff Center. Performance options are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00pm and Sundays at 1:00 & 6:30pm. (All times are subject to change) An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf are available. Anyone requiring either of these services or accommodations for the physically challenged should request so when purchasing season tickets.

GROUP SALES AND SINGLE TICKETS

Group sales information is now available for all shows. Reservations may be made by calling Group Sales Manager, Peggy Holthaus, at 513-369-4363. For more information visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time and typically go on sale to the general public 4-6 weeks prior to the opening of the show.

Broadway Across America is not responsible for tickets purchased through Unauthorized Third Parties. Authorized ticket sources include: the Broadway Across America Cincinnati Box Office, the Aronoff Center Box Office and Ticketmaster. Also visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or call 800-982-2787.

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Athens band Red Wanting Blue performs at Mad Frog, May 22

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 02:31 PM

Red Wanting Blue, 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, the Mad Frog, 1 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati. $10 advance, $12 day of show.

Since forming in Athens, Ohio, Red Wanting Blue has released eight independent albums. Lead by front man Scott Terry, Red Wanting Blue’s rigorous tour schedule has allowed them to keep up with their strong grassroots following and ever increasing popularity in the indie rock scene. They have a long history of giving audiences exactly what they have come to expect, a ferociously explosive live show that satisfies large crowds across America. Red Wanting Blue’s drawing power is unparalleled by independent bands.

Red Wanting Blue is a band that logs many miles in their bus touring the nation. The fact that they have survived for over a decade without the support of a record label is proof that an explosive live show, hard work and well crafted songs are a formula for longevity at any level.

Red Wanting Blue released its eighth album, “These Magnificent Miles,” last August. Produced by Jamie Candiloro (Ryan Adams, REM, Willie Nelson), this new collection of songs is an autobiographical journey telling the tale of the many adversities they are up against.

Song samples available on the bands MySpace.com page.

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Miami professor pens book on folk legend Pete Seeger

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 02:06 PM

When he was a young man, Allan M. Winkler went with a cousin to see folk singer Pete Seeger in an outdoor concert in Lennox, Mass., and the experience was so profound that it still reverberates in his life.

For one thing, he immediately went out and bought a guitar and started his own study of folk music. And although he chose the career route as a scholar, now a Distinguished Professor of History at Miami University, he recently combined his interests to write a Pete Seeger biography, “To Everything There is a Season: Pete Seeger and the Power of Song.”

He first began thinking about a Seeger biography about 15 years ago, Winkler said, but there were others on the market at the time, so he put it on hold and went on to write a book about Franklin D. Roosevelt instead.

Then a few years ago, he was talking with a colleague who is an editor for the Oxford University Press’ New Narratives in America History series who mentioned that he would like to have a book about music for the series. When Winkler countered with his long-standing wish to write a Seeger book, a deal quickly followed.

Winkler had seen Seeger perform on a number of occasions through the years, but never had the opportunity to meet the man, but soon realized that he’d have to do an interview.

“It took some doing to track him down,” he said. Winkler knew where he lived, but couldn’t find a number, and ended up going through the agent of Seeger’s half-sister Peggy, who is also a folk singer, and finally got a call. After several phone conversations, Winkler asked if he could come to New York to meet him.

“I was bowled over,” he said. “He was 87 at the time, but he was very forthcoming and he made me feel very comfortable.”

After a three-hour interview at Seeger’s kitchen table and a lunch of leftovers, Winkler worked up the nerve to ask THE question.

“I pointed to the banjo hanging on the wall and said, ‘Will you play that thing for me?’” he said. “He said sure, as long as I played with him.”

They played several songs together, and met four more times during the course of writing the book, both for business and on social occasions.

Seeger is an important historical figure not only for his music, but for his social activism, Winkler said. He supported union organization in the 1930s and 1940s and joined the Communist Party, performing his songs with banjo and guitar accompaniment to promote worker solidarity.

Seeger sang out against American involvement in World War II in the early 1940s, only to change his tune after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the Army and, still singing, served overseas in the South Pacific.

In the 1950s, he escaped a jail term for refusing to cooperate with the House Committee on Un-American Activities, when his contempt conviction was thrown out on a technicality. In the 1970s, Seeger lent his voice to the growing environmental movement by leading the drive to clean up the Hudson River.

Most recently, he was part of the celebratory concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial the day before Barack Obama’s inauguration.

“What became most clear to me is that his life has all been of a piece,” Winkler said. “He’s been involved in a number of movements, but I finally concluded that they’re all a part of a larger picture. He moved from one theme to another, but thre’s always been a common thread.”

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Children’s paint-out brings smiles to Smith Park

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 12:46 PM

Submitted by Linda Fisler

The playground at Smith Park was virtually empty until over 30 children joined nationally known plein air painters Kevin and Wanda Macpherson to paint their interpretation of the pond, Tuesday, May 12.

The children anxiously waited as Kevin Macpherson, whose exhibit “Reflections On A Pond” is currently on display at the Middletown Arts Center, gave them some guidance before turning them loose to paint whatever their hearts and souls desired.

As the childern began to paint, a number of volunteers, parents and Kevin and Wanda gave personal attention to the children, but never hindering their creative process. This event, organized by both the Middletown Library and the Middletown Arts Center, was conducted to introduce the children to the joy and experience of painting “en plein air” or in the open air.

Kevin and Wanda Macpherson are from Taos, New Mexico and are in Middletown to open their exhibits. Wanda’s exhibit “Breath of Fresh Aire” is on display in the gallery at the Middletown Arts Center until June 1. Kevin’s exhibit “Reflections On A Pond” is on display until June 14. Kevin and Wanda travel the world painting and their experiences gave the event co-chairs the inspiration to hold “Refections On A Pond: Through Kids’ Eyes” at Smith Park.

Kevin and Wanda are such giving people and both love to pass on their knowledge and experience very graciously. We wanted to provide an opportunity for children to experience painting in the open air and expose them to concept that you can be a successful artist, just as Kevin and Wanda are. We are so fortunate to have them both here in Middletown and to have them give so positively to this community. We have some very very good budding artists here. We all hope they nuture that through the youth programs at the Middletown Library and the Middletown Arts Center.

“The children really enjoyed themselves,” said Jessica Chamberlain, co-chair for the event. ” This was such a unique opportunity for them, and one that just wouldn’t have been possible without Kevin and Wanda.”

Creativity and inspiration was infectious as even the parents and volunteers left with a feeling of renewed vigor for their respective talents. “This has really inspired me to do those mixed media projects I’ve been putting off due to day to day things that have kept me from it,” said Steve Weigold, the event photographer.

“The kids really were focussed and enjoyed painting.” Kevin Macpherson said after the event. “This was really great! Wanda and I enjoyed working with the children and we tried really hard not to direct them and encouraged the parents to allow the chlidren to be creative. Children are so creative but there is an age when they start to depart from that. Hopefully this event will encourage them to continue with their creative pursuits. It’s so important to nurture that creative spirit.”

Maria Langendorf of the Middletown Library and Patt Belisle of the Middletown Arts Center said that they would be honored to display the children’s artwork. This display will start at the Middletown Library and any interested participants in the Paint Out can drop their artwork off at the Middletown Library this week. Call the Middletown Library at (513) 424-8042 for more details.

Linda Fisler is the chair of the “Reflections on a Pond” exhibit at the Middletown Arts Center.

Kevin Macpherson welcomes the children to the paint out at Smith Park.

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Carnegie Center plans Garden expo to accompany ‘The Secret Garden’ play

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 18, 2009, 04:35 PM

In a celebration of flowers, plants, and the coming summer, The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center will host its first-ever Garden Expo in the Carnegie Galleries.

The expo will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 29-31 in conjunction with the Carnegie’s opening weekend of the musical “The Secret Garden.” The expo will also be open during intermission. Entrance to the expo is free with admission to the show.

“The galleries will overflow with botanical displays, cheery spring flowers, and merchandise from a vast array of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s best talent in botanical endeavors,” said theater manager Joshua Steele in a press release. “Patrons will have the opportunity to browse and purchase garden merchandise as well as gather materials and first-hand advice from gardening professionals.”

The Garden Expo will feature area nurseries, florists, and garden shops, including Natorp’s, Homeadow Song Farm, Jay’s Garden Center, The Secret Garden, Adaptique, Interior Visions Home and Garden Galleria, the Center for Great Neighborhoods, artists Linda LeGendre and Jackie Lund, and Pollination.

The Carnegie has also announced that Alan Patrick Kenney, founder and producing artistic director of the late New Edgecliff Theatre Company, has joined “The Secret Garden” production as musical director.

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Junior Orchestra of Northern Cincinnati schedules first concert for May 26

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 18, 2009, 04:11 PM

The Junior Orchestra of Northern Cincinnati, Carolyn Quinn and Marva Rasmussen conducting, will have its first performance 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at the Mason Christian Village Chapel.

The orchestra, which is composed of students from first to eighth grade, has been rehearsing since late February. It will perform “Spring” from “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi, and other selections from string orchestra repertoire.

The public as well as prospective members are invited to attend. The concert is free.

Their next performance will be 2 p.m. June 13 at the Taste of Deerfield.

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Know Theatre Company founder announces retirement

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 18, 2009, 12:01 AM

Jay B. Kalagayan, founder of the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, has announced his retirement from that organization, effective sometime in the fall.

Kalagayan founded Know Theatre of Cincinnati (then called Know Theatre Tribe) in 1997. Throughout the history of the organization he has served as an actor, writer, artistic director, executive director and is currently serving as the director of development.

Kalagayan, who is married with one child, cited family as the main reason for departing Know.

“When I began the ‘tribe’, it was my home away from my family in Virginia,” Kalagayan said in a news release. “Then I met my wife Jan-through the theatre no less-and had my daughter Meggie. Now I have another family to care for.”

“Seventy hours a week is a typical work week at the theater. After 12 years of those kinds of hours, I want to spend more time with my family,” he said.

Photo by Scott Beseler

For the first three seasons, Know Theatre Tribe had no home to call its own. Instead the troupe traveled to coffee shops, bookstores and other venues to perform their shows. Then in 1999 Know Theatre Tribe took up residency at Gabriel’s Corner, a church basement on the corner of Sycamore and Liberty in historic Over-the-Rhine.

“Gabriel’s Corner is where Know Theatre really built its reputation for diverse and accessible theater,” Kalagayan said. “Using GC allowed us to keep our ticket prices affordable and experiment with our programming while we developed our brand.”

Kalagayan, who initially served as the only staff person for Know, transferred artistic control of the company after hiring Know Theatre’s first artistic director, Matthew Pyle in 2002. Pyle was then replaced by current artistic director, Jason Bruffy two seasons later in 2005.

“It’s important to surround yourself with smart, creative and impassioned people,” said Kalagayan, “Jason Bruffy had just produced the first Cincinnati Fringe Festival, so it was obvious he was interested in producing innovative work. It’s easy to recognize a good match when you see one.”

“I am proud to be a part of the legacy of Know Theatre of Cincinnati,” Bruffy said. “Many young Theatre artists dream of creating a home, establishing a space, and defining a niche in a community. Jay Kalagayan and the community that he rallied around him did just that.”

After six seasons at Gabriel’s Corner, David C. Herriman, an ardent supporter of the company, offered to help the theatre search out and find a permanent space. After looking at several options throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, Kalagayan and Bruffy chose 1120 Jackson Street as the site of the group’s performance home.

Herriman purchased the building and Know Theatre began their move in. In just 40 days, Kalagayan, Bruffy, technical director Doug Borntrager, and a handful of part-time staff and volunteers converted the former nightclub into an intimate 99-seat studio theatre with all the trappings of an Off-Broadway studio theatre. In that same time, they also mounted and opened their first production in their new home, “In The Blood.”

“Opening our Jackson Street home is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life,” Kalagayan said. “By doing so we solidified our place among the other great professional theaters in the city like Ensemble Theatre, and Cincinnati Shakespeare, as well as solidifying our place in Over-the-Rhine.”

In preparation for his departure, the Know Theatre staff has begun the process of transitioning Kalagayan’s responsibilities, relationships and institutional memory to Managing Director, Eric Vosmeier and Artistic Director, Jason Bruffy. This transition will be ongoing throughout the summer with Kalagayan departing the organization in late summer or early in the fall.

“I’m pleased to be able leave the organization in such a way that we are able to preserve what we’ve been able to build as a team,” Kalagayan said.

“It’s an honor to have been able to work with Jay these past two years,” said Vosmeier. “What he created and built up over the last 12 years is no small feat. Know Theatre has become an important part of the theater scene in the region and is beginning to gain a national reputation. All of that is due to the hard work, dedication and sweat that Jay has put into this organization. We’re all sad to see him go, but we also look forward to continuing to improve and grow as Know Theatre prepares for the next phase of our evolution.”

Know Theatre has employed over 25 full-time theatre professionals (actors, stage managers, marketing staff, development staff) as well as over 150 more part-time and contract employees (actors, designers, directors, stagehands) over its 12-year history.

“Jay has created something special in Cincinnati,” said Know Theatre Board of Trustees President Jeff Syroney. “He has helped foster the development of the small arts in the city and in the region. The work he has done to create and help sustain Know Theatre over the years will have a lasting impact for years to come. The Board of Trustees congratulates him on his accomplishments and thanks him for his service to the organization, the city and the industry. We’re sad to see him go, but we’re excited about the future that we have ahead of us and we believe that Jay along with Jason, Eric and Doug have helped position this company to continue to produce explosive and evocative live entertainment for years to come.”

“If I were to sum up Kalagayan’s impact on the artistic scene of Cincinnati and the world of Know Theatre, it is ‘community’,” Bruffy said. “A community is what he sought to create, to serve, and to surround himself with. Very few people have the ability to affect so many as he did. It is on this sense of community that the Know Theatre was forged. It is on this community that we look to continue our work”.

While Kalagayan is not sure what his next endeavor will be, he said, “I’m not leaving the organization entirely. I can’t wait to come back to see shows - Vosmeier promised me a lifetime subscription - attend events, and I’ll certainly continue to support and volunteer for Know Theatre as much as possible. I love this place too much.”

After the staff takes the summer to transition his responsibilities, there will be a huge “retirement” party, scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 12, 2009.

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Bronze poodle joins the City of Sculpture collection

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 15, 2009, 03:06 PM

A black Standard Poodle has been added to the Park Place sculpture set on the west side of the Hamilton High-Main bridge. The sculpture will join the the other figures created by Glenna Goodacre. Staff photo by Greg Lynch

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Sixth annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival kicks off May 26

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 15, 2009, 02:28 PM

The Know Theatre of Cincinnati and the sixth annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival begins May 26 with over 30, more than 150 performances and new venues.

This year’s pool of Fringe applicants saw more submissions from outside the Greater Cincinnati area than ever before, making up more than half (52 percent) of all submissions.

“It’s exciting to know that the Fringe has really started to reach all corners of the US,” said managing director Eric Vosmeier in a news release. “We’re so pleased to have such a wide array of artists and acts, and their geographic diversity will, without a doubt, add a different dimension to the festival this year.”

Audience members should expect to see some new faces, as 69 percent of applicants are newcomers to the festival this year.

“People who have never participated in our Festival before are willing to take a chance on traveling to Cincinnati, even in challenging economic times, because they’ve heard such positive things about our Festival from other artists,” Vosmeier said.

Confirmed venues for this year’s festival include Media Bridges, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Know Theatre, Jackson St. Underground, Below Zero Lounge, Coffee Emporium, New Stage Collective, Mixx Ultra Lounge and more to be announced.

Single tickets for Fringe Festival productions are $12. The Full Frontal (All Access) Pass will be $200 — or about $5.75 per show if you see all of the productions. The six-show Voyeur Pass will cost $60, or a savings of $12 over the single ticket price. Single tickets will be available for purchase starting on Monday, May 4. For more information check out www.cincyfringe.com or call (513) 300-5669.

Fringe Festival Line-up

Titles, artists, and content are subject to change Synopses are provided by the artist and do not reflect any other opinion or point of view.

The Gayer Show: 66 Years of Faggotry by The Adventures of Les Kurkendall and Dan Bernitt. Come and see Fringe veterans Les Kurkendaal and Dan Bernitt combine their storytelling super powers in this must see show. Les and Dan are both out gay performers who are exactly 20 years apart. And they are great friends (think Lucy and Ethel). Even though they are great friends there is a huge generation gap, and the stories surrounding this generation gap are quite comical. Hear stories of coming out, dating, careers and just plain old life in general and see how much of a difference 20 years really does make!

The Secrets Project by the Genesis Ensemble. We all have secrets - the ones we tell, the ones we keep, the ones we read and the ones we wonder about. The Secrets Project is an exploration of our humanity through secrets. Genesis Ensemble investigates the nuanced personal, social and political impact secrets have on our lives through devised performance. The performance is community generated, ensemble created, and audience interactive - taking the audience on an explorative theatrical journey.

A—holes and Aureoles by InterAction Theater, Inc. See this show if your PC-o-meter needs to get blown up and reconfigured. Title first: a—holes you understand — an aureole is a “radiance surrounding the head or body; halo; glory.” You can call it A&A if you have to. A&A was the top-selling show at the 2008 Indianapolis Fringe Festival. Two high-energy actresses and one award-winning and fabulously talented playwright created this play.

A Perfectly Wonderful Evening by the Artemis Exchange. Julius Henry “Groucho” Marx: Vaudevillian, cigar enthusiast, Jew. Master of wit. Thomas Stearns “T.S.” Elliot: Poet, expatriate, blatant anti-Semite. Master of eloquence. Harold Bloom “The Brontosaurus”: Author, critic, literary juggernaut. The Master. Circe “The Girl in the Play”: Muse, omnipotent career woman, character actress. Easy on the eyes. One critic, two very mismatched figures, and one hell of a spread. A circus of historical rendezvous, fictional clashes of characters, famous figures, ephemeral beings, the Crown Prince of Bit Comedy’s thoughts about Shakespeare, the elegant author of The Waste Land’s fondness for slapstick, puns, cigars, and English Beef with asparagus. All based on a true story, filtered through Bloom’s point of view, and warped by the twisted young minds of Artemis Exchange; A Perfectly Wonderful Evening is a ride through one of the greatest meetings of mismatched minds in American history. Or any other history. Ever.

Villainy by This Ain’t Real Theatre Co. An exploration of exactly what it means to be a villain in this world. From ancient times to Shakespeare, until this very moment, society has always been able to find its “villain”. But can anyone absolutely define what it means to be a villain? (Other than Webster, and we’ll get to that later…) What does it take for an individual to be considered as such? Do you have to be a murderer? Or is it a little white lie to get you out of going to dinner with that other annoying couple…? What constitutes villainy? We will be taking a look into the villains that have truly been able to survive the test of time. Putting some of Shakespeare’s most complex and interesting characters on stage to take a look into what this contemporary society deems evil… and what it might not…

Guns and Chickens by Micha Collective (formerly CCM Chekhov Players). Guns and Chickens- a timeless tale. Conceived, developed and performed by nearly twenty actors, Guns and Chickens is a fable of epic proportions and good old-fashioned story telling at the same time. With song, dance, comedy and tragedy, Guns and Chickens is Fringe at its best. This allegory sparks the imagination and touches the heart.

Jacques Brel Lonesome Losers of the Night Queen City Off Broadway/Theo Ubique. Lonesome Losers of the Night is new book musical from the master of melancholy cool, iconic French pop, composer Jacques Brel. Mr. Brel sold more than 25 million records worldwide. Conceived by Theo Ubique, Freddy Anzevino, and master Brel translator Arnold Johnston, this production features 21 songs penned by the ubiquitous singer songwriter, 14 of which have never been translated in English before. It tells the story of a nameless quartet of characters: two sailors, a bartender, and a dead behind the eyes whore, in a rundown Dutch waterfront tavern circa 1959. Through a series of musical soliloquies and dialogues, filled with hope and humor, loneliness and longing, their relationships and personalities emerge and continually evolve through Brel’s lyrics and melodies during an evening of drunken revelry. Thoughtfully arranged, simply staged, and well acted, each song could stand alone, but when they’re performed one after another they meld into a small-scale pop opera. Come, be hip, look French and despair.

It Might Be OK by Project Gobi. Is it our culture that defines our myths, or do our myths define our culture? Project Gobi is a group of young individuals hailing from every corner of our nation exploring the myth that is America. There are neither blue oxen nor Babe Ruth in these dreams, but all the lust, sorrow, and madness of modern myth. We nine are folk heroes of today, looking at this complex, terrifying, dark, hopeful, and beautiful nation that we have loved and cursed. Circling around the events that have shaped our youth, this story might just be your own.

The Success Show by Finite Number of Monkeys Productions. You are invited to the Orville Room at the Airport Holiday Inn for a timely success and wealth-building motivational seminar, lead by the noted self-published author and speaker, Denny Martin. You’ll not only learn of Denny’s proprietary methods of achieving greater success in business and personal relationships, you’ll also get to see his approach put to the test as his past catches up to him - all while the seminar unfolds. Enjoy sabotaged PowerPoint presentations, group exercises that go horribly awry, and perhaps the most provocative uses of the words “synergy”, “leverage”, and “successulation” ever to be put into a recession-era comedy.

The Edge. Heartbreaking, sassy and enchanting, The Edge is a story about a mother (Amy Warner) and her estranged daughter (Karen Wissel). It takes place on a cliff over the Mediterranean. The daughter is a nymph-like creature whose reckless behavior creates fear and frustration in her English mother. Mother and daughter use poetry and confession, dance and dreams in their struggle to find empathy. Who has the edge? And can the unthinkable ever become a glorious possibility? The Edge is directed by Michael Haney, Associate Artistic Director at the Playhouse in the Park and Choreographed by Judith Mikita, adjunct faculty member at CCM. The Edge will dazzle you.

Painted by White Beard Productions. Colored by a moment. Tinted by a touch. Mothers model. Lovers sculpt. History cuts into our collective consciousness. Fusing fiction and documented interviews, text and movement, White Beard Productions creates a shifting collage of human experience and reaction to the moments that paint the rest of our lives.

*KAZ/m by Performance Gallery. A suicide; characters connected in ways foreseen and ways unexpected. Communication as a matter of perspective … treading uncertainly through the gulf, the rip, the KAZ/m. KAZ/m follows the reverberations and repercussions of a suicide and how the act shreds the veneer of communication as safe and effective. In this day of information overload and virtual reality, how do we know if our narrative is our own or created by anonymous authors?

Brother Bailey’s Pageant of Moral Superiority and Creation Science Island Jamboree by Ornamental Messiah Productions. Binky and Simone have a kameah-meah super problem! If they don’t get an “A” in the science fair they’re going to end up in summer school locked away from all the other Beach Buddy Tagalongs. What’s standing in their way? SCIENCE. Luckily Brother Bailey is here to get rid of those pesky “science standards,” but will popular moral opinion be enough to defeat the evils that lurk within mountains of proven scientific evidence? And will the mystical eastern art of karate be enough to stop those fuddy-duddy sharks from scaring away all the fun? This play takes a look at science, religion, and how our society perceives them in society, in the style of a wacky and carefree 1960’s beach-blanket movie.

Empire of Feathers by Giant Bird. Welcome to the land of Mond, where a roaring industrial age of concrete oceans and steel scraped skies draws to a close, and three men set off in search of the infamous Red Sylvester, the rarest bird of all: Rifle Lancaster! A grizzled soldier longs to look death in the eye. Lucey Fair! A decadent painter seeks to create a work of pure truth. Ball Manhattan! A tycoon socialite strives to bring proof of magic back into the world. In this world, everyday objects transform into the extraordinary: a crumpled map becomes a mountain range and a string of fairy lights a waterfall in this endless adventure, performed in vibrant, space-responsive poor theatre style with live music.

April Fools by Four Humors Theatre. April Fools is a collaboratively created show following four fools on a quest to capture laughter. Brought to you by Four Humors Theater (last year’s Cincy Fringe Producer’s Pick and Fringe Olympic Gold Medal winners.) A series of vignettes featuring physical acting, object work, music, dance, and poetry, April Fools is a showcase and celebration of anything and everything that elicits laughter.

Cemetery Golf by Deb Loucks. Bravely delving into the lives of a hellfire and brimstone Southern Baptist preacher and his family, this dynamic one-man show is filled with quirky characters. It explores the detrimental effects of fundamentalist Christianity with witty and insightful storytelling. Based loosely on Loucks’ childhood experiences in small-town Georgia, Cemetery Golf shows how organized religion’s use of fear fosters an environment of control. This timely topic is explored in Loucks’ charismatic portrayal of each of the family members, enlivened by Gospel songs and his Southern humor and charm.

No Stranger Than Home by Katherine Glover. Learn the best way to treat a twisted ankle in “Witch Doctor.” Watch the narrator utterly fail at love and romance in “There Are No Lesbians Here.” Visit Nicaragua, Ethiopia and Germany - and explore how the worst culture shock can sometimes happen in the place you come from. After using the word ‘home’ to describe, at one time or another, three continents and four U.S. states, Twin Cities writer/performer and journalist, Katherine Glover, brings together a mishmash of true stories in this dynamic and funny one-woman show. The Terrorism of Everyday Life by Hamell on Trial. After years spent crossing the country on tour, anti-folk hero Ed Hamell has emerged as the Kerouac of folk-rock, bringing forth both the heroism and decay of American culture in The Terrorism of Everyday Life, his one-man show of frantic guitar meets poetry and social critique.

Sex, Dreams, and Self Control! by Carol Jane. Sex, Dreams, & Self Control is a fusion of music, spoken word, and standup comedy - with an original alternative folk rock score in which star and writer Kevin Thornton croons like a young John Hiatt or a post-Smiths Morrissey. A young midwestern boy being groomed for evangelical ministry faces a terrifying journey of sexual discovery. Sure, it’s a little sad at points, but it’s mostly funny. Sad and funny all at once - with tons of nostalgic references and 80’s kitsch. Exactly what a person wants.

7 (x1) Samurai by David Gaines. Kurosawa’s epic tale of victimized peasants, marauding bandits, and samurai warriors - retold at comic breakneck pace, through movement, by one exhausted and ridiculous actor. This piece is performed in an original energetic style with accompanying gibberish and vocal sound effects. What will surprise you: This unusual style of theatre is like Kill Bill meets The Magnificent Seven in a Bugs Bunny cartoon. It is original, different, riveting to watch, and very funny.

Where Drunk Men Go: A Poem with Music by Richard Hague. Four-time recipient of Ohio Arts Council fellowships and 1982 Cincinnati Post-Corbett Award winner Richard Hague’s Where Drunk Men Go is a poem of grief and ecstasy, at once celebrating the exhilarations of drinking and the crucifixions of addiction “in language that is wild, enraged, complex, and multi-voiced” (Maggie Anderson, Wick Poetry Program, Kent State University). The poem tries to achieve sympathy with the sufferings of characters that are composites of folks we all might know; it is a kind of argument with the universe, wrestling with its tangle of mystery, beauty, guilt, innocence, ecstasy, and violence. The high, lonesome style of traditional and gospel tunes by accompanist Michael Henson, columnist for SteetVibes, Cincinnati’s homeless newspaper, and writer of fiction and poetry, including Crow Call, a book of elegies for Over-the-Rhine activist Buddy Gray, complement the poem’s themes, feeling, and style.

Cinema Fantastique by Eagle to Squirrel Variety Hour. Cinema Fantastique is one band’s journey into film, careening into alcohol-fueled pop culture commentary through words, beats, rhymes, and dance. B-movies and D-listers of the past few decades provide inspiration for this unique concept show. The theme is cinema. The style is variety. Come out expecting nothing, but be ready for anything. Watch, and even dance, as Eagle to Squirrel Variety Hour presents our take on Hollywood.

Incredulity by The Incredulities. Incredulity is an improv show that will be done for the first and last time each night it is performed. Don’t believe us; don’t be so incredulous. We’ll take suggestions from our audiences, put them into our random device, and create the show on the spot. Wherever the wheel spins, the dart lands, or whatever other random act of nonsense occurs will determine what happens in our show. Failure is a distinct possibility. Improvisers thrive on the risk and tension that comes from the presence of failure. You won’t believe what’s happening right in front of your eyes. Of course you won’t, that’s the name of the show.

Travel by Jamming Talent Productions. Once upon a time, three artistic minds collided into one another. They immediately have differences in character, but the idea of equal control is agreed upon. Despite their differences, they all have the same goal, to TRAVEL. With the intent of new beginnings, hopes, chances, and adventures, the three artists have to trust, respect and submit to each other in order to set sail into the great unknown. Differences in thoughts, and behaviors make compromise difficult. The trio learns to work together and overcome their greatest obstacles. This is a multi-media, aerial art masterpiece!

Four Wishes by Gunstwork Mast Puppet Theatre. Winner of the “Encore Best of Fest ‘07” award, Boulder International Fringe Festival. Four Wishes has exquisite puppets, expressive masks and original choreography. It will ignite imaginations. This dynamic solo production of a classic tale teaches life lessons about the universal theme of human desire: What determines our choices? From where do we make decisions? Four Wishes, adapted from Gluskabe and the Four Wishes, by Joseph Bruchac is a teaching story. It depicts the journey of four native New England Abenaki men as they make their way to the island home of the great Gluskabe, folk hero and protector of the Abenaki who bestows one wish on each of the four men. One man wishes for worldly possessions, one yearns to be taller than all, another seeks immortality, and the fourth wishes to be a better hunter so that he may provide food for his people.

The 4 Food Groups by Pones Inc. Laboratory of Movement. The 4 Food Groups is based on true stories told through original movement, music and spoken word. The piece investigates interactions between a group of four people over a sexually charged dinner. Told in four scenes: The Intro, The Prospect, The Climax and The Morning After, the focus of the show flip-flops between proper etiquette and raw connections between characters. The 4 Food Groups was awarded second place in the 2008 Cincinnati Director’s Competition and was described as, “innovative physical theatre with a unique sense of humor.”

Bibliography of Love by Jan Street Dance Theatre. Bibliography of Love asks: What would you give up for love? Jan Street Dance Theatre provides an answer, with spoken word, intimate gesture, dynamic partnering, and high velocity dance. Using a collage approach, Bibliography of Love presents a series of vignettes framed by an infamous yet somewhat hidden historic gay and lesbian love triangle: the torrid 1917 affair between Vita Sackville-West and Violet Trefusis, in full view of Vita’s bisexual husband Harold Nicholson.

Call Me by DIY Productions. You are at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival with a ticket to see Call Me. Suddenly, a mysterious woman from another time hands you a card with a phone number. You hesitate. You punch the numbers into your cell phone. And it begins. Someone answers, but not who you expect. You listen to a voice out of the past draw you into a quest to help a woman in trouble. The recording ends abruptly, but not before the voice tells you where to find another number to call. You leave the theater in search of the next number, the next call, and the rest of the story.

Body Language II: PHYS ED. by True Body Project. Cincy Fringe audience favorite returns with a community collaboration featuring actors and non-actors, teens and adults, in an exploration of how we come to view our bodies in the dreaded landscape of gym class. Writer Stacy Sims, actor Julianna Bloodglood, dancer/choreographer Heather Britt and dozens more PHYS. ED. collaborators listened to stories from real people in the community to create this high-energy performance work. Did you get picked first or last? Could you climb the rope or run the mile? Did you skip class entirely, or was it your favorite class of the day? PHYS. ED. will bring it all back. And make you sweat. Fresh from a NY performance at the Brooklyn Museum, the True Body Project is a Cincinnati-based non-profit organization.

Free At Last and Confused in the Land of Good & Evil by DLF Productions & Company. Free At Last and Confused in the Land of Good & Evil is a culmination of 3 different pieces, and is a highly creative form of expression. It uses dance, song, video, spoken word and various audio clips to acquaint the audience with the political inequities, social unrest, environmental destruction and spiritual struggles of our time. The performance incorporates, Hip-Hop, Modern, Jazz and African dance set against a backdrop of stark disturbing footage, imperative voiceovers and profound impassioned music. The piece will leave the audience with the questions of “How did we get to this point? And where do we go from here?”

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Hamilton Lane Library schedules 13th annual Reading & All That Jazz series

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 15, 2009, 01:51 PM

From June through August, the Hamilton Lane Library, 300 N. Third St., Hamilton, hosts weekly sessions that alternate between summer reading and summer jazz programs.

All programs, free and open to the public, are on Tuesdays at noon.

Brown Bag Book Reviews… Bring a brown-bag lunch to our summer book reviews. The Friends of the Lane Libraries will serve light refreshments to go along with your lunch.

> The Soloist by Steve Lopez, reviewed by Mary Kay Fischer, June 2

> See You in a Hundred Years by Logan Ward, reviewed by Lori Rehm, June 16

> The Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara, reviewed by Joe Ford, June 30

> Arnaldur Indridason: Icelandic Mystery Writer, highlighting the Erlendur crime series, reviewed by Al Wiebe, July 14

> The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, reviewed by Marion Thoms, July 28

> A Great Idea at the Time: The Rise, Fall and Curious Afterlife of the Great Books by Alex Beam reviewed by Henry Cepluch, August 11

Jazz Performances

> Cunningham Duo, above, (guitar, drums and bass), June 9

> Buffalo Ridge Dixieland Jazz Band, June 23

> Rob Allgeyer Duo (keyboard and bass), July 7

> Just the Two of Us: Lowell Woodrey and Jerry Robinson (keyboard and sax), July 21

> Ricky Nye:The Piano Guy (keyboard), July 4

> Jack Doll and Lynne Scott (keyboard and vocals), August 18

For more information about these and other programs at the Lane Libraries, please call 894-6557 or visit the Lane Web site at www.lanepl.org http://www.lanepl.org .

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‘Women & Spirit’ exhibition makes world premiere at Cincinnati Museum Center, May 16

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 15, 2009, 12:52 PM

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” May 16-Aug. 30, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati. (513) 287-7000.

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” created by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in association with Museum Center, tells of the innovative, action-oriented women who played a significant role in shaping the nation’s social and cultural landscape.

First arriving on America’s shores almost 300 years ago, Catholic sisters altruistically built and led schools, hospitals, orphanages, colleges, and other social institutions that have continued to serve millions of Americans in the intervening years. Remarkably, they created these enduring institutions at a time when most women had few, if any, professional opportunities.

“Few people are aware of the tales of the brave women who came to this country to help immigrants assimilate into the fabric of America,” said Jane Burke, SSND Executive Director of LCWR, in a press statement. “Their heroic presence during many of the formative periods of our nation is an important part of American history and the legacy of the Sisters.”

“This is an important and unique exhibit,” said Douglass W. McDonald, President and CEO of Museum Center. “The artifacts and materials featured in the exhibit tell a compelling story. We are proud to both serve as the premiere venue and care for these historic materials as the institution of record and exhibit registrar.”

Exhibit visitors of all ages will discover the pivotal presence of these very self-determined women at many of our nation’s dramatic turning points, including the Civil War, the Depression, the Civil Rights Movement and Hurricane Katrina.

The untold stories of these unsung heroes will be recounted through rare, heretofore unseen artifacts, vivid first-person accounts, photographs and both modern and archival video.

“The Sisters were contemporaries of the early American heroes recognized in standard text books,” McDonald said. “They made a significant impact on our country through selfless service to the pioneers, immigrant communities and America’s children. Finally, their perspective is documented.”

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Cirque du Soleil film held over at Cincinnati Museum Center’s OmniMax, now through June 30

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 03:41 PM

“Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man,” part of the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Saturday Night Alternative Film Series, will be extending its run until June 30 to accommodate high demand at the Robert D. Lindner OMNIMAX Theater.

“Journey of Man” is a showcase of Cirque du Soleil’s awe-inspiring stage acts performed amidst various natural and historical landmarks around the world, accompanied by Benoit Jutras’s score. Cirque du Soleil’s lavishly costumed performers present phenomenal feats of acrobatics, including a uniquely graceful underwater ballet, swooping bungee-cord choreography, two precisely balanced human “statues” in perfect synchronicity, and other wonders as the film follows the stages of human development from birth to maturity, with each stage introduced by a Cirque du Soleil act.

Each Saturday Night Alternative Film begins at 8 p.m.

Admission is $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors, $5.50 (ages 3 - 12)

Package with the current OmniMax feature, “Dinosaurs Alive” for $13 adults, $11 seniors and $9 for children (ages 3-12).

For more information, call (513) 287-7000.

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Cincinnati Opera looks for the first-ever ‘Opera Idol’

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 02:58 PM

Cincinnati Opera will hold the first-ever “Opera Idol” competition where local singers have a chance to compete for a $3,500 contract with Cincinnati Opera.

Auditions will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 6, in Cincinnati Music Hall. Auditions will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.

All voice types and music styles are welcome. Participants will be judged on their vocal performance and stage presence. Auditions will be unaccompanied and video recorded. Contestants will have up to three minutes to perform a piece of their choice. Top singers will be chosen to perform at a public semi-finalist event on Wednesday, June 24, before a panel of high-profile judges. Semi-finalists will receive coaching from professional opera coaches and singers in preparation for the event.

Eligible singers must meet the following requirements:

• Open to singers age 18 and older as of June 5, 2009.
• Candidates must reside within the Greater Cincinnati area (within a 60-mile radius of Cincinnati).
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or have valid working documents.
• Candidates must not have had a paid singing engagement with a professional opera, orchestra, or theater company within the past 25 years.
• Candidates may not have a talent agent or manager.
• Candidates may not be members of AGMA or Actors Equity.
• Board members and employees of Cincinnati Opera and their immediate family members are not eligible.

For more information visit www.cincinnatiopera.org or call (513) 768-5578.

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Fairfield Summer Community Theatre to Hold Auditions for Summer Productions

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 01:19 PM

Fairfield Summer Community Theatre will hold auditions for “Seussical the Musical” June 4 and 5 at the Performing Arts Center at Fairfield Senior High School, 8800 Holden Blvd., Fairfield.

Auditions begin 6 p.m. for children in grades 1 through 8, 7:30 p.m. for adults. Callbacks will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6.

Those auditioning should prepare one minute of an uptempo song and be prepared to dance. All roles are open, requiring all types male and female, plus a small ensemble of young people. Ladies with a strong belt are especially encouraged to audition. Also seeking an Aretha Franklin type, with a strong gospel sound.

STARS summer theater camp opportunities

STARS (Summer Theatre Arts Reaching Students) will offer two summer theater camps, one for elementary students (incoming first through sixth graders) and one for middle school students (seventh and eighth graders).

The elementary camp will focus on theatre development and activities while preparing for a performance of Disney’s “Aristocats Kids.”

The middle school experience will focus on theater development and activities while preparing for a performance. Students involved in MS STARS are also cast in the FSCT production of “Seussical the Musical.”

Cost for both camps is $90 for Fairfield residents and $95 for non-residents.

For more information, call Mindy Reed at (513) 892-3192.

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Former Blaster Dave Alvin plays solo at Southgate House, May 15

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 11:42 AM

Dave Alvin solo acoustic with Brigitte DeMeyer, 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, The Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $17 advance, $20 day of show. Available on-line.

Dave Alvin was born in Los Angeles, Nov. 11, 1955, and he grew up in the blue-collar inner suburb of Downey.

Dave’s brother Phil, older by two years, was a blues fanatic who allowed his kid brother to tag along to the Ashgrove nightclub to hear such blues greats as Big Joe Turner, Lee Allen and T-Bone Walker.

Dave, Phil, drummer Bill Bateman and bassist John Bazz formed the Blasters in 1979. Before long, the group expanded to include pianist Gene Taylor and saxophonists Steve Berlin and Lee Allen.

The Blasters released four of the best rock’n’roll albums of the ’80s with Phil singing the lead vocals and Dave writing the songs and playing the lead guitar until tensions between the two brothers drove them apart. Dave left the band in 1986 and briefly joined X and The Knitters, two bands led by his L.A. pal John Doe. He launched his solo career with the 1987 album, Romeo’s Escape, and except for such side projects as The Knitters, The Pleasure Barons and a Blasters reunion, has been a solo artist ever since.

Dave’s solo albums have ranged from the twangy roots-rock of Blue Blvd. to the storytelling country-folk of King of California to the muscular blues of Ashgrove. He won the Best Traditional Folk Grammy Award for his 2000 album, “Public Domain: Songs from the Wild Land.”

Opening the show, will be singer-songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer, whose latest release, the critically acclaimed Red River Flower, features the incredible Buddy Miller (Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin).

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Hueston Woods Arts Fair returns, June 13-14

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 11:27 AM

Hueston Woods Arts and Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 13-14, 6924 Brown Road, Oxford. $2 adults, children under 12 free. (513) 523-6444 or (513) 593-0499 day of the event.

Annual event features custom-designed silver and other jewelry; wood-turned mobiles, bowls and toys; wheel- and hand-thrown pottery; original paintings and sketches; photography; loom-woven items; custom rock engravings; copper enameling; iron sculptures and many other original art pieces

Have fun with the festival atmosphere that includes custom-prepared funnel cakes, lunch opportunities, art creation and demonstration on-site along with a kids craft section that will keep everyone delighted.

Tours of the1836 Doty Homestead and the 1840s Pioneer Barn will be available throughout the event. Proceeds are directed to the preservation and education activities of the Oxford Museum Association.

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New Orleans band The Revivalists to play at Ryan’s Tavern, May 29

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 14, 2009, 10:34 AM

The Revivalists, 10 p.m. Friday, May 29, Ryan’s Tavern, 241 High St., Hamilton. $10 cover. (513) 737-2200.

Since forming in October 2007 The Revivalists have already made a large impact in New Orleans and are branching out regionally, said front man David Shaw in an e-mail.

The Revivalist’s journey began when Shaw moved to New Orleans in August 2007 from Columbus, Ohio.

One day, shortly after Dave’s arrival, guitarist Zack Feinberg was riding his bicycle around the neighborhood. Shaw was sitting on his front porch, playing guitar and singing his songs. Zack stopped in his tracks upon hearing the soulful vocals bellowing through the air. They spent the rest of the day listening to music and sharing songs.

Shortly after the chance encounter with Shaw, Feinberg enlisted drumming friend Andrew Campanelli to join. And in summer of 2008, after a series of bassists, George Gekas completed the current line-up.

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Lane Library offers Summer Reading Challenge for youngsters

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 04:43 PM

Children 12 and under are invited to participate in the Lane Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, June 1-Aug. 15.

For every 20 books read or 10 hours of reading, participants can complete a reading challenge card, return it to the Children’s Department at the Hamilton, Fairfield or Oxford Lane Libraries or on the Bookmobile and you will eligible to win the grand prize of a bike, courtesy of the Friends of the Lane Libraries.

Reading challenge cards and summer program details are available at any Lane Library location or on-line. Call (513) 894-6557 for details.

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Hamilton Pub Crawl offers cheap drinks, free food, May 16

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 04:02 PM

If you plan to go out Saturday, May 16, buying a t-shirt could get you some cheap drinks and complimentary snacks.

Five restaurants and bars are participating in the Village Pub Crawl from 6 to 10 p.m. that night — Ryan’s Tavern, Easy’s In the Village, Freddie’s Tavern, The Courtyard by Marriott, and the Riverbank Cafe.

The locations are within walking distance of each other, and City Taxi will be offering $1 off on fares for Pub Crawl participants, said Gary Richards, of Rediscover Hamilton.

The cost is $10 for a t-shirt, or $5 for a hand stamp. Proceeds benefit the German Village Association.

For more information, contact Richards at (513) 844-8050, Barb Musch at (513) 919-7664, or Debby Ripperger at (513) 288-4688.

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High School Musical’ lives large at La Comedia

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 03:25 PM

Disney’s “High School Musical,” through July 5. La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. Arrival times 5:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; matinee arrival 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. $51 to $69. (937) 746-4554

Summer school aside, La Comedia will be the only place where high school’s in over the next few months. — Report by Eric Robinette

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‘Reflections’ to gleam at Middletown Arts Center

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 03:17 PM

“Reflections on a Pond” by Kevin Macpherson, May 18 through June 15, Middletown Arts Center, 130 N. Verity Parkway, Middletown. Gallery admission free. (513) 424-2417

Small works show views of a body 
of water outside artist’s window, report by Eric Robinette

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PHOTO ADDED: CCM Opera sings ‘Falstaff,’ May 14-17

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:59 AM

“Falstaff” by Giuseppe Verdi, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14-17, Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. $15-17 students; $26-28 general public. (513) 556-4183.

Based on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV, Falstaff tells the story of one of the Bard’s most vivacious characters— the lying, lecherous, womanizing Sir John Falstaff, who pursues two married women at the same time in hopes of securing their fortunes. His plot is quickly discovered and revenge is sought, complete with mistaken identities, disguises and much more mischief.

Featuring a lush and lively score to be performed by the CCM Philharmonia Orchestra under conductor Mark Gibson, Verdi’s final opera is considered to be among his most brilliant.

Stage director and CCM’s J. Ralph Corbett Distinguished Chair in Opera Robin Guarino makes her CCM Mainstage debut with this production.

“It is such a privilege to have this work be my first Mainstage experience at CCM,” said Guarino in a press release. “Getting to work with Maestro Mark Gibson and this richly talented student cast and crew has been an utter thrill.”

“We are having so much fun bringing Shakespeare’s wit to life along with Verdi’s gorgeous music, and we can’t wait to share this delicious comedy with the audience,” he said.

Falstaff will be sung in Italian with projected English translations.

Falstaff (Jonathan Lasch) attempts to seduce Alice Ford (Katherine Giaquinto) in CCM’s production of Verdi’s ‘Falstaff’ May 14-17. (Photo: Mark Lyons)

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REVISED: MU Art Museum exhibit pays tribute to former professor

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:30 AM

The Miami University Art Museum pays tribute to Charles Eugene “Mik” (Mike) Stousland, Jr. in the exhibition “Mik Stousland: The Art of Delight,” opening Thursday, May 14. A reception with the artist’s family will be 5:30 p.m. May 28. The exhibition continues through June 21.

A member of Miami University’s Department of Architecture from 1952 to 1985, Stousland, considered himself “a teacher first” and an artist second. Even though his degrees were in architecture and he taught in or chaired that department at Miami University for several years, he also felt compelled to make jewelry, sculpture, prints and holiday cards, according to information provided by the art museum.

Aside from his role as an architect and teacher, he is best known for his whimsical silver jewelry—pins and pendants of angels, cats, birds and other assorted subjects. Slightly abstracted but always recognizable, this jewelry is minimalist in form but contains the essence of life—a genuine “joie de vivre.” The sense of delight immediately identifiable in his jewelry is also conveyed in other works, be they a woodcarving, silkscreen, print or a pen drawing.

“Mik Stousland: The Art of Delight”is a retrospective exhibition that offers a rare opportunity to compare his work across media. Drawn from several private collections, this exhibition marks the first time these objects have been exhibited together.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call (513) 529-2232.

Wear your Stousland to Work Day! and Exhibition Reception

As part of the exhibition reception festivities, the art museum will hold a raffle drawing for a Mik Stousland pin.

You must be present to win, and there are three ways to get a raffle ticket:

1 Wear your own Stousland pin to the opening

2 All museum members will receive one complimentary raffle entry. Memberships range in price from $25 (Miami faculty and staff), $30 (Individual membership) and $60 (Family membership)

3 Bring a friend! By bringing a friend to the opening, you will both receive a raffle ticket.

Design Your Own Jewelry Workshop

Inspired by the exhibition, these workshops are for ages 8-11. Design your own piece of jewelry with supplies provided at the workshop. Arrive any time during workshop hours and work at your own pace. Free and open to the public.

Workshops will be held 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11; Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18.

For more information contact the museum at (513) 529-2232.

Image Credits:

Mik Stousland, Reindeer, 1960s, silver pendant, 2 x 2 in. From the collection of Chris Stousland and Maureen Lynch, California.

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Miami historian speaks on writing the history of the university, May 18

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 04:43 PM

“Writing Miami History” with Curtis Ellison, editor of “Miami University, 1809-2009: Bicentennial Perspectives,” 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, Heritage Hall, 20 High St., Hamilton. Free. Presented by the Butler County Historical Society.

Chartered on February 17, 1809, Miami University has been officially recognized by the United States Congress as “the Nation’s tenth oldest public institution of higher learning.”

Two hundred years of events is a large timeframe to summarize. This was exactly the task of Curtis Ellison, editor of “Miami University, 1809-2009: Bicentennial Perspectives.” During his program for the Butler County Historical Society, Ellison will discuss the challenges and rewards of “Writing Miami History.”

Ellison is a professor of history and American studies and director of the William Holmes McGuffey Museum at Miami University. He teaches the history of Miami as well as Appalachian cultures and music.

He is the author of “Country Music Culture: From Hard Times to Heaven” and co-editor of Donald Davidson’s “The Big Ballad Jamboree.”

To produce a comprehensive social history of Miami University’s first 200 years, Ellison worked with invited contributors from Miami faculty, staff, students, emeriti, retirees, and alumni, with associate editors Andrew Cayton, Kate Rousmaniere, Robert Wicks, and Peter Williams, and with archivists Robert Schmidt and Valerie Elliott.

The Butler County Historical Society’s ‘Miami Anniversary” exhibit is now on display at Heritage Hall. The exhibit features a side-by-side timeline of American and Miami University history and includes fascinating artifacts such as the personal scrapbook of Miami alumnus and sports-notable Weeb Ewbank, and a ceremonial shovel used at the groundbreaking of Miami Hamilton.

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Nashville singer/songwriter Donna Frost makes tour of SW Ohio, May 26-29

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 02:17 PM

The Music Cafe, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. (513) 863-8873. Performers include Donna Frost, Patrick Stoutenborough, Didymus, Brandon Meade and David Sams.

Donna Frost is also scheduled to perform 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the Zen and Now Coffeehouse, 4453 Bridgetown Rd., Cincinnati; 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Ryan’s Tavern, 225 High St., Hamilton; and 8 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Taffy’s Coffee Company, 123 E. Main St., Eaton.

Donna Frost was born a musician.

“I grew up in a musical family,” said the Nashville native. “Both sides of my grandparents sang gospel music, my parents were both musicians, my uncle was on the Grand Ol’ Opry, another uncle was one of Elvis’ producers and I had an aunt who worked for Chet Atkins, so I couldn’t help it.”

When she was born, her parents took two weeks off of their touring schedule to have the baby, then took baby Donna on the road with them two weeks later.

“I’ve been a gypsy ever since,” she said. “I always had the urge to be a musician. I took piano lessons at 9, picked up the guitar at 11 and started playing the banjo at 16.”

In the 1980s, she played in a band called The Bunnies, and still does reunion gigs from time to time, and in 1996 she started singing back-up for her mentor, Skeeter Davis.

“She was a good friend of mine since I was 4 years old,” Frost said. “I told her that I would sing with her someday, so in 1996 she called me and I sang back-up for her until she got too sick and passed away in 2004.”

Frost’s latest of her three albums is “Girls Like Us,” which she said was a joy to record.

“It was a real labor of love,” she said. “I had a lot of friends working on it with me and we took our time, almost four months in the studio.

“There’s a little bit of everything in there — rock, country, folk, and songs about Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis.”

Frost said she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on “Girls Like Us,” most of them inspired by life on the road.

“If it weren’t for the traveling I do, that album would never have been written,” she said.

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Dayton Lane hosts its May Promenade of historic homes, May 17

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 02:01 PM

Hamilton’s Dayton Lane Historic District’s annual May Promenade and Home Tour, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday May 17, will include many homes that have not been on previous home tours. In addition, some homes will host artists showcasing their work.

Admission is $15 in advance, $20 per person the day of the event or $15 for anyone dressed in period costume.

Ticket price includes home tours, trolley rides, fashion show, artisans, demonstrations, strolling musicians, and an atmosphere like that of circa 1900 Hamilton.

Tickets available by calling (513) 887-1100 or in person at Nye Family Vision, 712 Dayton Street.

PHOTO: Featured home at 724 Dayton St.

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George Strait kicks off Riverbend Season, May 22

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 01:33 PM

George Strait with special guests Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. $78.50 pavilion; $38.50 lawn. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.

Modern day legend, George Strait, will kick of the summer concert season at Riverbend Music Center on Friday, May 22 with very special guests Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Strait, now with a record 56 number one country hits and 79 top ten efforts, is the second-biggest seller in country music, and the 11th biggest seller of all time in music history, with a 70 million records sold.

George Strait’s appearance at Riverbend this summer will be his first time in Cincinnati in over nine years.

The rest of the Riverbend season includes:

Coldplay with Pete Yorn and Howling Bells, Thursday, June 4

A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, Saturday, June 12

Dave Matthews Band with The Hold Steady, Tuesday, June 16

Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne, Friday, June 19

311 with Ziggy Marley and The Expendables, Saturday, June 20

New Kids On The Block with Jesse McCartney and Jabbawockeez, Saturday, June 22

Aerosmith with ZZ Top, Wednesday, July 1

Def Leppard with Poison and Cheap Trick, Wednesday, July 15

Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd with Black Stone Cherry, Wednesday, July 22

Incubus with The Duke Spirit, Saturday, July 25

Vans Warped Tour, Wednesday, July 29

Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, Thursday, Aug. 6… SOLD OUT!

Rascal Flatts with Darius Rucker, Saturday, Aug. 8

Crue Fest 2 with Motley Crue, Godsmack, Theory of A Deadman, Drowning Pool, Charm City Devils, Friday Aug. 14

Nickelback with Hinder, Papa Roach and Saving Abel, Wednesday, Aug. 19

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, Wednesday, Aug. 26

Creed, Friday, Aug. 28

Toby Keith with Trace Adkins, Thursday, Sept. 10

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Sycamore Community Band celebrates anniversary with free concert, June 14

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 12:43 PM

The Sycamore Community Band led by Pete Metzger will perform a concert 6 p.m. June 14 at the Landen-Deerfield Park Band Shell at 2258 W. US-22 in Maineville.

The concert is open to the public and free of charge. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

The concert will commemorate the Band’s 35th anniversary season and feature selections played during its inaugural season, including “The Morning, Noon, and Night Overture” by Franz Von Suppe, big band songs by Woody Herman, along with a selection of marches, and patriotic tunes, including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Metzger formed the Sycamore Community Band in 1974 with just a handful of dedicated musicians. The group has now grown to a full concert band with 65 active adult musicians. The band plays a variety of music consisting of light classical selections, sounds from the Big Band Era, patriotic music, and marches.

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Free things to do this summer

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 11:29 AM

Courtesy of CincinnatiUSA.com, here’s a list of some FREE things to do this summer in Greater Cincinnati:

FREE Marine Corp Band Concert during the WASBE Conference July 11th, 5 and 8 pm, CCM, College Conservatory of Music at The University of Cincinnati.

FREE Balloon Glow - Larosa’s 10th Annual at Coney Island, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 3. Live music, family entertainment and then later in the evening the sky illuminates as more than 20 hot air balloons of every color “glow” for all to see. The grand finale for the event is a spectacular Famous Fireworks display over the banks of Lake Como beginning at 10 p.m.

FREE Equinox Festival on Fountain Square, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 3. Live music, hot and cold beverages, shopping and much more!

FREE Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Park. Cincinnati’s Central Riverfront is an outstanding riverfront facility. Located along the shore of the Ohio River just south of downtown Cincinnati, this mile-long linear park features many different spaces serving all segments of the region’s population. Along with a unique design, it features award winning landscaping, a performance pavilion, concessions, an outdoor skating rink, eight outdoor tennis courts, three sand volleyball courts, a world class playground, a dynamic water feature, and many other attractions. Yeatman’s Cove, a part of the Central Riverfront, is the site of the founding of Cincinnati.

FREE Brew Ha Ha, Sawyer Point, Aug. 21-22 - Fifty Comedians - Seventy Beers - One Million Laughs!

FREE Admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati. (513) 639-2995. Home to a collection spanning more than 6,000 years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist masters and contemporary installations; with over 80 galleries waiting to take your breathe away. Surrealism and Beyond, closing May 17, is the only U.S. appearance of an exhibition from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem featuring works from Picasso, Miro, Dali and more. Women Are Beautiful by Gary Winogrand, May 30 - Aug. 23, a stunning exhibition of mid-century American street photography that attests to the ever-changing nature of representing female beauty in photographs. Outside the Ordinary - Contemporary Art from the Wolf Collection, June 20 - Sept. 13, the first public exhibition of the nationally recognized, private collection of Cincinnatians Nancy and David Wolf features over sixty-five pieces by the foremost artists working in craft media today.

FREE 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, the Contemporary Arts Center has a reputation for provoking thought and introducing new ideas. The CAC focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media. FREE Mondays 5-9pm

FREE Festival 513. Outside Paul Brown Stadium during Macy’s Music Festival, the street will be transformed into a shopping extravaganza with great food, great arts, great fun. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, July 31; 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. (513) 557-3481.

FREE Final Friday Gallery Walk. Starting with the Pendleton Art Gallery, now more than 20 galleries in Over-the-Rhine, open their doors the last Friday of every month. Get a close-up look at the artists and artisans at work here, from the collection of studios in Pendleton Art Center to individual galleries along Main Street.

FREE First Friday Gallery Hop. The first Friday of each month brings art-and-fun lovers to Covington’s MainStrasse Village for a gallery hop. You’ll find original art and parties to celebrate it in a wide variety of galleries and shops, restaurants and nightspots.

FREE - PNC Summer Music Series on Fountain Square, June-September. Come hear live music on Fountain Square 5-days a week featuring local, regional, and unique acts. Southern Sounds, every Tuesday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. World Wide Wednesdays, every Wednesday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Acoustic Thursdays, every Thursday, noon -1 p.m. Salsa on the Square, every Thursday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Indie Summer, every Friday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Singer/Songwriters, every Friday, 10 p.m.-midnight. Gospel Music, occasional Sundays, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Smooth Sunday, every Sunday, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FREE - Saturday Night at the Movies on the Big Video Board, through Sept. 12. It’s a drive-in without the cars. Saturday Night at the Movies presents two feature films each week on Fountain Square’s big screen in Cincinnati’s biggest living room. Families, couples, and groups of friends bring their own sleeping bags, blankets, chairs, and pillows. Adult beverages, soft drinks, and movie snacks are available for purchase. The first movie begins at 7:30 p.m

FREE Second Sunday on Main. A hip, eclectic neighborhood event, presented by the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, begins its fifth season May 10 and continues through September 13 on the second Sunday of every month from noon - 5 p.m. in historic Over-the-Rhine on Main Street between 13th and Liberty.

FREE Gallery Districts. at Hyde Park Square and O’Bryonville. These are two great Gallery districts that are open regularly: Hyde Park Square and O’Bryonville. Both offer a diverse mix of art medium as well as restaurant and cafes for enjoyment. (513) 321-9988

FREE Glier’s Goettafest, Newport’s Riverfront Levee, Aug. 7-9. Taste the many possibilities of Greater Cincinnati’s favorite breakfast food. We bring back past favorites such as the Goetta Reuben and Goetta Omelet, while introducing Goettafans to Goetta Calzones, Goetta Stuffed Mushrooms, and more new delights. Live music and cloggers keep festival guests entertained.

FREE River Raid Renaissance, Mainstrasse Village, Covington, Ky., June 26-28. Step back in time on Saturday and Sunday as the River Raid Renaissance and Festival demonstrates crafts and activities, music and entertainment, and more - all provided by costumed Renaissance Villagers. (859) 491-0458.

FREE - Great Inland Seafood Festival, Newport Riverbanks, Newport, Ky., August 11-14. The annual festival features more than one hundred boats on display, premium seafood dishes from restaurants around the region and music. (513) 477-3320

FREE Krohn Conservatory. http://www.cincinnatiparks.orgEden Parks Krohn Conservatory is a nationally recognized showcase of more than 3,500 plant species from all over the world. The palm, tropical, desert and orchid houses exhibit permanent displays of exotic plants in natural settings, complete with a 20 foot rainforest waterfall.

FREE Mainstrasse Village Maifest. May 15-17. The 30th edition of this German festival celebrates the arrival of spring with entertainment, fabulous food, arts and crafts, and music of all types.

FREE - Midwest Black Family Reunion, Sawyer Point, Cincinnati, Aug. 14-17. Cincinnati’s largest family-focused event includes a parade, talent auditions, live R&B, town hall meeting, gospel choirs and an Ecumenical Sunday service.

FREE Live at the Levee Summer Concert Series, Riverwalk Plaza b/w Aquarium and Mitchell’s Fish Market, 6 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, June 18 -August 6 Thursday Nights 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Weather permitting.

FREE - Party in the Park, Yeatman’s Cover, Cincinnati Riverfront, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. (513) 579-3187.

FREE Riverfest. Riverfest is Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s big boom, the end of summer blowout that concludes with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest.

FREE - Roeblingfest, Covington-Cincinnati Roebling Suspension Bridge, June 14. At the base of Bridge on the Covington side honoring the art, architecture, history and engineering of CincinnatiUSA’s suspension bridge, including historic tours of the bridge, the floodwall murals, Riverside Statues and the Daniel Carter Beard House. Live music, dancing, crafts and period dress will add to the nostalgia of this event.

FREE Taste of Cincinnati USA. noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, and noon to 9 p.m. Monday, May 25, downtown Cincinnati starting at Fountain Square. The nation’s longest-running culinary arts festival, Taste of CincinnatiUSA features more than 40 fine restaurants serving up delicious and delectable menu items. The Taste is also a music festival, with continuous live entertainment featuring local and national recording stars performing on multiple stages throughout the event. (513) 579-3100.

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Mason Community Band plays free concert, May 17

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 04:24 PM

The Mason Community Band’s Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Mason Middle School, 6370 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason. Free. (513) 398-1320.

The Mason Chorale from the Christ Church in Mason will perform with the band.

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Warren County Music Club presents Encore, May 18

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 04:18 PM

The Warren County Music Club will present the men’s quartet Encore, 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the Campus Center, Otterbein Retirement Living Community on Rt.741 just north of Rt. 63, Lebanon, Ohio.

They will sing a variety of music from show tunes to hymns.

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Newport Aquarium celebrates 10th anniversary with $10 admission on Friday

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 04:12 PM

The Newport Aquarium’s 10th Birthday Bash kicks off on Friday, May 15, with reduced your admission of $10 per person, normally $20 adults, $13 children.

Tickets must be purchased at the Newport Aquarium ticket window on Friday for this special one-day admission discount.

The party continues on Saturday, May 16, with the debut of a brand new Penguin Parade performance at 10:15 am. Immediately after the Penguin Parade, you can join in singing “Happy Birthday” and see the special birthday cake. The first 100 guests will enjoy free birthday cupcakes while supplies last.

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Tickets on sale for ‘A Chorus Line’ national tour, opening May 26 at the Aronoff Center

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 03:47 PM

“A Chorus Line,” book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26-June 7, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut, Cincinnati. $20-$56. 1-800-982-2787 or on-line at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Cincinnati.

CAST: Deanna Aguinaga (Lois), Clyde Alves (Mike), Venny Carranza (Roy), Dena DiGiacinto (Bebe), Liza Domingo (Connie), Mindy Dougherty (Val), Emily Fletcher (Sheila), Derek Hanson (Don), Hollie Howard (Maggie), David Hull (Mark), Jordan Fife Hunt (Frank), Robyn Hurder (Cassie), Julie Kotarides (Vicki), Jessica Latshaw (Kristine), Ian Liberto (Bobby), Stephanie Martignetti (Tricia), Kevin Neil McCready (Zach), Bethany Moore (Judy), Colt Prattes (Al), Rebecca Riker (Diana), Alex Ringler (Greg), Clifton Samuels (Tom), Bryan Knowlton (Paul), Brandon Tyler (Larry), Anthony Wayne (Richie), J.R. Whittington (Butch) and swing performers Colin Bradbury, Erica Mansfield, Sterling Masters and Amos Wolff.

PRODUCTION NOTES: This revival of “A Chorus Line” ran on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre from Oct. 5, 2006 through Aug. 17, 2008 (759 regular performances), directed by its original Tony Award winning co-choreographer Bob Avian. It recouped its entire $8 million investment after only 157 performances (19 weeks), breaking the theater’s box office record seven times in its first five months. A CHORUS LINE ended its Broadway run on August 17, 2008 after 18 preview and .

The original production opened at the Public Theater’s Newman Theatre on May 21, 1975 and transferred to Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on July 25, opening there on Oct. 19 of that year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score and Book, and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It ran for nearly 15 years, closing on April 28, 1990 after 6,137 performances, remaining the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

Photo Credit: Paul Kolnik

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Woman’s Club speaker series not just for women

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 12:43 PM

The Montgomery Woman’s Club’s Town Hall Lecture Series has announced its 2009-10 season:

“Into the Wild” with Jack Hanna, Oct. 7 and 8;

“I Was A Better Mother Before I Had Kids” with Lori Borgman, Nov. 18 and 19;

“Making the Most of Your Money with Jane Bryant Quinn, March 24 and 25, 2010;

“DNA & the Wrongly Convicted: The Innoncence Project” with Barry Scheck, April 21 and 22.

Lectures are 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Montgomery Assembly of God, 7950 Pfeiffer Rd., and 8 p.m. Wednesday at Sycamore Junior High School Auditorium, 5757 Cooper Road, Blue Ash.

Series subscription is $100.

“This series began 46 years ago with women in mind,” said spokesperson Judi LaFreniere, “but through the years more and more men have attended and been entertained.”

Gift certificates and tickets can be purchased by calling (513) 684-1632.

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‘Monday Night at the Movies’ vintage film series presents ‘The Invisible Man,’ May 18

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 12:35 PM

The free Monday night movie for the month will be at 6 p.m,. on May 18 at the Oxford Senior Centger, 922 Tollgate Drive in Oxford.

This series of vintage (50 years or older) movies features “The Invisible Man”, the 1933 classic featuring Claude Raines in his “talkie” debut. Complementary popcorn will be served.

Those attending the movie may wish to select the option of dining at the Center from 5-6 p.m. for soup, sandwich and a salad for a suggested donation of $1. Call (513) 523-8100 in advance for a dinner reservation.

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The Fairfield Lane Library Presents the Cincinnati Kinderballet, May 24

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 11, 2009, 12:28 PM

The Cincinnati Kinderballet’s 60th Gala World Tour, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24, the Fairfield Village Green Amphitheatre, presented by the Fairfield Lane Library. Free. (513) 858-3238, ext. 360.

In honor of the Anneliese Von Oettingen School of Ballet’s 60th anniversary, the Cincinnati Kinderballet will perform an interactive production celebrating cultures from around the world for all ages.

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Mariemont Players play ‘Plaza Suite,’ May 15

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 11:01 AM

Mariemont Players presents Neil Simon’s comedy “Plaza Suite,” at the Walton Creek Theater, 4101 Walton Creek Road (just East of Mariemont), May 15 through May 31.

SYNOPSIS: The “master of comedy” has done it again in the portrait of three couples successively occupying a suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The first is a suburban couple in a wry tale of a marriage in tatters. They take the suite which turns out to be the one in which they honeymooned 23 (or was it 24?) years before on this very day (or was it yesterday?). Next are the exploits of a Hollywood producer who, after three marriages, is looking for fresh fields. He calls a childhood sweetheart, now a suburban hosewife, for a little sexual diversion. Over the years she has idolized him from afar and is now more than the match he bargained for. The last couple is a mother and father fighting about the best way to get their daughter out of the locked bathroom and down to the ballroom where guests await her or as mama yells, “I want you to come out of that bathroom and get married!”

CAST: Plaza Suite is directed by Charlie Russell, produced by Garry Davidson, and features Pam Blessing, Christine Dye, Barb Russell, Stephanie Russell, Steve Russell, Jeff Surber, Jon Vater, and John Wolff.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. May 15-16, May 21-23rd and 28-29; 7 p.m. May 17; 2 and 7 p.m. May 24; 4 and 8 p.m. May 30 and 2 p.m. May 31.

Tickets are $17.

Call (513) 684-1236.

Photos by Garry Davidson: Steve Russell & Barbara Russell, top; Christine Dye & Jeffrey Surber, above.

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Learn the tales behind the tiaras of royalty, May 14

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10:53 AM

Curt DiCamillo presents “Jewels of Scandal and Desire: British Jewelry Collections and Country Houses,” on Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. at the Taft Museum of Art, exploring how 18th- and 19th-century British ruling classes, modeling themselves on the ancient Roman Empire, used jewelry to reinforce their positions in society and awe of their peers.

The aristocratic families that owned these jewels, such as the Marquis of Londonderry, were at the pinnacle of British society. They often hosted glittering soirees at their expansive country house-such as the Devonshires at Chatsworth-and grand London homes where their jewels were shown off to great effect. British Royals collected jewels for both state and private use, and notable collectors included Queen Mary and Princess Margaret who amassed collections of extraordinary tiaras, necklaces, brooches, etc. Where there’s wealth and power, there are always stories about jewelry. Curt DiCamillo will discuss the tales behind these noble families, their houses, and their jewels, all weaving together to create a glittering web of power and position.

This lecture free for Taft Museum of Art members, students, and Royal Oak Foundation members and $10 for the public. Reservations are recommended. Call (513) 684-4515 for more information.

About Curt DiCamillo: Before accepting his current position as Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, DiCamillo worked for 13 years for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He has written and lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad on the subject of English country houses. For the past nine years he has continued to develop an award-winning database on the Web that is attempting to document every British and Irish country house ever built, standing or demolished. In recognition of his extraordinary work in preserving British architecture, he has been presented to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and the Prince of Wales. He is a member of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain and an alumnus of The Attingham Summer School for the Study of Country Houses.

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Newport on the Levee hosts ‘In the Dark’ exhibit, May 30

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10:43 AM

Newport on the Levee will host “In the Dark,” a traveling exhibit produced by the Cincinnati Museum Center, May 30-Sept. 7, at Newport on the Levee.

In the Dark is a hands-on, interactive exhibit that allows visitors to enter some of the world’s areas with little or no light. Visitors can see how animals, plants and people have adapted to dark environments. The exhibit features five walk-through areas, which include: The Darkness of Night, Darkness Within the Soil, Darkness Deep Within Caves, Darkness of the Deep Sea and Darkness and Humans. Each diorama uses mechanical displays, life-size animal models and informational panels to surround visitors with the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of several dark ecosystems.

“In the Dark is extremely interactive, and families will find lots of fun and educational activities. This exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into worlds that they will never see with their own eyes,” said P. Ellen Prows, General Manager of Newport on the Levee in a press release.

In the Dark will be located outside on the Riverwalk Level next to Cold Stone Creamery and across from Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

Hours will be noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students and $6 for children and military and can be purchased at the entrance to the exhibit. Group discounts are also available.

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Dancing for the Stars raises funds for Overture Awards and Academy

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10:23 AM

The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) presents its third annual Dancing for the Stars, Saturday, May 23, at the Music Hall Ballroom to benefit CAA’s Overture Awards and Academy - the nation’s largest locally run high school arts scholarship competition.

Inspired by the hit ABC-TV show Dancing with the Stars (currently in its eighth season), Dancing for the Stars will feature six Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program, at which the audience will vote for their favorite celebrity dancer. The competitive dance for the evening will be the Waltz, and each dance pair will have 90 seconds to woo the crowd and the judges.

THE STARS: Christina Bolden (Professional Dance Instructor/Choreographer), Jean Robert de Cavel (4-Star Chef and Restaurateur), Damon Lynch III (Pastor, New Prospect Baptist Church), Julie Raleigh (Community Volunteer/Choreographer - Jr. BenGals), Yvonne Robertson (Community Volunteer), Phil Schworer (President of the Cincinnati Bar Association/Environmental Lawyer)

THE PROS: Bonita Brockert, Doreen Beatrice, J.C. Bryant, Doug Reynolds, Desiree Mainous, Jeremy Mainous

THE JUDGES: Eleanor Lachman, Chris O’Brien, Veronica Rocco-Homme

THE HOSTS: Janeen Coyle (“Married With Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM) and Rockin’ Ron Schumacher (on air personality, 103.5 WGRR-FM)

The agenda for the evening:

• Patron VIP Reception, 6 p.m.

• Dancing, Light Fare, Cash Bar, 7 p.m.

• Celebrity Dance Competition, 8 p.m.

• Dance the Night Away, 9:30 p.m.

In addition, Dancing for the Stars will feature:

• Silent auction, featuring a variety of dance items

• Showcase dance by 2009 Overture Award winner in dance, Hannah Aicholtz

• The swinging sounds of Sound Body Jazz Orchestra

• Popular ballroom DJ Tony Rimkus

• Pre-event VIP Patron reception

• Dance lessons before the competition

• Open dancing before and after the competition

• Catering provided by Jeff Thomas

• Cash bar

Tickets are currently on sale at the following levels:

• $50 - Friend

• $100 - Patron (includes priority seating, program recognition, pre-event reception, and two drink tickets)

• $1,000 - Corporate Table (ten Patron level tickets and a full-page, black & white program ad)

RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION (a portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible) (513) 977-4135.

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Over the Rhine Second Sunday on Main series begins

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10:18 AM

Second Sunday on Main begins its fifth season May 10 and continues through September 13 on the second Sunday of every month from 12 - 5 p.m. in historic Over-the-Rhine on Main Street between 13th and Liberty. The event is free and open to the public.

Each Second Sunday event features local live music, Christian Moerlein Beer Garden, celebrity chef demonstrations and wine pairings along with a chance to shop Main Street’s boutiques and specialty vendors. You can also treat Mom to a free flower from City Roots or recycled fashion from Megpie Vintage.

The summer season kicks off Sunday, May 10 celebrating Mom with “Take Mom to Main.” For those moms who like to work up a good sweat, Cris Smith from FITNEXT Training will teach an Urban Operative Boot Camp at noon. The day will continue with a cooking demonstration by Joanne Drilling of Slim’s at the Falling Wall Condos on 1419 Main Street at 2:30pm, a samba parade and street artisans including Visionaries & Voices. Author Teresa Eklund will also be on hand to describe her journey in writing the book, Unquenchable Fire, at c4yourself art gallery at 1339 Main Street at 2pm. This month’s live music schedule features a rootsy, rocking and rockabilly theme: The Hiders, Kelly Thomas & the Fabulous Pick, 500 Miles to Memphis, Maurice Mattei & the Tempers and Strawboss.

Complete 2009 Second Sunday on Main Schedule:

• Take Mom to Main, May 10

• Dog Days, June 14

• Global Groove, July 12

• Love Your Neighbor, Aug. 9

• Eco-Main-ia, Sept. 13

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‘Cool Films’ series begins at Dayton’s Victoria Theatre

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 09:46 AM

Victoria Theatre Association’s annual salute to classic Hollywood is back with 13 films, ranging from the silent era through the 1970s, plus one “modern classic” for good measure. The films were chosen “by popular demand,” based on the results of audience surveys conducted during last summer’s films.

Tickets are $4.75 each. A 10-ticket passbook is $24, on sale now through Ticket Center Stage. They may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton, by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630, or online.

Individual tickets are available day-of-show at the Victoria Theatre box office, beginning one hour prior to showtime.

Films are shown at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays in the air-conditioned comfort of the Victoria Theatre. Recreating the feel of the old-time movie palaces, guests may enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby beginning one hour prior to showtime, an NCR Mighty Wurlitzer organ concert beginning 30 minutes prior to showtime, and a classic cartoon just before the movie.

The Seven Year Itch, July 3 - 5 After sending his wife and son to the country for the summer to escape the Manhattan heat, Richard Sherman enjoys the life of a bachelor — a little too much. When a delightfully unconventional, voluptuous blonde moves in upstairs (a blonde by the name of Marilyn Monroe!) his overactive, over-vivid imagination goes into overdrive.

White Christmas, July 10 - 12 Enjoy a White Christmas while still wearing your sandals! A cast of stars headlines this classic as World War II buddies turned famous performers, Wallace and Davis, team up with some stunning sisters to help out their beloved old General and his struggling ski lodge.

The Sting, July 17 - 19 Paul Newman and Robert Redford star as two master con men who pull the scam of a lifetime to get revenge on a corrupt crime boss. With a plot full of surprising twists and the famous ragtime score, the film received 10 Oscar nominations in 1973, winning Best Picture, among others.

Jimmy Stewart Weekend, July 24 - 26 This summer, the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series pays tribute to the great Jimmy Stewart, with three of his best: Vertigo, July 24; The Philadelphia Story, July 25; Harvey, July 26.

An American in Paris, July 31 - August 2 Gene Kelly plays Jerry Mulligan, a struggling American painter in Paris. When he is “discovered” by an influential heiress, Jerry’s art isn’t the only thing she is after. Joke, sing and dance along with Gene Kelly as this romantic musical unfolds on the streets of Paris.

To Kill A Mockingbird, August 7 - 9
Set in a small Alabama town, attorney Atticus Finch (Oscar-winner Gregory Peck) risks his career by defending a black man wrongly accused of rape. The adaptation of Harper Lee’s timeless novel about racism and tolerance features Robert Duvall in his screen debut as Boo Radley.

Funny Girl, August 14 - 16 The 1968 musical about a female singer/comic (Barbra Streisand), and the travails of her life, won Streisand a Best Actress Oscar in her film debut! The song “People” has become a movie musical classic and one of Streisand’s best-loved songs.

American Graffiti, August 21 - 23 Where were you in ’62? It’s the last night of summer, and the teenagers of Modesto, California, want to have some fun before adult responsibilities close in. Wolfman Jack spins vintage tunes on the radio as the kids contemplate college, score hot dates, get stuck with little sisters, and race the night away in this coming-of-age classic, directed by George Lucas.

Phantom of the Opera Weekend, August 28 - 30 Spend a weekend in the underworld of the Paris Opera House, as we present three film versions of the timeless classic and celebrate the return of The Phantom of the Opera to the Schuster Center stage in June 2010. We will present the classic 1925 silent version with Lon Chaney (featuring live organ accompaniment), the 1943 Claude Rains version, and the 2004 film version of the Broadway musical.

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Miami artists receive state-wide awards

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 9, 2009, 09:21 AM

Two Miami University graduate students and one alumna received awards for their work at the “Best of 2009” annual juried members’ exhibition sponsored by Ohio Designer Craftsmen. The exhibition, through June 21, is at the Ohio Craft Museum located at 1665 W. Fifth Ave. in Columbus.

Lisa Wilson (MFA candidate, ’10 metals) received the Pamela Morris Thomford Award for Excellence in Metals and Derek Reeverts (MFA ’09) received the Lonsway Memorial Award for Humor in Craft. Sandra Gross (MFA ’04) received the Labino Memorial Award for Excellence in Glass.

Other Miami artists with works selected for the exhibition include David Dotson (MFA ’06), Geoff Riggle, (MFA candidate ’10, metals) and Stephen Wolochowicz (MFA ’05).

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‘Darwins rEvolution’ opens at Cincinnati Museum Center, May 9

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 8, 2009, 01:19 PM

In honor of the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s landmark publication,On the Origin of the Species, the Cincinnati Museum Center will present “Darwin’s rEvolution,” featuring the personal and scientific aspects of the man who changed the way biologists view the natural world and the history of life on Earth.

Darwin’s personal life will be shown through correspondences as well as through photographs of Darwin and his family from the personal collection of Professor Gene Kritsky. Cincinnati connections to Darwin will also be highlighted including Darwin’s speculations on Cincinnati geology and cicadas.

The exhibit will explore how Darwin changed our view of the world; how evolution impacts daily events; how science has elaborated on or changed Darwin’s views during the past 150 years; whether his theories have proven to be correct; what the concept of genetics, unknown to Darwin, adds to the current understanding of evolution; and how Darwin is viewed as a modern pop culture icon.

“E-spots” will be added throughout the Museum of Natural History & Science, which will tie permanent exhibits into the theories and discoveries of Darwin highlighted within “Darwin’s rEvolution.”

The exhibit will run through Feb. 15, 2010.

To learn more (513) 287-7000.

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CCM presents ‘Wagner and Cinema Festival,’ June 5-6

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 8, 2009, 12:57 PM

The “Wagner and Cinema Festival” presents a series of free events exploring the convergence of film and Richard Wagner’s opera, featuring CCM faculty and guest experts from academia, filmmaking, the national media and the professional performing arts.

The event series has been curated by CCM Associate Professor of Musicology Jeongwon Joe, for whom this topic has long been a source of professional exploration; Dr. Joe’s book, “Wagner and Cinema,” will be published later this year by Indiana University Press.

“Many cineastes have glorified Richard Wagner’s music drama as a model for filmmaking and film music composition,” Joe said in a press release. “‘Every man or woman in charge of the music of a moving picture theatre is, consciously or unconsciously, a disciple or follower of Richard Wagner.’ So declared W. Stephen Bush in 1911.”

“Most recently, Peter Jackson’s film trilogy The Lord of the Rings brought Wagner’s presence in cinema to the public attention,” she said. “In 2005, Carnegie Hall featured a ‘Double-Ring’ concert, consisting of excerpts from Wagner’s Ring cycle and Howard Shore’s score for the film trilogy; and Alex Ross’ New Yorker article, ‘The Ring and the Rings,’ examined the affinities between Jackson’s films and Wagner’s opera. CCM’s Wagner and Cinema Festival will make another artistic and scholarly contribution to the exploration of Wagnerism in cinema.”

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Lecture: “The Threshold of the Visible World: Bill Viola’s Tristan” featuring Lawrence Kramer, Professor of English and Music, Fordham University, 2 p.m., Baur Room, CCM Village

Pre-Film Talk: “History of Wagner’s Influence on Cinema” featuring Jeongwon Joe, and introduction to Carl Froelich’s 1913 silent film, “Richard Wagner,” featuring Paul Fryer, who reconstructed Froelich’s film from an original print;7 p.m., Mary Emery Hall, Room 3250, CCM Village. Film screening begins 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Roundtable Discussion: “Wagner’s Influence on Cinema,’ Jeongwon Joe, moderator, featuring Edward Rothstein, cultural critic-at-large, The New York Times; Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, Cincinnati Opera; Tony Palmer, film director; Mark Gibson, professor and director of Orchestral Studies, CCM; Paul Fryer, director of Theatre & Performance Studies, Rose Bruford College, U.K. 2 p.m., Baur Room, CCM Village.

CCM Philharmonia Orchestra Concert: “Redemption Through Love,” Mark Gibson, music director and conductor; Tony Palmer, film director; Barbara Honn, soprano; Thomas Baresel, tenor; Kenneth Shaw, bass-baritone; featuring excerpts from “Siegfried,” “The Flying Dutchman,” “Gotterdammerung,” “Tannhäuser” and “Tristan und Isolde,” with a film by Tony Palmer. 8 p.m., Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village.

All events are free and open to the public.

For information, call (513) 556-9571.

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Book discussions for adults at the Fairfield Lane Library, May 26

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 8, 2009, 12:49 PM

The Fairfield Lane Library’s Tuesday Night Book Club will discuss “Dangerous Laughter” by Steven Millhauser, 7 p.m. May 26.

Call (513) 858-3238, ext. 358 to register. Copies of the book are available at the Information Services desk upon registration.

The Tuesday Night Book Club the fourth Tuesday of each month. The Fairfield Lane Library is located at 1485 Corydale Dr.

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Deadline announced for Fitton Center exhibition proposals

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 8, 2009, 12:09 PM

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is currently accepting JPEGS on disc by artists proposing solo or group exhibitions for the 2010-2011 season and beyond.

Download a PDF copy of the proposal submission form here.

Artists should submit 10 to 20 images of a consistent series of artworks with corresponding slide list, a completed Fitton Center exhibition proposal form, artist statement, vita, and supporting materials to Cathy Mayhugh, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton OH, 45011.

The deadline to submit materials is June 1, 2009.

There is no fee for exhibition proposals.

“The Fitton Center is also seeking proposals by solo quilt artists or groups for future quilt shows,” said director of exhibitions Cathy Mayhugh.

“While the Fitton Center features established artists from around the world, there is space reserved for local artists and exhibits of community interest throughout the season,” Mayhugh said. “Exhibitions with strong educational elements are highly regarded.”

For further information call (513) 863-8873 ext. 122.

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Fitton Center announces new family-friendly entertainment series

By Richard O Jones | Thursday, May 7, 2009, 02:27 PM

Fitton Family Fridays is a new addition to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts’ entertainment line-up this season featuring programs geared towards children ages 4-16 and their families.

Adults are priced the same as the Fitton Center’s Celebrating Self and EntertainmentPLUS series at $15 members and $17 non-members, but each adult will also be able to purchase two “kid tickets” for $7 members and $8 non-members, according to spokesperson Jodie Fritsch.

For information, call (513) 863-8873.

The Fitton Family Fridays schedule includes:

Alex the Jester, above Oct. 2. Enter the world of the Wise Fool, and take an inspiring journey to medieval times. Alex the Jester prefers action to words, from mind bending sight gags to amazing stunts. When he finally clears his throat to speak, his audience is captivated. Rolling off his tongue is a funny sounding gibberish tongue called Grammelot. Alex performed in Fairfield a few months ago, and I was there — in the show!!!

Mark Nizer, Dec. 18. Nizer combines original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology. Whether it’s five ping pong balls being juggled twenty feet in the air using only his mouth; or juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16 pound bowling ball, you’ll never know what is possible until you see for yourself.

David Kaplan, Jan. 22. Illusion, juggling, music and deadpan comedy converge in this vaudeville spectacle. As his world seemingly crumbles, he manages to tame a rogue bowling ball, juggle furniture, perform feats of prestidigitation, and play melodies on concert balloon and turkey baster.

Billy Jonas, March 12. Jonas’ music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, key chains, bottles) as well as traditional instruments.

Doktor Kaboom!, April 23. An interactive one-man science variety show blends theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration.

Click here for details on the Fitton Center’s EntertainmentPLUS series and Celebrating Self series. I’ll have details soon on the upcoming exhibition season.

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Cincinnati Shakespeare Company delivers Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” May 8

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 03:53 PM

“Arms and the Man” by George Bernard Shaw, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8-31, plus a 2 p.m. matinee May 30, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 719 Race St., Cincinnati. $26 adults; $22 seniors; $20 students. (513) 381-2273.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company wraps up its Fifteenth Anniversary Season with a production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Arms and the Man,” the classic “anti-romantic” comedy.

SYNOPSIS: “Arms and the Man” takes place at the close of the Serbo-Bulgarian war in 1885. Raina (Kelly Mengelkoch), a young Bulgarian woman idealizes her fiancé Sergius Saranoff (Josh Stamoolis), one of the heroes of the war. As the Serbian army retreats, a voluntary Swiss soldier, Bluntschli (Jeremy Dubin) seeks shelter by climbing through Raina’s bedroom window and begging for her to hide him. Bluntschli’s gentle nature and unique ammunition (he carries chocolates instead of bullets) contrasts sharply with Raina’s romantic notions of war and heroism, yet she finds herself attracted to him, and assists him in his escape. Shortly thereafter, Sergius returns from the war and Raina begins to find his attitude more pompous and irritating. Her thoughts return again and again to her “chocolate cream soldier”, and when Bluntschli reappears, she finds herself torn between her romantic ideals and the surprise of real love.

HISTORY: “Arms and the Man” premiered on April 21, 1894 at the Avenue Theatre in London. One of Shaw’s first commercial successes, the play reached Broadway five months later and eventually inspired an enormously popular light opera, The Chocolate Soldier, in 1908. George Bernard Shaw remains one of the most celebrated playwrights in the English language, known for his incisive wit and intelligent comedies, including “Candida,” “You Never Can Tell” and “Pygmalion,” which became the musical sensation “My Fair Lady.” An ardent socialist, Shaw examined a variety of social issues in his plays, transforming the frothy and sentimental drama of the Victorian era.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES: We’re so pleased to close this landmark season with our first-ever production of a Shaw play. Shaw’s wonderful wit and intricate language are a perfect match for a Shakespeare ensemble, and audiences will enjoy seeing them relish this classic comedy. — Brian Isaac Phillips.

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Playhouse pieces together Sondheim for “Marry Me a Little,” in previews May 8

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 02:58 PM

“Marry Me a Little,” by Stephen Sondheim, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 14 through June 14, Shelterhouse Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. $51-$61. (513) 421-3888.

PREVIEWS: 8 p.m. Friday, May 9; 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12-13. $45.

Apparently, even Stephen Sondheim’s garbage sings.

“Marry Me a Little,” in previews beginning May 8 at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, was assembled from songs that were either cut from Sondheim’s shows, were early works or songs that never had a show to begin with.

According to Sally Wilfert, above, who plays the woman in this production, that his cast-offs can still add up to a coherent show is a testament to his extraordinary talent.

Wilfert, a Cincinnati native making her hometown debut, appeared in a tribute to Sondheim at Carnegie Hall five years ago, singing back-up for Liza Minelli.

“As a theater person, he is the quintessential composer, the ultimate experience for the actor who sings,” she said. “When you explore Sondheim, you understand why musical theater is an art form when feeling and voice go together, and he is the master.”

“And I also play the piano, and I can tell you that when you play and sing Sondheim it goes to a whole new level because his piano scores are also completely sophisticated and you can see why he is revered.”

Whether or not “Marry Me a Little” has a story is up to the individual listener, Wilfert said. There is no narrative dialog, and the action takes place in two New York apartments between two characters who never meet.

“The songs are loosely threaded together,” Wilfert said. “Our director has given us a story, but you don’t see that on stage. Some people walk away thinking it’s just a collection of songs and others definitely see a story.”

The title song was cut from the original 1971 production of “Company,” but put back in for the 2006 revival that originated at the Playhouse and went on to Broadway. Other songs are leftovers from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Follies” and “A Little Night Music.”

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Cincinnati Ballet presents its ‘Greatest Hits,’ May 8-9

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 01:53 PM

The Cincinnati Ballet’s Greatest Hits, a 45th anniversary celebration, 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut, Cincinnati. $21-$73. (513) 621-5282.

Cincinnati Ballet’s 2008-09 Anniversary Season closes with a “Greatest Hits” program that includes “Graceland,” with music by Paul Simon; Balanchine’s sexy, scintillating “Rubies” duet; an excerpt from the Romantic classic “Giselle”; “Javelin,” a powerhouse for ten men; and Victoria Morgan’s dazzling company showcase, “Boléro.”

Except for “Graceland,’ which is performed to recorded music from Paul Simon’s 1988 Grammy award-winning album of the same name, the production features the full Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Carmon DeLeone.

“For the occasion of our 45th anniversary, we asked our subscribers to pick their favorite ballet from our repertoire and we have responded by programming their top five choices,” said artistic director Victoria Morgan in a press release. “I think audiences who have loyally and lovingly attended Cincinnati Ballet performances and those who want to discover what it is all about will find a thrilling display of wide-ranging choreography, and yet another example of the physical prowess and risk-taking interpretation that our amazing dancers regularly bring to the stage.”

Some production notes:

Graceland world premiered at The Aronoff Center March 9, 2001, with choreography by Jay Goodlett, who danced with Cincinnati Ballet from 1992 - 2008, and Victoria Morgan. It was restaged during Cincinnati Ballet’s 02-03 season. “Graceland” marked Goodlett’s debut as a professional choreographer and he has returned to work with Cincinnati Ballet dancers during Greatest Hits.

Rubies, a pas de deux that comes from the heart of 20th century master George Balanchine’s “Jewels,” made a splash when it was premiered by New York City Ballet in 1967, and is often called the first ever abstract three-act ballet (“Emeralds,” “Rubies” and “Diamonds” were the three acts), a ballet without a storyline. The full-length Jewels was premiered by Cincinnati Ballet at The Aronoff Center Oct. 11, 1996. It was restaged in 2003 in collaboration with BalletMet Columbus. The “Rubies” pas de deux was also presented by Cincinnati Ballet during the 1998-99 season.

Giselle is the story of a Rhineland peasant girl who is betrayed and dies. The selection, from Act II of the ballet, takes place in a graveyard, where Giselle, who has become a ghost to make her unfaithful lover dance to his death.
Cincinnati Ballet premiered Giselle May 10, 1984, at Music Hall. The Greatest Hits choreography is taken from 2006 choreography by Devon Carney.

Javelin, set on Cincinnati Ballet in 2006 by Kirk Peterson, displays the hard bodies of ten men launching like rockets into endless leaps, spot-on spins and precise formations that display the charismatic, high-power technique of today’s dancer. The grand and intensely kinetic score by world-renowned composer Michael Torke, which will be performed live, was originally commissioned for the Atlantic Olympics. “Javelin” world premiered at the Cincinnati Ballet Center’s Mickey Jarson Kaplan Performance Studio, Sept. 28, 2006.

Bolero, choreographed by Artistic Director Victoria Morgan, world premiered at The Aronoff Center, March 16, 2007, as a conclusion to her 10th anniversary season with Cincinnati Ballet. It was the top subscriber choice for inclusion in the Greatest Hits program.

IMAGE: From “Rubies”.

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Appalachian Festival has grown from craft show to major cultural event

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 01:05 PM

The Appalachian Festival, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 9; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. $8, $4 senior citizens, $2 children 4-11, free for children 3 and younger. (513) 251-3378.

From its humble beginnings as a craft show in the basement of Cincinnati’s Music Hall, the Cincinnati Appalachian Festival has become one of the region’s largest cultural affairs, drawing some 50,000 people over three days event to Coney Island on the shores of the Ohio River.

“Of course, when we first set out, we hoped that the Appalachian Festival would become a Greater Cincinnati tradition and institution,” says Sally Brush, one of the Junior League organizers of the first Festival, in a news release, “but, truthfully, we never dreamed it would reach the size and scope that it is today.”

The idea had been floating around since 1969, when Brush and two others first proposed the crafts’ exhibition idea to a national Junior League conference on Appalachian culture.

For the first Junior League Appalachian crafts’ exhibition in 1971, organizers searched the mountain hollows of Appalachia to track down authentic artists and crafters. They also traveled to Nashville to persuade country star Roy Acuff to appear as the headline performer at the first Festival.

“Back then, it was a real challenge to convince authentic mountain crafters to come to Cincinnati for this new Appalachian event,” said Diane Smart, who was chairperson for the first and third Junior League Appalachian events. “But after the success of the first year, getting crafters was no problem. We always had more requests for space than space available.”

After out-growing Music Hall basement, then its ballroom, the Appalachiann festival tried out the Cincinnati Gardens, the Greater Cincinnati Convention Center, finally settling at Coney Island in the mid-1980s.

This year marks the 40th edition of the Appalachian Festival, with proceeds going toward grants to area organizations and individual artists involved in promoting Appalachian culture.

“One of the reasons the Appalachian Festival is so popular is because of the demographic make-up of this entire area,” said chairperson Allison Raisor. “It has been estimated that over 300,000 people from this area have Appalachian roots.”

Theme for the 40th Appalachian Festival is “A Tribute To Timber,” an interesting and educational multi-media exhibit about this nation’s No. 1 renewable resource. Curated by Cincinnatian Shanon Rice, the exhibit salutes those who preserve our forests and work in the timber industry.

“Forests occupy a third of the United States land,” Rice said, “and until this century wood was the single greatest material aid and comfort in our ancestors’ lives. Timber still today is an essential element in our lives, and we need to remember that the trees we plant today will shade our future generation.”

NewFound Road was born as a bluegrass and acoustic gospel band in Southwest Ohio about eight years ago and since has grown to become one of the most requested contemporary bluegrass bands in the United States, attracting a loyal and vigorous following of fans yearning to hear their “stripped-down” bluegrass music deeply rooted in a wide range of stylistic influences. A new album, “Same Old Place,” came out at the end of April. NewFound Road will appear twice at the festival - Saturday, May 9, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the festival’s River Stage.

Appearing for the first time at the Appalachian Festival this year is the Cincinnati band the Tillers, which came together busking for nickels, dimes and burritos in the gaslight Clifton district of Cincinnati, playing music that is both traditional and progressive. The Tillers keep busy in Northside’s renowned bars and musical establishments, including a regular gig at the Northside Tavern on the last Sunday of each month.

The entertainment schedule also includes Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz; Wild Carrot & The Roots Band; Rabbit Hash String Band; Calamity Rain; Warren and Judy Waldron; Comet Bluegrass Allstars; Ma Crow; The Corndrinkers; OK Ramblers and Bear Foot. Special stages for dance and storytelling are also at the Appalachian Festival, and in keeping with the festival’s craft-show roots, more than 100 crafters from 13 states feature the finest in mountain handicrafts — 20 of them making their first-ever appearance at the Appalachian Festival.

Always one of the most popular attractions at the Festival, the large “Living History” village features 150 period re-enactors who demonstrate mountain life in the 1800s through dress, living quarters and activities. The Living History Village includes more than 40 overnight pioneer camps and many demonstrators of old-time skills. Blacksmiths, soap-makers, spinners, weavers and many other demonstrators are spread throughout the area.

IMAGE: NewFound Road is one of the headliners of this year’s Appalachian Festival.

The Riverstage Entertainment Schedule

Friday, May 8: Campbell Ridge Elementary Dulcimers, 10 a.m.; Kyle Meadows, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Bear Foot, noon; Warren & Judy Waldron, 1 p.m.; Open Jam Session, 2 p.m.; Steve Adkisson and Kentucky Wonder, 4 p.m.; Ma Crow, 5 p.m.; Mount Pleasant String Band, 6 p.m.; Rabbit Hash String Band, 7 p.m.; The James Family, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 9: The Tillers, 11 a.m.; Steve Bonafel & One Iota, noon and 7 p.m.; The Corndrinkers, 1 p.m.; OK Ramblers, 2 p.m.; Newfound Road, 3 p.m.; Rabbit Hash String Band, 4 p.m.; The Corndrinkers, 5 p.m.; Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, 6 p.m.; Newfound Road, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 10: Morning Worship Service, 10 a.m.; Gospel Sing w/Ginny Hawker, 11 a.m.; Calamity Rain, noon; Wild Carrot & The Roots Band, 1 p.m.; Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, 2 p.m.; Cynical Mountain Boys, 3 p.m.; Ma Crow, 4 p.m.; Comet Bluegrass Allstars, 5 p.m.

Sittin’ on the Back Porch Stage storytelling schedule

Friday May 8: Paul Ingram, 10 a.m.; Omope Carter Daboiku, 11 a.m.; Steven Hollen, noon; Martha Mcleod, 1 p.m.

Saturday May 9: Open Mike Story Swap, hosted by Omope Carter Daboiku, 11 a.m.; Barb Childers, noon; Rick Carson, 1 and 3 p.m.; Sandy Messerly, 2 p.m.; Steve Hollen, 4 p.m.; Omope Carter Daboiku, 5 p.m.

Sunday May 10: Open Mike Story Swap hosted by Paul Ingram, 11 a.m.; Paul Ingram, noon; Jack’s Mama (Sharon Kirk Clifton), 1 and 4 p.m.; Steve Hollen, 2 p.m.; Paul Ingram, 3 p.m.

Lost River Pavillon

Friday May 8: All Nations Drum, 10 a.m., 1 and 5:30 p.m.; Crossroads Dance Team With Bear Foot, 11 a.m.; Square Dance Instruction by Spirit of America Cloggers, 12:30 p.m.

Saturday May 9: Crossroads Dance Team With Bear Foot, 10:30 a.m.; All Nations Drum, 11 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m.; Spirit Of America Cloggers, 12:30 p.m.; Harkie’s Hoedowners, 2:30 p.m.; Hoosier Hoedowner Cloggers 4:30 p.m.

Sunday May 10: Morning 11:30 Sugar Foot Cloggers, 11:30 a.m.; All Nations Drum, noon and 3 p.m.; Five Points Cloggers, 2:30 p.m.

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Hal Holbrook’s “Mark Twain Tonight!” has Ohio roots

By Richard O Jones | Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 12:44 PM

Hal Holbrook in “Mark Twain Tonight!” 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut, Cincinnati. $25-$45. (513) 621-2787; www.cincinnatiarts.org.

Although he grew up in New England and has spent most of his adult life living in New York and Los Angeles, Hal Holbrook has deep connections to Ohio: He was born here and he was educated here.

His family was originally from New England, but his parents lived in Lakewood, a suburb of Cleveland when he was born in 1925, although he was too young to remember the move to New England.

“I got out of Cleveland faster than most people have been able to,” he said in a phone interview. “My mother took off and my father followed her and abandoned me. My grandfather took me and my sister back to our ancestral home.”

He later found out that she left to go into show business, but he never heard from either of his parents again.

His own route into show business came quite by accident, he said.

“I had not interest in that sort of thing, and my family had no interest in that sort of thing,” he said. “We were what you would call an upper middle class family that never went to the symphony or theater or anything like that.”

He attended the Culver Military Academy in Indiana, and during his senior year he needed a credit so a friend advised him to take a dramatics class because it would be easy.

“I thought he was a weird guy, that all the dramatics students were weird, and was reluctant to join up with them because they were very unmilitary,” he said. “But I got to like them because they were fun.”

Then, when Holbrook got on stage for the first time, “something enormous happened,” he said.

“I think it had to do with the fact that people were listening to me for the first time in my life,” he said. “We all want to be heard. That’s a powerful force in anyone’s life.”

Every week at Culver, the students had a guest speaker at chapel. One Sunday, he was asked to read the scripture when Kenneth Brown, the president of Denison University in Granville, Ohio, was there to speak. By then, Holbrook had been fully bitten by the theater bug.

“I deplored the way they mashed the life out of the scripture reading in a dreary way,” he said, “so when it was my turn, I was determined to put on some kind of performance.”

Afterwards, Dr. Brown complimented him on his reading and asked where he was going to college. Holbrook told him the University of Michigan because at the time it had one of the top theater programs in the nation. Brown said that Denison had a wonderful theater department under the direction of Ed Wright and encouraged Holbrook to check it out.

That summer, 1942, he went to a casting session at Cain Park Theatre in Cleveland and ended up with roles in three plays.

“During the casting session, one of the directors came up to me and introduced himself as Ed Wright,” Holbrook said. “He was directing ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner.’ He (and Dr. Brown) had talked about me, which I thought was pretty impressive. I got to know him better and decided to go to Denison to stick with him. It was the best decision I ever made. He was a great teacher and a great inspiration.”

It was Wright who steered Holbrook toward Mark Twain. Wright was attending a convention of the International Platform Association that united speakers with venues and met a man who booked school assemblies and wanted an educational dramatic program. Wright told him about Holbrook and his first wife Ruby, that they had a show where they did scenes from Shakespeare and Mark Twain. Wright got them the booking to do a tour of Oklahoma and Texas, so then they had to come up with a show.

“We worked on it all year,” Holbrook said. “Ruby worked up the costumes and I did the literary part of working on the material.

They ended up doing 307 school assemblies in 30 weeks.

“We did two or three shows a day and traveled over 30 thousand miles at tremendous speeds to get from one show to the next,” he said. “It was a very tough experience. I played just about every small town in those areas, and we learned our trade. We learned how to survive on stage, entertaining a wide span of age groups.

“We were doing high-class material but they were never familiar with it. They had never seen a play. We performed on the floor most of the time because if they had a stage it was way across the gym floor from the bleachers.”

Doing Mark Twain was only a small part of that show that gave an overview of literary history and included a lot of Shakespeare, and he had to put on the make-up in 45 seconds, he said, while Ruby would do the introduction.

When he started performing “Mark Twain Tonight” as a solo show in 1954, it took him four hours to do the aging make-up in a pre-show routine that he maintained for nearly 30 years. But around 15 years ago, he said that he was doing a play in New York and was getting ready to go on tour as Twain, and while waiting for his cue backstage one night, he explored his face.

“I got out my hand mirror and saw the wrinkles, the indentations and the sagging jowls,” he said. “I said to myself, ‘You idiot! You don’t need all that make-up anymore.’”

Holbrook still uses a prosthetic nose to give it the distinctive shape along with the wig, mustache and eye brows.

“Mark Twain Tonight” has been a constantly evolving program as Holbrook continues to edit from the wealth of material Twain left, not only his novels, but newspaper columns, essays and personal letters, estimating that he has about 17 hours of material to draw from every night. He said he’s able to keep the show up-to-date and relevant to the news of the day without making contemporary references because little has changed since the late 19th century as far as human nature is concerned.

“If you’re careful and spend of lot of time working on it, you can string the material together so that the audience makes the connection,” he said, and said that lately he’s been weaving portions of Twain’s essay “The War Prayer” into the second act.

“Because of terrorism, a handful of people from God knows where can knock down two towers and we are aware now that we cannot be safe behind two great oceans,” Holbrook said. “If we want to live in a world without wars, it may be that we have to learn how to live with other people.

“I don’t think that people, no matter what their political persuasion, would have a hard time accepting that.”

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Showboat Majestic opens season with ‘Swingtime Canteen,’ May 6

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 02:58 PM

“Swingtime Canteen” by Linda Thorsen Bond, William Repicci and Charles Busch; 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 6-24, Showboat Majestic, Cincinnati Public Landing. $17 adults; $16 students/seniors. (513) 241-6550.

SYNOPSIS: MGM is putting glamorous movie legend Marian Ames out to pasture, but this is 1944 and no time for self pity. Marian gathers her instrument playing gal pals from the Hollywood Canteen to entertain the troops in London. Her show is a rip roaring canteen extravaganza that features five archetypal film characters from the 1940’s singing all the classic tunes, including “Sing! Sing! Sing!,” “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You,” “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag,” “How High the Moon,” “Accentuate the Positive” and 25 more. Laughs, emotional fireworks and air raids punctuate this hilarious and heart-warming musical celebration.

CAST: Leslie Jo Bissett (Marian Ames (The Star), Stephanie Coffey (Katie Gammersflugel), Danielle Muething (Topeka Abotelli), Brook Rucidlo (Lilly McBain), and Karie-Lee Sutherland (Jo Sterling). Director/Choreographer, Karie-Lee Sutherland; Musical Director, Scot Wooley.

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Fitton Center schedules new season of “Celebrating Self” lunch series

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 02:26 PM

“Celebrating Self” is a casual and informative luncheon series featuring regional speakers, interesting topics and good food.

All events begin at 11:45 a.m. in the Carruthers Signature Ballroom at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. Tickets are $15 members, $17 non-members and includes a buffet lunch. For information, call (513) 863-8873.

Ohio Foods, Sept. 16. If you are a foodie or just a lover of good ol’ home cooking, you will enjoy hearing about all Ohio has to offer when it comes to tempting your taste buds. From fresh food markets to five-star restaurants, Ohio offers amazing fare no matter where you are. Presented by Ohio Magazine.

Chris & Janeen: Married with Microphones, Oct. 14. Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle are Cincinnati’s only husband and wife on-air team. Chris has been with WGRR for 18 years and Janeen for 14. They have worked together as “Married with Microphones” for the past 14 years. In the fall of 2008 they were voted Cincinnati’s favorite morning show on Cincinnati’s Morning Show Showdown on WKRC-TV.

The Making of a Madam, a memoir by Patsyann Maloney & Wayne Homes, Nov. 11. We often wonder how lives go “off the tracks.” We see the pictures of hardened criminals, yet can glimpse in their faces the child they once were. Join us for this very personal and powerful journey as we explore the recently published memoir of Patsyann Maloney. Patsy and writer Wayne Homes will both personally recount her journey from a young child who struggled with early sexual molestation, poverty, an abusive father, and an absent mother. Those experiences shaped her future and helped explain the poor decisions and ill-conceived relationships that culminated in prostitution and life as a madam. Despite all the evil forces that worked against Patsyann she triumphed. Her story gives hope to the most desolate and destitute.

Program to be announce, Dec. 9.

Group Travel, Jan. 13.
Hitting the road with friends is a great way to spend the afternoon or a long weekend but what are the secrets to great group travel? What are some of the best destinations that cater to group travelers? Join us for this presentation by our friends at Ohio Magazine and come learn more about some of the best places you and your group of friends can visit for a day of fun or weekend of excitement.

Your Hometown - A Photographic Journey with Greg Lynch, Feb. 10. Award winning Hamilton JournalNews photographer Greg Lynch will be sharing a photographic journey of Butler County where he has been documenting daily life for over 16 years. He will be showcasing his coverage of events that range from the Butler County Fair to Friday Night Football. He will be sharing his thoughts on the state of the newspaper and insights on the life of a newspaper photographer.

Basic Rules of Accessorizing with Tina Jacoby Welsh, March 10.
Accessories are the punctuation in design. Welsh will explain the basic components of accessorizing and talk about different things you can use from your life to accessorize your home. She will explore the basic shapes on coffee tables, freebies that can be used in any way, and how books can be a great accessory. Tina will talk about the best ways to organize collections and the treasures that you keep in your closets.

And all that Jazz by Rod Nimtz, April 14. Ever wonder where jazz got its start, what elements make up jazz, or why jazz is considered such a uniquely American art form? Combining history and playing examples (and some audience participation), Rod Nimtz talks about what it is that makes jazz… jazz - what links it to classical music, and what sets it apart. Rod is the Director of Miami’s Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester, and has been playing piano for Miami events for over 30 years.

Ohio Road Trips, May 12, 2010. Join Ohio Magazine and set out for another exciting adventure in Ohio road trips. From thrilling family-friendly spots accessible from scenic byways to romantic B&Bs at the end of a long and winding bend, our Ohio offers plenty of adventure for all ages and all desired destinations worthy of our Buckeye pride. Join us for this exciting conclusion to this year’s Celebrating Self Series and get ready for another great summer full of exciting Ohio Road Trips.

Synopses provided by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts

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Covington’s Carnegie Center ventures into ‘The Secret Garden’

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 02:25 PM

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29-June 14, Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1028 Scott St., Covington. $22 adults $18 Carnegie members, $16 students/groups. (859) 957-1940.

Sunday matinee performances feature the use of closed captioning and American Sign Language interpretation. Patrons interested in taking advantage of this offering may call The Carnegie Box Office for special seating arrangements.

SYNOPSIS: Adapted from the famous children’s novel by British emigre Frances Hodgson Burnett, the Broadway musical is no innocent frolic down primrose garden paths. When an epidemic claims the lives of her parents, eleven year-old Mary Lennox is shipped from India to England to become the ward of her reclusive uncle, Archibald, and his stoic brother, Neville. Haunted by the loss of his beloved wife, Archibald forsakes his ill son, Colin, and guardianship of Mary, until she instills new life into a magical garden shrouded by grief and disuse. The rich Lucy Simon score includes several celebrated songs from the contemporary musical theatre canon, including “Come To My Garden,” “A Bit of Earth,” and the show-stopping duet “Lily’s Eyes.”

PRODUCTION NOTES: New Edgecliff Theatre Artistic Director Greg Procaccino returns to The Carnegie to helm the production, his second at the theater this season and third in two years. He teams for the first time with musical director Steve Hinnenkamp, himself no industry neophyte. A veteran of several Broadway productions and internationally released recordings, Hinnenkamp has played and accompanied for stars including Angela Lansbury, Brooke Shields, and Ann Miller, and has also conducted over 500 operatic performances across Europe. Scenic Designer Christopher Boone has worked extensively for the stage and screen, with design credits including The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Boston Playwright’s Theatre, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and TBS Major League Baseball, as well as local credits at New Stage Collective and Xavier University. He joins Cincinnati Entertainment Award winner Sara Watson, Resident Lighting Designer at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, as well as multi-faceted Costume Designer Jim Stump.

CAST: Cincinnati actor and director Ty Yadzinski takes on the leading role of Archibald, bringing to the production a wealth of professional national, international, and local credits, including recent portrayals of Captain VonTrapp in “The Sound of Music” and Danny Zuko in “Grease” at Covedale Center for Performing Arts. He plays older brother to stage and television actor Edwin Large (Neville), and widower to cherished wife Bree Sprankle (Lily). Returning to the stage of the Otto M. Budig Theatre is Charity Farrell (pictured above, portraying Mary Lennox for the second time in her young acting career. Farrell was a winner of the recent “Singing with the Stars” competition in Cincinnati, and has myriad credits with Jersey Productions and The Muse Machine. Her counterpart is twelve year-old Richard Lowenberg, whose characterization of Colin will tap acting experience including Boy Scrooge in Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol” and Chip in Cincinnati Music Theatre’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Fresh off of their performances in The Carnegie and Commonwealth Theatre Company’s December “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Tim Hein and S. Elizabeth Carroll join fellow NKU musical theatre trainee Julie Wacksman as Dickon, Martha, and Rose, respectively. Catherine Ross, Jon Kovach, Bradley Scott Hamilton, and veteran character actor Ernie Rowland complete the cast of twelve.

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‘Choreographers Without Companies’ program set for June 12

By Richard O Jones | Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 06:06 AM

Contemporary Dance Theatre presents “Choreographers Without Companies,” 8:30 p.m. June 12 and 13, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts. $22-$27 adults; $17 students/seniors, available Aronoff Center Ticket Office at (513) 621-2787.

Choreographers Without Companies is Contemporary Dance Theater’s annual showcase of the best new work by Tri-State choreographers and presents a delightfully varied selection of dance by the area’s talented pool of artists. Choreographers Without Companies offers diversity in styles and voices, and remains one of the few opportunities for audiences to experience the world of possibilities for creating dance in Cincinnati.

This year’s Choreographers Without Companies concert features:

“The Other Room” by Ka-Ron Brown Lehman, based on the idea expressed by Helen Keller, “the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.” This duet features Judith Mikita as Annie Sullivan and Karen Wissel as Helen Keller.

“Shiva Nataraja, God of Dance: Two Indian Dances in Classical Style” by Padma Chebrolu, founder and artistic director of the Cultural Centre of Indian; she started to learn Indian dance at the age of three. Her choreography involves highly complex movements with intricate details personifying the God of Dance. The dances are highly energetic and consist of pure technique and poetic mime.

“Jeri’s New Dance” by Jeri Deckard Gatch explores some of the countless new technical choices that we have to communicate with each other. This work asks whether we are more united or divided by our ability to share the details of our lives so instantly and thoroughly. You can contact, follow, or interact with “Jeri’s New Dance” now on Twitter or on Facebook at “Jeri’s New Dance.”

“Escualo” by Diane Germaine, the third work in her acclaimed tango series. With music by Astor Piazzola and L. Desyatnikov, and featuring dancers Jessica Chavez, Johnny Dotson, and Demetrius Klein, “Escualo” explores the sensual, the dark, and the satirical qualities in the nature of tango. “…add a bit of salt and pepper or a bit of competitiveness, then introduce a new spice or something to covet, and the mix can become serious, potent, and maybe deadly…”

“Putting it Down” by Rachel James reveals the bittersweet nature of human existence. All of us want or need help with our problems, our struggles, and there is no one else to turn to but us. We have to help each other. With live music written by Todd Berke Juengling and performed by Juengling and other Cincinnati musicians, the first dance section is more vulnerable, introverted and tender; the second section is more extroverted and athletic.

“Falling,” by Holly Price and Rebecca Parker is the continuation of “Samadhi,” an exploration of the boundaries of lifting, pulling, and pushing bodies to the extreme—and beyond. Both aerialists, Price and Parker reflect upon how the outside becomes part of the inside, and how dance space creates a world within.

Contemporary Dance Theater was founded in 1972 by Jefferson James and remains the only arts organization in the Tri-State dedicated to promoting and presenting contemporary dance. CDT operates a dance studio and performance space in the historic College Hill Town Hall, 1805 Larch Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224. For more information call (513) 591-1222 or visit www.cdt-dance.org.

IMAGE ABOVE: Photo by Lynn Siegfried from a previous Jeri Deckard Gatch “Choreographers Without Companies” presentation.

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“Artists as Peacemakers” exhibit bridges communities through the arts

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 4, 2009, 02:31 PM

The communities of Fairfield, West Chester and Mason are working together to showcase the arts with the traveling exhibit “Artists as Peacemakers,” part of the United Nations’ commemoration of its International Decade for Culture of Peach and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.

The documentary exhibition, at Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center this week through Monday, May 11, consists of a series of panels exploring a variety of entertainers and performing artists who have devoted their lives to social change as well as entertainment.

The exhibit, which most recently was on display at the Fairfield High School, is sponsored by the International Committee of Artists for Peace (ICAP). Founded in 2002 by Daisaky Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), with the goal of using the language of art to work toward world peace.

Fairfield City Schools, Miami University Voice of America Learning Center, Sinclair Community College and the Mason Area Arts Council have combined efforts to help the ICAP and SGI to showcase the exhibition in various locations.

“Artists as Peacemakers” highlights well-known individuals, in a wide-range of creative fields, who have made positive contributions to society by using their talents to embody the values needed to create real and lasting leach on the global stage.

The exhibit will be on view at the Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. though Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday May 8 and Monday, May 11.

Email the Mason Arts Council for more information, contact masonarts@gmail.com.

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Fitton Center reveals 2009-10 EntertainmentPLUS series

By Richard O Jones | Monday, May 4, 2009, 01:29 PM

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts has announced the line-up for its 2009-10 EntertainmentPLUS series. Ticket prices are set at $15 Fitton Center members, $17 non-members. For information, call (513) 863-8873.

“Take a Tour Down Memory Lane” with Pianists Dave Belew and Thomas Reuter, Sept. 26. Dave Belew and Thomas Reuter will share with an assortment of musical pieces featuring movie themes, Broadway show tunes, Henry Mancini and Gershwin favorites, along with songs from the 1940s.

Barbara Bailey Hutchinson, Oct. 24. This Grammy Award-winning entertainer has recorded 17 CDs and performed at the White House three times. Her voice has been featured in over 100 national commercials for McDonalds, Hallmark Cards, Sears and many others. She has been sharing her unique brand of Contemporary Folk and Americana music across the country and around the world for 25 years.

“Experience the Extraordinary” with Craig Karges, Nov. 14. Karges combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create extraordinary events, live on stage. Karges dazzles the eye and captures the mind during his spellbinding performance as tables float, minds are read and metal bends.

An Evening with Nick Clooney, Dec. 19. Journalist, news anchor, game show host, Nick Clooney garnered nationwide recognition in 1994 when he began introducing films on American Movie Classics (AMC) cable TV channel. His second Fitton Center appearance will feature a discussion about journalism and the movies. He may also talk a little bit about his and son George’s Darfur efforts and he might even read a couple of his favorite Christmas stories.

Dwight Lenox, Jan. 10. Lenox has performed with Sammy Tucker and renowned organist Hank Marr. He’s been showcased alongside the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Bobbie Humphrys, Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Mann. As a featured vocalist with the 17-piece Columbus Jazz Orchestra, he’s shared the stage with Harold Jones and Carmen Bradford. Dwight’s fluid style lends itself to a vast repertoire from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, James Ingram, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls and many more.

Bryan Wallick, Feb. 27. Born and raised in Hamilton, Wallick has gone on to study music at the prestigious Julliard School in New York and compete both in national and international competitions winning such awards as the 1997 Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kieve. This concert performance will include such delights as music by Scarlatti, Schubert, Debussy, and Busoni. The evening will conclude with a monstrous work called “Figaro Fantasy” by the Italian composer Federico Busoni.

Lone Raven, March 27. Lone Raven performs an eclectic blend of traditional music from various areas of the world, as well as their own original compositions. Their highly acclaimed vocal stylings are showcased throughout each concert, performing songs in both English and Irish Gaelic. With over 30 instruments on stage, the band soars through everything from fiery Irish reels to Gypsy fiddle tunes. With this in mind, it is no wonder that Lone Raven is rapidly becoming one of the area’s most “in- demand” acts.

Helen Welch April 16. A British transplant trained at The Guilhall School of Music and Drama in the heart of London, England, Welch performs music from Broadway to jazz to popular song including “Divas!” a celebration of the music of First Ladies of Song, and “We’ve Only Just Begun” featuring the life and music of the Carpenters.

Synopses provided by the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.

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Art Institute of Ohio welcomes home faculty exhibition

By Richard O Jones | Saturday, May 2, 2009, 03:17 PM

An exhibition of work by the faculty from The Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati, An opening reception will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, exhibition continuing through July 10 at the Art Institute, 8845 Governor’s Hill Dr., Cincinnati.

An exhibition of work from the faculty of the Art Institute of Ohio’s Cincinnati campus will go on view at the gallery there beginning wit a reception 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.

The exhibition will be returning to the campus after a show at the at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, which ended May 1.

Faculty are showing their work from a variety of media, including mixed media, video production, graphic design, interactive media, photography and more.

Faculty and staff scheduled to participate in the show include: Mark Hanavan, Charles Ellis, Duff Orlemann, Rachel Fujita, Jennifer Koop, Amanda Parker, Chris Shofner, Joe Drennen, Skip Cullen, Kim Howes, Skip Martin, Richard Eyeman, Mark Harris and Andy Hughes.

Faculty members Michael Lang and Chris Shofner will provide musical entertainment at the reception.

The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati is one of The Art Institutes, a system of more than 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Image: Nicole’s Wedding Is On Hold, Graphic Design, Richard Eyman

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Brittany Lawson to be May’s featured artist at the Oxford CAC

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 1, 2009, 03:21 PM

Brittany Lawson had always considered herself a sketch artist until a high school art project forced her to recognize the joy of painting.

Now, it’s the painting that occupies her creative time, and an exhibition of her work will be featured in May at the Oxford Community Arts Center.

Her work is primarily focused on the natural world, she said.

“I do a lot of close-ups of flowers,” she said, “kind of like Georgia O’Keeffe but more realistic.

“The show was going to be focused on flowers, but when I started looking at what I had, it turns out I have more paintings of animals, a lot of them from photographs I took at the Cincinnati Zoo.”

Lawson, 24, likes painting because it’s more forgiving, she said, and easier to re-work than pencil drawing, althoug there will be a few samples of that in the exhibition as well.

“I still prefer pencil,” she said. “It has a more dramatic look in the way that black-and-white photography can be more interesting that the same photo in color.”

The exhibition opening of Lawson’s work will coincide with the Oxford Community Art Center’s regular Second Friday Art Evening will, beginning 6 p.m. May 8.

The evening will also feature a performance by the musical group Where’s Johnny, at 8 p.m.

Where’s Johnny is a group of nostalgic vocalists casually assembled with a common love of popular vocal music and a desire to keep their musical chops. The group was founded by Maureen and John Nimis just wanted to play around with some harmonies and called Dave McGrew and Meggan Peters, veterans of Oxford Choral Ensemble. With the addition of Greg McBee, the group began to put together an eclectic assortment of their favorite tunes - some retro or romantic, some silly.

Also, every Second Friday event includes Nancy Sturgeon and Janet Holmes offering a “gentle introduction” or a more comprehensive approach to the joys of ballroom dance, featuring open dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, and all proceeds go to the Oxford Community Arts Center. No sign up is required.

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Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre announces 2009-10 season

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 1, 2009, 03:08 PM

Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre’s 2009-2010 season:

Twelve Angry Men by Reginald rose, directed by Rhonda Lucas, October 8-11

Smoke On The Mountain Homecoming by Connie Ray and Alan Bailey, directed by Julie Joyce-Smith, Dec. 3-6

Catch Me If You Can by by Willie Gilbert and Jack Weinstock, directed by Pat Ganz, Feb. 11-14

The Baker’s Wife Directed by Ryan Heinrich, by Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein, April 29-May 2, 2010.

Don’t forget the final play of the GHCT regular season, Something’s Afoot runs through Sunday at Parrish Auditorium, and the special presentation of Always…. Patsy Cline opens June 26 at Garfield Middle School… More to come on that….

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Group exhibition ‘In Persephone’s Wake’ opens May 9 at Gallery 42

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 1, 2009, 02:41 PM

“In Persephone’s Wake,” an exhibition featuring work by Barbara Chenault, M. Katherine Hurley and Stacie Seuberling, opens with a reception, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Gallery 42 on Main Street in downtown Mason. The exhibition continues through May 30.

“In Persephone’s Wake,” “spring is celebrated in a stunning display of landscapes,” said gallery manager Ellen Hyer Pearce in a press release.

In a previous Gallery 42 exhibit, “Hidden Truths,” the first show held outside the Pendleton Art Center comprising exclusively artists from the Pendleton, Pearce selected three artists

“A dynamic that binds all three women is their ability (in their individual ways) to bring mood, emotion and atmosphere to a work of art,” Pearce said.

Barbara Chenault is primarily an oil painter (“Spring Blossoms: Ault Park,” above). Her “appreciative eye finds the intrigue and drama of a scene and translates it” onto canvas. Barbara’s passion is plein air painting, which you can sense from her bright and intuitive renderings of landscapes. Her inspiring use of unexpected color sets her apart from other landscape artists. Barbara exhibits locally and nationally and just returned from the Salon International Show in San Antonio, Texas.

M. Katherine Hurley has been an artist, working in pastels and oils, in Cincinnati for over 30 years (“First Light,” below). Cincinnati art historian and critic, Daniel Brown writes, “Hurley’s work is the search for essences, not likenesses…and symbolically represents nature/ life, growth and beauty.” Kay has exhibited nationally and internationally and has been honored with a solo show at the Butler Institute of Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

Stacie Seuberling is an award winning pastel artist (“Anderson’s Crossing,” below). With the simple tools of chalk on paper she creates something almost magical. Her drive as an artist is to “create a mood that gives the viewer a sense of peace and serenity.” She does this with fluidity and grace, Pearce said. Stacie exhibits locally and nationally.

Gallery 42 features a variety of original artworks from local, regional and national artists. The gallery is concentrating on furthering the careers of well known, as well as, emerging artists. It is the first of several galleries and art related venues opened in Mason by Ramesh Malhotra, an entrepreneur passionate about art, Pearce said.

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Fairfield CAC to accept entries for juried flower show, May 14

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 1, 2009, 02:18 PM

“Celebrations,” a flower show sponsored by the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and Fairfield’s Four Seasons Garden Club and open to all amateur gardeners, will receive entries from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14 and 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15.

Judging begins at 11:30AM. Awards for Best of Show and Judges Award of Distinction.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 1 p.m. Friday, May 15 through May 16.

For more information, contact Lois Kingsley, OAGC Region 4 at 488-4969.

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Lakota teacher, MU grad student opens exhibition in Oxford, May 4

By Richard O Jones | Friday, May 1, 2009, 12:55 PM

Teri McElroy will present a graduate art exhibition, “Hand & Mouse: Evolution of an Art Teacher,” May 4-8 in the Peabody Hall Gallery, 701 Western College Drive.

An opening reception 4-6 p.m., Monday, May 4, is free and open to the public.

“My show reflects my evolution as an art teacher,” McElroy said in a statement. “I have evolved from teaching very old-world artisan crafts, such as, quilt making and batik, to teaching digital design to tech-savvy students. Eight pieces are my traditional handwork pieces. Four pieces are created digitally, re-working and enhancing my labor-intensive traditional work. The result is a juxtaposition of old and new art tools.”

McElroy is a candidate for a master’s degree in art education. She teaches in the Lakota West Freshman School and received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University.

IMAGES: “Your Crack is Showing,” above, representative of the artist’s hand-work. “My Greatest Works…” is “a digital collage of quilts I’ve made about family,” she said, representative of her “mouse” work.

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