Here are 10 things to do in the Greater Cincinnati region this week:
Western & Southern/WEBN Fireworks at Riverfest
The name may change from time to time, but this annual Labor Day fireworks festival has been a Cincinnati staple for 40-plus years. The day-long event includes music, food, and family fun, climaxing with a Rozzi’s fireworks show to a rockin’ WEBN soundtrack. Check it out at Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, on Sept. 1, starting at noon. The fireworks will start just after 9 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit webn.iheart.com.
Meek Hill, Future
Popular rappers, Meek Mill and Future, are co-headlining this tour that also includes YG, Mustard, and Megan Thee Stallion. Meek Mill released his fourth album, “Championships,” last year. Future released his seventh album, “The Wizrd,” last January. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35-$109.50. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Midwest Funk Festival
This inaugural funk festival features nearly 20 (many Ohioan) performers, including Slave, Young James Brown, DLC (Diverse Live Crew), Fixx Band Cincy, and more. See them at the Newport Ultra Lounge, 120 E. 3rd St., Newport, Kentucky, on Sept. 6 from 4-9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and up. For more information, visit the Midwest Funk Festival page or www.eventbrite.com.
Rick Springfield
You still can’t listen to the radio for long without hearing “Jessie’s Girl.” The 1980s pop icon released his 18th album, “Orchestrating My Life,” this year and is supported on this tour by Patty Smyth & Scandal and Greg Kihn. See them at Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on Sept.6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $23.50-$73. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
“The Empire Strikes Back” Live With Orchestra
Everyone knows the “Star Movies” would not be the same without John Williams’ soaring musical score. So, come see what most people agree is the best “Star Wars” film, “The Empire Strikes Back,” on the big screen while the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs the accompanying Williams score live. Check it out at Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, on Sept. 6-8. Performance times are 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 and up. For more information, call 513-744-3344 or visit www.cincinnatipops.org.
“Side By Side by Sondheim”
Whether you’re a Broadway nostalgist or getting interested in musical theater for the first time, this Tony-winning revue features highlights from Stephen Sondheim, one of the classic Broadway masters. The show features numbers from “Gypsy,” “Follies,” “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum,” and others. See it at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Sept. 6-14. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
Big River Get Down Festival
This annual music festival was founded and currently hosted by David Shaw, Hamilton native and lead singer of The Revivalists. Other acts this year include The War & Treaty, Brent Cobb, Southern Avenue, Neal Francis, and Chris Gelbuda. The Revivalists, best known for their hit 2016 single, “Wish I Knew You,” will headline. Check it out at RiversEdge Amphitheater, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton, on Sept. 7 from 2-11 p.m. Tickets are $38.40. For more information, visit www.bigrivergetdown.com.
Liberty Township Heritage Day
This inaugural historical event will show you what life in Liberty Township was like in the 19th century. Activities and displays include a pioneer log cabin, blacksmithing, candle making, antique farm machinery, corn shelling and grinding, face painting, Native American dances and games, and more. Check it out at Dudley Memorial Woods Park, 5591 Hankins Road, Liberty Township, on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 513-678-8346 or visit the Liberty Township Historical Society Facebook page.
Little Miami Trailblazer Adventure
An adventure that combines a scavenger hunt with education. Paddle, walk, and bike the course while learning about the history and ecology of the Little Miami River. Participants should arrive 30 minutes early and return to finish by 3 p.m. for food and awards. Check it out at Hisey Park, 5443 Middletown Road, Corwin, on Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $200. For more information, visit www.lmriverkleeners.org.
Kaleidoscope, featuring Leon Bridges
This Grammy-winning R&B/soul singer/songwriter, frequently compared to Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, will give a special performance to benefit Cincinnati Children’s. He released his second album, “Good Thing,” last year. See him at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $53.74-$153.74. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
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