The Menus have been entertaining Southwestern Ohio audiences for four decades, with their combination of high-energy classic pop/rock covers and audience banter. See them at the Sorg Opera House, 57 S. Main St., Middletown, on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. $For more information, visit www.sorgoperahouse.org.
“Americus”
This critically acclaimed, off-Broadway show is coming to Cincinnati. Presented by Universes, a multi-cultural performance ensemble, “Americus” is a portrait of contemporary America that combines theater, poetry, dance, hip-hop, jazz and blues. See it at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, through March 8. For more information, including tickets, and showtimes, call 800-582-3208 or visit www.cincyplay.com.
Cincinnati Auto Expo
Every year, the Cincinnati Auto Expo showcases the latest cars, trucks, crossovers, hybrids, and SUVs available on the market today. Experts and demonstrators will be on hand to answer all your questions. Other attractions include test drives, a Dream Machine Boulevard, beer and munchables, and a pet park and family zone for the kids. Check it out at Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, on Feb. 5-9. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 (advance) and $11 (door). Children 12 and younger are admitted free. For more information, call 513-326-7100 or visit www.cincinnatiautoexpo.com.
“Dancing With the Stars Live: 2020 Tour”
The popular reality-competition show is hitting the road once again, combining popular dance routines from the previous season and new numbers choreographed just for the live tour. Among the cast are fan-favorite dancers such as Val Chmerkovskiy and Lindsay Arnold and celebrity contestants such as Kate Flannery. See it at the Taft Theatre, 317 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.50-$79.50. For more information, call 513-232-6220 or visit www.tafttheatre.org.
Lee Rocker (of the Stray Cats)
Lee Rocker, bassist for The Stray Cats, the rockabilly band that achieved fame in the 1980s, will be performing all the old hits, including “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town!” and others. See him at the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. For more information, call 513-867-5348 or visit www.fairfield-city.org/tickets.
“Twice Upon A Time”
Madcap Puppets, our local puppet theater, is staging an original puppet fairy tale. A child is making funny faces into a mirror, until the mischievous reflection leaps into the real world and wrecks havoc. See it at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5-$7. For more information, call 513-863-8873 or visit www.fittoncenter.org.
Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
This high-energy bluegrass act performs lightning-fast instrumentals and novelty songs. See them at Collinsville Community Center, 5113 Huston Road, Collinsville, on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.fotmc.com.
“Play of Light”: Ravel’s Enchantment
The CSO will perform Maurice Ravel’s second opera, about a rude child who abuses the inanimate objects in this room, until those objects come to life. This is a fully staged production that includes illustrated animation. Isabel Leonard, Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano, will perform the role of “The Child.” See it at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Feb. 7-8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14-$130. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
Cincinnati Golf Expo
This annual golf extravaganza gives golf enthusiasts the chance to shop for and test the newest gear and equipment, learn more about various courses and resorts, and more. Check it out at the Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, on Feb. 7-9. Hours are 1-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit www.cincinnatigolfexpo.com.
The Big Cheese Festival
This seventh annual “homage to fromage” is larger than ever, with an expanded layout and more booths and vendors showcasing aged cheddar, gouda, charcuterie, and a bazillion other cheese products. Beer and wine pairings, demonstrations, and live entertainment will go on all weekend. Check it out at Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 E. Dixie Highway, Fairfield on Feb. 8-9 from noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 (adults) and $2 (kids aged 5-12). Children four and younger are admitted free. For more information, call (513) 674-6055 or visit www.junglejims.com.
About the Author