CityBeat | June 12, 2024

Viral Video of Cincinnati Police Department

Arrest Sparks Investigation, Backlash

CPD said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint

Viral Video of Cincinnati Police Department Arrest Sparks Investigation, Backlash

Authority.

BY MADELINE FENING

CPD said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint Authority.

BY MADELINE FENING

TThe Cincinnati Police Department is conducting an internal investigation after video of an officer tasing a man sitting at a bus stop, and another officer pointing a gun at the man recording, sparked backlash online.

he Cincinnati Police Department is conducting an internal investigation after video of an officer tasing a man sitting at a bus stop, and another officer pointing a gun at the man recording, sparked backlash online.

The video, lasting three minutes and forty-five seconds, of the June 1 arrest posted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) shows heavy police presence at a bus stop near Government Square in Cincinnati’s Downtown neighborhood. The video shows officers and citizens arguing with tasers and guns drawn. At one point, an officer tases a man, who appears unfazed by the taser. The officer goes on to argue with a woman standing between the officer and the man. The officer pushes the woman away before grabbing the man and tackling him to the bus stop bench with the help of two other officers.

The video, lasting three minutes and forty-five seconds, of the June 1 arrest posted on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) shows heavy police presence at a bus stop near Government Square in Cincinnati’s Downtown neighborhood. The video shows officers and citizens arguing with tasers and guns drawn. At one point, an officer tases a man, who appears unfazed by the taser. The officer goes on to argue with a woman standing between the officer and the man. The officer pushes the woman away before grabbing the man and tackling him to the bus stop bench with the help of two other officers.

“You ain’t gotta do that shit!” yelled the person recording the now-viral video.

“You ain’t gotta do that shit!” yelled the person recording the now-viral video.

Seemingly unable to get the man’s hands behind his back, the officers back up while the man sits on the bench with his arms crossed in front of his face.

Seemingly unable to get the man’s hands behind his back, the officers back up while the man sits on the bench with his arms crossed in front of his face.

“Put your hands behind your back!” yelled an officer repeatedly, pointing a taser at the man.

Another officer can be seen

“Put your hands behind your back!” yelled an officer repeatedly, pointing a taser at the man.

Another officer can be seen

pointing his gun at the man recording the incident.

pointing his gun at the man recording the incident.

“Ain’t nobody about to do nothing, man!” the man recording says to the officer.

“Ain’t nobody about to do nothing, man!” the man recording says to the officer.

Officers again attempt to restrain the man, but are unsuccessful. The man recording tells officers the man they are trying to arrest is not armed.

Officers again attempt to restrain the man, but are unsuccessful. The man recording tells officers the man they are trying to arrest is not armed.

“Put your gun down, bruh! He ain’t got no gun!” the man recording is heard yelling to officers.

“Put your gun down, bruh! He ain’t got no gun!” the man recording is heard yelling to officers.

At the 2:42 minute mark of the video, an officer is seen tasing the man on the bus stop bench, whose hands were visible near his face. This time, the man reacts to the taser, seemingly in pain.

At the 2:42 minute mark of the video, an officer is seen tasing the man on the bus stop bench, whose hands were visible near his face. This time, the man reacts to the taser, seemingly in pain.

“That’s my brother!” yells a woman in the background.

“That’s my brother!” yells a woman in the background.

The officer who was previously pointing a gun at the man recording then steps in between him and the man being tased.

The officer who was previously pointing a gun at the man recording then steps in between him and the man being tased.

“You gonna shoot me or something? I ain’t got no gun, you got a gun to me. You ain’t even got your stun-gun out,” the man recording says to the officer.

“You gonna shoot me or something? I ain’t got no gun, you got a gun to me. You ain’t even got your stun-gun out,” the man recording says to the officer.

As the man recording steps to the side to capture the arrest, the officer sidesteps in front of his view, gun still drawn.

As the man recording steps to the side to capture the arrest, the officer sidesteps in front of his view, gun still drawn.

“You can’t block me, bro,” the man recording says.

“You can’t block me, bro,” the man recording says.

Another officer approaches the man recording the video. As the officer

Another officer approaches the man recording the video. As the officer

appears to reach for the man’s arm, the man recording yells “I didn’t do nothing!” There’s a blurry struggle, then the recording ends.

appears to reach for the man’s arm, the man recording yells “I didn’t do nothing!” There’s a blurry struggle, then the recording ends.

Comments under the video, which has racked up nearly 730,000 views on X alone, call out the officers for not deescalating the situation.

Comments under the video, which has racked up nearly 730,000 views on X alone, call out the officers for not deescalating the situation.

“The police [officer] should be deescalating! The man appeared unarmed and no one was in immediate danger,” one user commented.

“The police [officer] should be deescalating! The man appeared unarmed and no one was in immediate danger,” one user commented.

A Facebook user named Anternitita O’Neal shared the video, along with screenshots of the officer who raised his gun at the man recording, identifying the officer as Orlando Smith.

A Facebook user named Anternitita O’Neal shared the video, along with screenshots of the officer who raised his gun at the man recording, identifying the officer as Orlando Smith.

“I fought hard trying to get this demonic demon off the force and prosecuted but my fight and voice went unanswered,” she said in the June 4 Facebook post. “This monster not only killed my son Dontez Trayshawn Oneal , he also shot six or seven innocent people that were all Black. He also ran over that girl on Vine Street in 2013 after he killed my son.”

“I fought hard trying to get this demonic demon off the force and prosecuted but my fight and voice went unanswered,” she said in the June 4 Facebook post. “This monster not only killed my son Dontez Trayshawn Oneal , he also shot six or seven innocent people that were all Black. He also ran over that girl on Vine Street in 2013 after he killed my son.”

Smith, whose photos across the internet match the face of the officer pointing a gun at the bystander, has been investigated before for misconduct.

Smith, whose photos across the internet match the face of the officer pointing a gun at the bystander, has been investigated before for misconduct.

In a statement shared with reporters on WhatsApp, CPD Lt. Jonathan

In a statement shared with reporters on WhatsApp, CPD Lt. Jonathan

Cunningham said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint Authority:

““The Cincinnati Police Department is aware of a video posted to social media that depicts a portion of an arrest involving CPD officers and three citizens. This incident occurred on June 1, 2024, in the vicinity of 500 Government Square, at approximately 5:00 p.m. The video was subsequently posted to social media via Facebook on Monday, June 3, 2024. We, as an agency understand that a video such as this generates many comments, concerns, and opinions, and can diminish the public’s trust. We are committed to transparency and the safety of our officers and citizens will always remain a top priority. Situations such as this allow us all to have honest conversations to grow together, learn together, and maximize our full potential as a strong city. Currently, this incident is under investigation by CPD, as well as the Citizen Complaint Authority, which provides a neutral, independent review of the incident,” Cunningham said.

CityBeat has submitted a Freedom of Information Act Request related to the incident, which was not fulfilled by press time.

Cunningham said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint Authority: CityBeat has submitted a Freedom of Information Act Request related to the incident, which was not fulfilled by press time.

The Cincinnati Police Department is aware of a video posted to social media that depicts a portion of an arrest involving CPD officers and three citizens. This incident occurred on June 1, 2024, in the vicinity of 500 Government Square, at approximately 5:00 p.m. The video was subsequently posted to social media via Facebook on Monday, June 3, 2024. We, as an agency understand that a video such as this generates many comments, concerns, and opinions, and can diminish the public’s trust. We are committed to transparency and the safety of our officers and citizens will always remain a top priority. Situations such as this allow us all to have honest conversations to grow together, learn together, and maximize our full potential as a strong city. Currently, this incident is under investigation by CPD, as well as the Citizen Complaint Authority, which provides a neutral, independent review of the incident,” Cunningham said.

Cincinnati Police Department's Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint Authority.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK SCREENSHOT

Cincinnati Police Department's Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said the incident is under review by the department and the Citizen Complaint Authority.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK SCREENSHOT

Cincinnati City Council Passes Keffiyeh Resolution With Controversial Amendment

BY MADELINE FENING

Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution on May 30 recognizing World Keffiyeh Day in Cincinnati, but a single word’s amendment sparked arguments among members of council and the gallery.

Councilmember Scotty Johnson submitted the resolution with the help of Mike Madanat, a local advocate for Palestinians and member of the Cincinnati Palestine Solidarity Coalition. The resolution, as it was presented to council, was meant to recognize May 11 as World Keffiyeh Day in Cincinnati.

What is a keffiyeh?

The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern scarf that is commonly associated with Palestinian culture as a symbol of cultural identity, heritage and solidarity.

“The keffiyeh has three very distinct designs on it,” Madanat told CityBeat. “You have the long, bold lines that make up the trade routes throughout the Middle East, the trade routes that were used by Arabs. You have the olive leaves that signify the olive trees that are really important to the land, both for economic and also cultural representation. And then you have the fishnet, which is also the economical and importance of the sea that is really rich to the Palestinian people and their land.”

While keffiyehs have long been a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, their popularity has soared since Israel ramped up its military offensive in Gaza following the Oct. 7 terror attacks. As ethnically and religiouslymotivated hate crimes and incidents in the U.S. have increased, including antisemitism, people wearing keffiyehs and other pro-Palestinian symbols have become targets.

In November, three college students of Palestinian descent, two of whom were wearing keffiyehs, were shot by a man while walking near the University of Vermont, according to Burlington Police. All three men survived the shooting but sustained serious injuries. The shooter, later identified by investigators as 48-year-old Jason J. Eaton, fled the scene and was later arrested. He pleaded not-guilty to three attempted murder charges, but the Department of Justice, along with Vermont authorities, are still investigating whether the shooting qualifies as a hate crime.

“Anything really that resembles Palestinian culture should not be identified with some form of terrorism, Madanat told CityBeat. “Even my experience of wearing a free Palestine t-shirt at the Flying Pig and being told that I’m a terrorist, you know, those types of things should not represent that –we should condemn those types of things. That’s my hope with the resolution today.”

The one-word sticking point

The resolution addressed the cultural significance of the keffiyeh and the danger behind its misappropriation as a symbol of terrorism – all points members of council said they could get behind – but one word became a sticking point for Councilmember Mark Jeffreys.

“Since Oct. 7, people in the Palestinian community and in the Jewish community feel very vulnerable, very vulnerable. Our job as leaders is to lower the tension and not inflame them,” Jeffreys said. “There’s one particular word that I have a real issue with and I’ve had conversations with councilman Johnson and suggested a change, and that word is occupation.”

Occupation is mentioned in one line of the resolution:

“World Keffiyeh Day is celebrated annually on May 11th in solidarity with Palestine, serving as an occasion to honor Palestinian culture and heritage and to raise awareness about the ongoing occupation faced by Palestinians.”

Jeffreys goes on to point out that one of the speakers during the public comment portion of the meeting referenced Israel’s historical occupation of Palestine, which Jeffreys said can be interpreted as a call to eliminate the Jewish State.

“There is no qualifier to say the issue in Gaza, as one of the [public commenters] alluded, ‘76 years of occupation.’ For many people in the Jewish community that means River to the Sea, that means Israel doesn’t have a right to exist. Israel has a right to exist, and I will say that unequivocally,” Jeffreys said. “Essentially what we are doing is advocating for safety for one group while making another feel less safe.”

This is not the first time council has sparred over the language of a resolution about Israel-Palestine. On March 6, a resolution calling for a six-week ceasefire from council newcomer Anna Albi passed 7-1, while a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire from Councilmember Meeka Owens failed 4-3, needing 5 to pass.

In light of Jeffreys’ concern over the word occupation, Mayor Aftab Pureval asked Jeffreys if he would like to offer an amendment on the World Keffiyeh Day resolution.

“If he’s open to it,” Jeffreys responded. Councilmember Johnson then responded to Jeffreys’ concerns over the word occupation.

“I don’t understand everything that’s going on, and I’ve been very honest in that,” he said. “I think the focus, though, this afternoon is addressing hate. It’s addressing the fact that people who chose to exercise the keffiyeh have been harassed, spit upon, killed, maimed.”

Johnson goes on to say that he is not “marginalizing Israel in any way shape or form” with the keffiyeh resolution, reminding council that he voted in favor of condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in the days that followed.

“Call me ignorant if you wish, but that is not my objective here this afternoon to marginalize or disenfranchise anybody,”

Johnson said to applause from the gallery.

Councilmember Reggie Harris responded, suggesting the resolution was attempting to “[slip] in” a geopolitical stance.

“I have said this from day one with the ceasefire resolution…I do not want to comment on Middle East geopolitical work. I don’t want to. It has nothing to do with my work as a councilmember. And I feel, frankly, slipping this in manipulated [us] in having to sign off on a certain geopolitical stance,” Harris said. “I am not going to take a certain geopolitical stance.”

“You just did!” shouted several members of the gallery.

“This is not a call and response,” Harris responded.

Owens chimed in, saying she supports the resolution because of what she’s learned about the keffiyeh during her traveled upbringing.

“Someone actually took the time to educate me about [the keffiyeh] and so I appreciate that. This experience gave me a deeper and more profound understanding of Palestinian culture,” Owens said. “Anytime that we can uplift the beauty of people and their culture, this is truly elevating our shared humanity, [...] and that is my interpretation of this.”

Albi said she planned to vote for the resolution, but that she shared Jeffreys’ concerns over the use of the word occupation.

“I don’t want that getting in the way of me voting for a message that’s aimed towards combating stereotypes and incidents of hate,” Albi said. “Truly, more than anything, I want Cincinnati to be a safe place for all of us.”

After Albi’s comments, Johnson addressed the implication from Harris that geopolitics was slipped into the resolution to manipulate members into taking a stance on Palestine.

“Let me be crystal clear about something. I don’t do anything slipping, sliding, ducking and dodging. I’m as straightforward as they come. I don’t want anybody to think that’s

listening or watching here that I attempted to slide anything forward without it being front and center. I don’t operate like that. I’m not in fear of any man on planet Earth that does it, I fear my lord and savior Christ and that’s it,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he was open to Jeffreys putting forth a motion to change the word occupation, but he didn’t vote for the amendment or the final resolution after the replacement word was put forth by Jeffreys.

“Plight,” Jeffreys offered instead. “Plight of the Palestinians.”

The gallery swelled with disapproval. Pureval asked the crowd to stop yelling.

Pureval then held a vote on the amendment to change the word occupation to plight in the World Keffiyeh Day resolution.

Councilmembers Johnson, Owens, Parks and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney all voted ‘No,’ while councilmembers Seth Walsh, Jeff Cramerding, Albi, Harris and Jeffreys voted ‘Yes’ on the amendment.

After again asking the gallery to quiet their shouts, Pureval called for a vote on the amended resolution where plight now replaced occupation. No one’s vote changed. The resolution passed without the support of its author and initial supporters.

Amid angry shouts from members of the gallery, Johnson, Madanat and dozens of pro-Palestinian gallery members once in support of the resolution filed into the hallway. Johnson held a framed copy of the resolution, the version that reads “...to raise awareness about the ongoing occupation faced by Palestinians.”

“At this point, there’s no reason to hand you this,” Johnson said to Madanat. “You asked for [the word] occupation. I tried to do exactly what you asked for.”

Madanat told CityBeat that, while the passed resolution lacks the acknowledgment of Israeli occupation, there’s still a glimmer of it in the amended resolution.

“I believe [Jeffreys’] call to change the word ‘occupation’ to ‘plight’ says more about him than it does us or the Palestinian people,” Madanat said. “[He] admitted that there is an injustice impacting Palestinians right now. He could have asked to strike the word all together, but he didn’t because he knows there’s an injustice being done to the Palestinian people. Now he can call it a plight and we can call it an occupation, but nonetheless, we both are referencing the same thing.”

Cincinnati City Council member Scotty Johnson talks with pro-Palestinian gallery members after a World Keffiyeh Day resolution was passed with a controversial amendment. PHOTO: MADELINE FENING

CityBeat Sits Down with Nan Whaley, New CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio

BY MADELINE FENING

Former Dayton mayor and Democratic candidate for Ohio Governor Nan Whaley has been named the next CEO for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region, the organization announced on May 30.

Whaley served as mayor of Dayton from 2014-2022, including during the 2019 mass shooting in Dayton’s Oregon District that left 10 people dead. After the shooting, Whaley joined more than 200 mayors in pushing Congress to act on gun control legislation. She received the Dayton Unit NAACP Community Service Award for her leadership following the mass shooting event.

Whaley went on to beat former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley for the Democratic nomination for Ohio Governor in 2022, making her the first woman to win a major party nomination to run for governor in the state. During her campaign, Whaley promised to fight for abortion access after the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade

“It’s time for voters to fight back. If they’re going to take a right away from women by banning abortion, we’re going to take it directly to the people and say enough is enough,” Whaley said during a June 2022 campaign speech.

Whaley and her running mate Cheryl Stephens ultimately lost the race to incumbent Mike DeWine with only 37.2% of the vote, but her fight to protect abortion care access has entered a new phase as CEO for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

CityBeat caught up with Whaley to talk about her new job and how she plans to harness her years in office to serve Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio patients and practitioners.

CityBeat: Why this position? Why Planned Parenthood?

Nan Whaley: Look, I think, as you know, the landscape of reproductive healthcare is at a pressure point, and it’s important to me to advance that mission, because I understand it’s part of advancing our region as a whole. You know, this is a pivotal point for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio as we’re coming off the big win in November, and we have a real opportunity and also a real responsibility to expand to meet the needs of abortion care. Not only for this region, but for this part of the country. And I know the quality of care at Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio is second to none, and so making sure that we protect that and expand that is really important for us at this moment.

CB: Your political background speaks to your qualifications for this position, but are you going to learn more about the medical side of this operation in this role? Is there any training on the horizon?

Whaley: Yeah, I’m really excited about that new part, and I’m eager to listen and learn from the expertise of the clinicians and physicians championing this work that we have on staff, but also across the region. It’s a complex issue and a complex challenge, but that’s what I’m really excited to dive into, to really listen and learn on that part about our patient services, making sure that I really understand that work that we do every day for the great people that work for Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. Healthcare and access to healthcare is really, really important. As mayor of Dayton, it was something that we worked and fought to protect and expand, you know, from making sure people were signed up for Obamacare all the way to fighting to protect access in the region of reproductive rights. I’m really, really looking forward to that part of the job, and getting to work alongside amazing practitioners in this work.

CB: The 24-hour waiting period requirement for abortion care patients is being challenged in court by the ACLU. Why is removing that requirement so important for patient care?

Whaley: The 24-hour rule is unnecessary, and it’s only in place for political reasons, right? So for access to care and ease of access, getting rid of the 24-hour rule will help our patients have the ease and access to get the care they need. Removing barriers for access to care is a top priority, but certainly as we’re becoming a safe-haven state – and we see this in the Cincinnati clinic, particularly – the rule is holding up the ability for us to serve more patients. And finally, Madeline, the people of Ohio have spoken. We have the constitutional amendment. It is protected, and so we need the legislature to stop doing the bidding against the people’s will in Ohio.

CB: Other states are waging their own battles on abortion care, leaving a lot of neighboring states and Southern states depending on Ohio to access abortions. As you said, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio has become critical for those out-of-state patients. How in your

position can you best serve those out-of-state folks?

Whaley: The 24-hour waiting period is a real challenge for people coming from long distances that, unfortunately, have to come in from long distances to access abortion care. I think we’re in a really unique position because of our location in relation to the rest of the country; we have a responsibility to figure out how we can expand care. We want to provide the best quality of care for the people in our region, of course, but we have to also recognize that we’re now serving people way outside our region, and that’s an honor and a privilege to get to do that.

CB: Planned Parenthood is known in the headlines for providing abortion care, but there’s more that Planned Parenthood does for the community and for community health. Can you talk about that?

Whaley: We offer so much more, even expanding into this past year into vasectomy services, hormone therapy services, obviously any type of birth control and the protection and advocacy for that in our clinics. It’s about access to reproductive health and to those folks getting to make their own decisions with a trusted practitioner. That’s the bread and butter of Planned

CB: Your connections and the relationships that you’ve formed during your time as mayor, how are you going to flex those relationships going forward for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio? It’s not just abortion, but things like birth control and hormone therapy that some legislators have said they want on the chopping block.

Whaley: I’m really excited that the board chose me for this role, because it is a bit different to have a former political leader as CEO, but because of my history in being such a heavy advocate for this access to care for reproductive health. Those relationships and people I know, people in [abortion care advocacy], people often know me as a staunch, staunch advocate for this work. I’ve done that from the very beginning, right out of college. So I’m excited to bring new relationships to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio that might not be folks that have been in the healthcare field, but coming from the advocacy side. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to really leverage, because we’re going to need lots of help and lots of support to make sure that we’re providing the best care we possibly can to this region and beyond.

Parenthood Southwest Ohio.

Nan Whaley

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY CAMPAIGN

& A

Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure

CityBeat asks Great Parks to recommend their favorite Cincinnati parks for every sort of outdoor adventure

CityBeat asks Great Parks to recommend their favorite Cincinnati parks for every sort of outdoor adventure

BY ASHLEY MOOR

BY ASHLEY MOOR

AAfter months of being cooped up at home, Cincinnatians are finally emerging from their coldseason cocoon to explore the beautiful natural landscapes in and around the Queen City. From walks along stunning prairie trails to fun-filled water sports on the lake, Great Parks, Hamilton County’s parks system, has something to offer every sort of outdoor adventurer this summer. CityBeat spoke with Amy Roell, Great Parks’ director of programming, to help you plan your summertime fun outside, whether you’re seeking some peace and quiet in the woods or an opportunity to learn more about Cincinnati history.

fter months of being cooped up at home, Cincinnatians are finally emerging from their coldseason cocoon to explore the beautiful natural landscapes in and around the Queen City. From walks along stunning prairie trails to fun-filled water sports on the lake, Great Parks, Hamilton County’s parks system, has something to offer every sort of outdoor adventurer this summer. CityBeat spoke with Amy Roell, Great Parks’ director of programming, to help you plan your summertime fun outside, whether you’re seeking some peace and quiet in the woods or an opportunity to learn more about Cincinnati history.

CityBeat: Which of the Great Parks would you visit for a summer picnic?

tree with doors that reveal birds and animals, an outdoor observation deck and a wild bird viewing area.

tree with doors that reveal birds and animals, an outdoor observation deck and a wild bird viewing area.

CB: For those maybe unable to head to the beach this summer, which park(s) would you recommend for beachinspired fun?

CB: For those maybe unable to head to the beach this summer, which park(s) would you recommend for beachinspired fun?

AR: While we do not have a beach, water sports are plentiful at Winton Woods Harbor. You have the Parky’s Ark wet playground, and at the lake you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, rowboat or pontoon boat to get out onto the water. You can even take a class on kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding through the Adventure Outpost, also at Woodland Mound.

AR: While we do not have a beach, water sports are plentiful at Winton Woods Harbor. You have the Parky’s Ark wet playground, and at the lake you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, rowboat or pontoon boat to get out onto the water. You can even take a class on kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding through the Adventure Outpost, also at Woodland Mound.

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for a more challenging hike?

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for a more challenging hike?

CityBeat: Which of the Great Parks would you visit for a summer picnic? Amy Roell: Woodland Mound has a great view of the Ohio River, a great disc golf course that was recently refurbished, a fun playground for the kids and a beautiful prairie to walk along the 1.2-mile paved shared use trail while you are there. Plus, the Seasongood Nature Center offers fun exhibits and activities, including a life-sized replica sycamore

Amy Roell: Woodland Mound has a great view of the Ohio River, a great disc golf course that was recently refurbished, a fun playground for the kids and a beautiful prairie to walk along the 1.2-mile paved shared use trail while you are there. Plus, the Seasongood Nature Center offers fun exhibits and activities, including a life-sized replica sycamore

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for those hikers looking for some solitude?

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for those hikers looking for some solitude?

AR: Mitchell Memorial Forest is a 1,649acre park that features several trails, including the Wood Duck Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that leads you through a peaceful forest. Keep an eye out on the trail for owls, deer or even lightning bugs during summer evenings.

AR: Mitchell Memorial Forest is a 1,649acre park that features several trails, including the Wood Duck Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that leads you through a peaceful forest. Keep an eye out on the trail for owls, deer or even lightning bugs during summer evenings.

AR: Shawnee Lookout offers some great trails to get your heart rate up and your blood pressure down. There is great birding along the way, and lots of history to learn about, too. Overlooks of the Ohio and Great Miami rivers are on each of the three trails — Blue Jacket Trail (1.3 miles), Little Turtle Trail (2 miles) and Miami Fort Trail (1.4 miles).

AR: Shawnee Lookout offers some great trails to get your heart rate up and your blood pressure down. There is great birding along the way, and lots of history to learn about, too. Overlooks of the Ohio and Great Miami rivers are on each of the three trails — Blue Jacket Trail (1.3 miles), Little Turtle Trail (2 miles) and Miami Fort Trail (1.4 miles).

CB: Conversely, which park would you recommend for an easier hike?

2/3 of a mile, most of which is paved. It takes you through an amazing array of habitats, and many birds, flowers and other interesting sights can be seen along the trail.

2/3 of a mile, most of which is paved. It takes you through an amazing array of habitats, and many birds, flowers and other interesting sights can be seen along the trail.

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for history buffs?

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for history buffs?

CB: Conversely, which park would you recommend for an easier hike?

AR: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve has an interloping trail that covers about

AR: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve has an interloping trail that covers about

AR: Sharon Woods is our oldest park and although there are several projects going on there, you can still enjoy trails and the stone bridges and other structures built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. For some very old history, walk the award-winning Gorge Trail, featuring fossil-filled rocks from

AR: Sharon Woods is our oldest park and although there are several projects going on there, you can still enjoy trails and the stone bridges and other structures built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. For some very old history, walk the award-winning Gorge Trail, featuring fossil-filled rocks from

Kayaking in Winton Woods

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

Mitchell Memorial Forest PHOTO: PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

Kayaking in Winton Woods

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

Mitchell Memorial Forest PHOTO: PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

the Ordovician period, about 450 million years ago.

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for Cincinnatians to take their out-of-town friends and family members?

AR: At Miami Whitewater Forest, there are over 4,600 acres of fun — including camping, over 14 miles of hiking trails, bike riding, boating, dragon and duck boats, paddleboards, kayaks to rent, the visitor center with cool displays and live animals, disc golf, and an 18-hole golf course.

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for a family-friendly adventure?

AR: Glenwood Gardens is home to the Highfield Discovery Garden, a beautiful place for adults and children to learn and experience the beauty of plants and whimsy. There is also a great paved Garden Loop Trail that is 1.1 miles in length with an additional unpaved trail called the Wetland Loop to add an additional 1.6 miles to your hike. New at this park is the Glenwood Gardens Music Garden, a uniquely interactive destination featuring all-weather percussion instruments set among musically themed plantings. The music garden is the eighth themed garden at Highfield Discovery Garden, joining the Frog and Toad Garden, Wizard’s Garden, Trolley Garden, Vegetable Garden, Grandma’s Scent Garden, Butterfly Garden and caterpillar-friendly Morph Garden.

CB: Which park would you recommend for those families with toddlers or babies in strollers?

AR: Parky’s Farm in Winton Woods is perfect for families with toddlers or babies in strollers. This site has a great

playground, lots of animals to see and welcoming barns that guests can enter. In addition to the animals and gardens, Parky’s Farm showcases a multitude of natural habitats. From fields and open spaces to ponds, a wetland and woods, you can discover a large variety of flora and fauna.

CB: Which park(s) are easily accessible for those in wheelchairs and/or for people with disabilities?

AR: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve offers a paved trail, easy access to exhibits and programs in the Ellenwood Nature Barn.

Coming soon to Sharon Woods will be a $13 million destination playground, offering a welcoming play experience for children of all ages and abilities.

CB: Which park(s) would you recommend for bird watching? And which parks might have the best potential for wildlife viewing?

AR: Shawnee Lookout is popular in the summer with birders as is Miami Whitewater Forest. Both places offer big spaces for animals to find their niche. Deer and other mammals can be seen too.

CB: Which park(s) has the best scenic views for summertime photoshoots?

AR: Woodland Mound has great spaces for sunset photos, including the Breezy Point Pavilion with its breathtaking view of the Ohio River Valley. Glenwood Gardens has beautiful manicured gardens for a great backdrop for photos.

Learn more about Great Parks by visiting greatparks.org.

Mitchell Memorial Forest

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY GREAT PARKS

THE

Summer Guide Summer Guide Summer Guide

27 HIDDEN-GEM SUMMER ADVENTURES IN GREATER CINCINNATI

Your Guide To Having Off-the-Beaten-Path Fun In The Queen City This

Summer

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Summer in Cincinnati is synonymous with baseball games at Great American Ball Park, sun-soaked days spent at Kings Island and walking on the wild side at the Cincinnati Zoo. And while these age-honored pastimes are a must on your summer must-do list, Cincinnati also has some other less thought-of and off-the-beaten-path adventures waiting for you.

From a wholesome, vintage-style theme park and berry and flowerpicking to getting wet and wild on the Ohio River, here are some hidden-gem activities in Greater Cincinnati to help you break the summertime mold.

Have a Wholesome Carnival Day at Stricker’s Grove’s Open-to-the-Public Days 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road, Ross Just outside Hamilton County in Ross lies a tiny amusement park that looks like it popped up from the past. Stricker’s Grove is a family-owned theme park that’s available for rent, but is also open to the public four days of the year: Fourth of July, Family Day (second Sunday in August), Labor Day and Customer Appreciation Day (sometime in October). The amusement park features a variety of vintage-looking rides, including the wooden roller coaster Tornado, a merry-go-round, Tilt A

Whirl and a Ferris Wheel. You can also play 18 holes of mini golf, video games in the arcade, skeeball, horseshoes or at the shooting gallery.

Bike, Hike or Kayak at Miami Whitewater Forest 9001 Mt Hope Road, Crosby Township

On the western edge of Hamilton County is a park that is basically a summer camp for all ages. If you love being active and outdoors, Miami Whitewater Forest offers endless opportunities for adventurers. Hit the boathouse to rent a

kayak, stand-up paddle board or other watercraft to take out onto the lake. You can also rent a bike there to conquer the nearly 8-mile-long Shaker Trace Outer Loop trail, which takes you through scenic prairies and wetlands and offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing. Or, lace up your boots and meander through forests and across streams on the Badlands, Oakleaf, Tallgrass Prairie or Timberlakes trails. They also sell concessions during the summer, making it a perfect picnic location.

Enjoy a Free Summer Concert

We all want to see the show of the summer at the big players like Riverbend, Andrew J Brady and Heritage Bank Arena, but when you crave some tunes in a relaxed atmosphere that you can enjoy from a camp chair, many Cincinnati-area parks and other gathering spaces offer free summer concert series featuring local and regional musicians and bands. Catch a show at Rockin’ the Roebling at The Banks, Wildcard Wednesdays at Factory 52, Music on Mills in Norwood, Concerts in the Park in Delhi or the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s series at Devou and Tower parks, just to name a few. Bring a blanket or chair, some snacks and beverages and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Put on Your Dancing Shoes for Salsa on the Square 520 Vine St., Downtown Bust out your best moves or learn how to salsa every Thursday night at Fountain Square during the summer. Salsa on the Square is free and features live local and regional Latin bands that specialize in salsa, merengue, cumbia and Latin jazz. There are also large, instructor-led dance classes to help you get the moves down, and Mazunte is there to serve up tacos, tostadas and guacamole. For a refreshing drink after all the dancing, grab a margarita at Fountain Square’s full-service bar.

American Sign Museum

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

Guide Guide Guide

Take a Journey on the Water in a Kayak or Canoe

The Queen City boasts many canoeing and kayaking rentals, including Loveland Canoe & Kayak, Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures, Green Acres and Scenic River Canoe Excursions, plus some road trip-worthy locations within a few hour’s drive – all perfect for floating a weekend away. Check with each business about reservations, specific rental fees and what you can and can’t bring with you. (We’re looking at you, cabrewers). If you’re searching for a little more of an aquatic adventure, the 23rd annual Paddlefest on the Ohio River is happening Saturday, Aug. 3. Paddlefest is open to kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards, as well as participants of all paddling experience levels. Motorized boat traffic will be prohibited on the river during this time, making for smooth paddling, and you can choose between the full 9-mile route or a 4.5mile route.

Visit

the Midway at a Church Festival or County Fair

As fish frys are synonymous with the Lenten season in Cincinnati, so too are church and parish festivals with summer. The Catholic Telegraph has a full list of Cincinnati-area fairs, full of carnival rides, games, live music, funnel cake, beer and even light gambling. One of the premier events of the summer though is Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Panegyri — an event that’s a whirlwind of Greek food, Greek music and dancing and shopping for artisan goods — like My Big Fat Greek Wedding brought to life. For a similar vibe, the Hamilton County Fair is back June 27-30 with a midway full of rides and games, livestock displays, demolition derbies, arts and crafts exhibits, tons of fried food, giant tomatoes and all the rest of the wholesome county antics you’d expect.

Board

the

Cincinnati Dinner Train for a Culinary Adventure

All aboard this vintage train featuring restored ‘50s-era dining cars. The Cincinnati Dinner Train leaves the station every Saturday March-December from the rear parking lot of the Green Sales Company in Roselawn and traverses south to the downtown Cincinnati riverfront before reversing course back north. On board, you’ll receive a fourcourse dinner with an entree (a choice of prime rib, salmon or chicken in a white wine sauce), along with an appetizer, salad, vegetable, baked potato and dessert. The train has a strict business casual dress code, but travelers are also highly encouraged to dress in their 1940s best.

Pick Your Own Berries at

Blooms & Berries Farm

9669 OH-48, Loveland Berries taste best when fresh from the

garden, and Blooms & Berries Farm offers you the chance to do that without the frustration of growing your own if you lack a green thumb. Throughout the summer, the farm offers U-Pick days where you can purchase a $3 field pass and collect buckets of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, depending on the part of the season and how the crop has responded that year. While the strawberry crop is mostly finished for the year, according to the farm, pickers can still prepare for blueberry and blackberry season, as well as the U-Dig potato season in July.

Stargaze at the

Cincinnati

Observatory

3489 Observatory Place, Hyde Park

Founded in 1842, the Cincinnati Observatory houses the oldest fully operational telescope in the nation. If you want to gaze at the summer skies, the observatory hosts a variety of Astronomy Nights where you can tour

Ohio River Paddlefest

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY PADDLEFEST

the historic building and get a glimpse through the telescope, including a weekly public tour, date nights under the stars and a family-friendly night that features and interactive craft or activity.

Amble Among Art at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton Art appreciation and fresh air aren’t mutually exclusive, at least at Hamilton’s Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. Since 1997, the 300-acre nonprofit outdoor art park has featured more than 80 gargantuan sculptures displayed among rolling hills, lakes and hiking trails. If the weather’s not to your taste, head indoors to explore the ancient sculpture museum, which houses Greek, Roman, Syrian and Egyptian art, as well as rotating exhibitions of more modern work. The park rents out special Art Carts (a.k.a. golf carts) on a first-come-first-served basis.

Travel

Ohio’s Ice Cream

Trail

For a sweet adventure this summer, Ohio offers an official “Ice Cream Trail,” featuring dozens of dairy whips, shops, parlors and creameries across the state, including Cincinnati’s own Graeter’s and Aglamesis Bro’s. Whether you’re looking for a classic soft-serve chocolate-vanilla twist in a cone, frozen custard or ice cream flavors that sound like they danced out of your childhood imagination, you’ll find a shop on the Ice Cream Trail that will fit the bill. Ohio.org even has a handy map to help you on your quest to that sweet, sweet sugar high.

Soar to New Heights at the Swing House

1373 Avon Place, Camp Washington

The Swing House is a whole-building art project — a freestanding 1880s three-story brick home in Camp Washington where owner and artist Mark de Jong has removed the interior walls and upper floors and built a swing right in the middle of the opened-up interior. Made from pine he salvaged from third-floor joists, the swing is attached by 30 feet of natural fiber rope to a metal beam on the ceiling. Visit during the monthly open house event every second Saturday of the month from noon-4 p.m.

Cruise the River in the Cincinnati Cycleboat

4601 Kellogg Ave., East End

You’ve heard of a pedal wagon, but how about a pedal boat? Cincinnati Cycleboat is a bar, bike and boat all in one (no actual cycling required if you don’t want to). Holding up to 14 people per boat, Cincinnati Cycleboat allows you to explore the Ohio River and the city of Cincinnati with your closest friends and family. Not only is it a bar on a boat, but your party gets to bring their own drinks, and you pick the music, so make sure you create a killer playlist to capture that summer mood.

Soak Up Culture at Shakespeare in the Park

This summer, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is bringing its popular free Shakespeare in the Park series to public spots across the Tri-State. This summer’s production is Hamlet, the tale of Hamlet, a Danish prince, grappling with his father’s murder and his mother

subsequently marrying the murderer — (spoiler alert) Hamlet’s uncle. “This summer, become immersed in the intrigue of Shakespeare’s Hamlet — a riveting blend of passion, ghosts, and royal drama that promises to heat up your summer nights with gripping intensity,” says CSC. The season runs from July 12 to Sept. 1.

Visit the Bison at Big Bone Lick

3380 Beaver Road, Union

If you’re up for a short drive, Big Bone Lick State Park in Union has a collection of easy and moderate trails that pass through the historic site’s woodlands, grasslands, savanna and salt-sulfur springs. Named after the Ice Age megafauna that once occupied the area and its saltwater streams, the park is still home to a collection of giant mammals: bison. The 10 to 15 on view are a link to the Ice Age and an attempt to reestablish a herd of the endangered animals at the park.

Drink in Cincinnati’s Beer History Along the Brewing Heritage Trail

1801 Race St. or 73 E. McMillan Ave., Over-the-Rhine

Once one of the largest brewing boomtowns in 19th-century America, the Queen City was home to major pre-Prohibition beer kingpins and, in recent years, has bolstered an everexpanding craft brewing scene. Overthe-Rhine’s Brewing Heritage Trail explores, preserves and celebrates the city’s storied past as a beer-producing capital with a series of guided tours and a free walking trail. “Hop on” the trail at either terminus — which stretches about three-fourths of a mile between Findlay Market (1801 Race St.) and Grant Park (73 E. McMillan

Ave.) in Over-the-Rhine — and follow embedded medallions in the sidewalk to discover historic buildings, brewing sites, public art and more. A number of guided tours are also available to complement the self-guided trail.

Make Waves at Wake Nation

201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield

You surf bro? At Wake Nation Cincinnati, you don’t have to. They offer a cable park, where wakeboarders are pulled by an overhead cable system (no boat required), and an Aqua Park, a.k.a. a floating playground complete with trampolines, which includes the Launch Slide, which is as rad as it sounds.

See Antique and Vintage Cars Up Close at Collection21

21 Kenton Lands Road, #4, Erlanger Collection21 is a personal collection of American-made automobiles from the 1900s through the 1980s that’s open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays. The collection is made up of over 200 cars and tours are complimentary, but Collection21 does ask for a $15 donation per person; 100% of those proceeds go to Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, a nonprofit that provides homeownership opportunities for lower-income residents through their lease-to-own program.

Dig Up the Past at Trammel Fossil Park

11935 Tramway Drive, Sharonville

Uncover the past at this unique park with literally millions of fossils dating to the Ordovician Period (over 440 million years ago). Trammel Fossil Park is free to enter and you can keep whatever you find – typically a lot of fossilized coral,

Miami Whitewater Forest

PHOTO: GREAT PARKS

Bison at Big Bone Lick

PHOTO: ADAM DOTY

brachiopods, crinoids and trilobites. There are 10 acres to explore, with the park sectioned off in different formations. There’s not much shade here, as you’re basically digging on the side of an uncovered hill, so make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen and a hat for those hot summer days of refining your archaeology skills.

Cut Your Own Flowers at Marmalade Lily

9850 Schlottman Road, Loveland

Nothing brightens up your home in the summer like a vase full of freshcut flowers. During the season, event venue Marmalade Lily allows guests to cut their own flowers straight from the garden on Wednesday evenings

and Saturday mornings for just $5 for admission, plus the flowers you cut. You’re given clippers, baskets and water, and a floral specialist can show you which flowers are currently blooming. Individual flowers range in price from $1-$4, and the event is BYOV (bring your own vase).

Kick Back at Brookville Lake

This small town has a lakefront park only an hour from downtown Cincinnati that offers camping, hiking and boating in addition to a beach that you can kick back and relax on. Brookville also has a fair share of shops, street festivals and historic sites in its downtown area.

Take in a Ball Game With the Florence Y’alls

Thomas More Stadium: 7950 Freedom Way, Florence Summer is synonymous with America’s pastime, and while we fully encourage you to cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, the Florence Y’alls bring a different kind of energy to baseball. Part of the independent baseball league the Frontier League, the Y’alls offer seating that allows for a good view, no matter where you are, and creative promotional nights, like Christmas in July, Super Hero Night and Bark in the Park. Games feature a Kids Zone with free-access playscapes, trampolines and basketball hoops. There are also two inflatables your kids can play on for an extra fee. As for the fun zone for adults, Y’alls games offer happy hours on Fridays and Rockin’ Saturdays featuring live music after the game. Plus, you won’t need a wealthy benefactor to bankroll your hot dog.

Move Your Body at Free Outdoor Workout Classes

Looking to change up your workout routine? Want to get a good workout in while enjoying the beautiful summer weather? Parks across Greater Cincinnati are offering plenty of free weekly pop-up programs, ranging from yoga to Zumba, all led by different studios and instructors. Places offering free workout classes include Workout on the Green at Washington Park every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.; yoga and strength training and toning workouts at Ziegler Park every Tuesday starting at 5 p.m.; and several classes including Zumba, line dancing and yoga at Summit Park throughout the week.

Get a Glimpse of History at the Heritage Village Museum

11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville

This living history museum in Sharon Woods offers a look at life in Southwestern Ohio in the 1800s. It features homes, outbuildings and equipment that were moved to the grounds to be preserved and help tell the story of Ohio’s past, as well as interpreters who can offer stories and facts that will bring the village to life. The museum also offers demonstrations on 19th-century activities like spinning, weaving and carpentry; historical exhibits; and special events like period dinners, historical-themed escape rooms and ghost tours.

Bask in the Neon Glow of the American Sign Museum

1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington

This one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to the art and history of commercial signs and sign-making holds the stories of a not-often-seen side of American history. You can wander through the American Sign Museum’s collection and everpresent neon glow to learn more about these stories, as well as see what goes into preserving or restoring old signs.

Get Lost in the Pages of a Book at the Cincinnati Library

A summer adventure doesn’t have to be IRL; sometimes getting lost in a story can be a great adventure on its own. If you’re looking for some reads to enjoy while you waste away in a lawn chair with a cold drink, you don’t have to look far. The Cincinnati Public Library’s collection of books — both physical and electronic for the Kindle folks — is extensive and diverse, whether you’re looking for a spicy romance, a cozy mystery or a high-flying fantasy. The library has also launched its annual summer reading program for kids and teens that offers fun prizes the more you read. And when you’re done with your book and ready for a real-life adventure, the library also has its Discovery Pass, which offers free admission to some of Cincinnati’s most beloved cultural attractions to library cardholders.

Step Back in Time at Serpent Mound

3850 OH-73, Peebles

History buffs will love a visit to Serpent Mound, the largest ancient earthworks site in the world. At over 1,300 feet long and dating between 1,000-2,000 years old, this mound was built by people of the Adena culture and has been carefully studied, yet still baffles some scientists. There’s a sheltered area for picnicking, several additional archeological sites and beautiful wooded grounds, meaning you can make a trip to Serpent Mound a fullday getaway.

The Swing House

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

Cincinnati Observatory

PHOTO: BRITTANY THORNTON

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

A Spirited Affair

College Hill’s Manga Manga to host the first-ever Cincinnati Anime Film Fest

A Spirited Affair

College Hill’s Manga Manga to host the first-ever Cincinnati Anime Film Fest

BY MACKENZIE MANLEY

BY MACKENZIE MANLEY

IIn early June, College Hill’s Manga Manga launched its first ever Cincinnati Anime Film Fest (CAFF) with 1995’s cult classic Ghost in the Shell at The Woodward Theater. Now, fans of Japanese comics and animation can feast on six screenings this July and August –– all at The Hollywood DriveIn Theatre, located in the parking lot behind Manga Manga’s storefront.

n early June, College Hill’s Manga Manga launched its first ever Cincinnati Anime Film Fest (CAFF) with 1995’s cult classic Ghost in the Shell at The Woodward Theater. Now, fans of Japanese comics and animation can feast on six screenings this July and August –– all at The Hollywood DriveIn Theatre, located in the parking lot behind Manga Manga’s storefront.

When C. Jacqueline Wood first opened Manga Manga in April 2022, it was already in the back of her mind to create programming around anime. After all, anime films and TV shows are often based on manga, and vice versa.

When C. Jacqueline Wood first opened Manga Manga in April 2022, it was already in the back of her mind to create programming around anime. After all, anime films and TV shows are often based on manga, and vice versa.

“Our mission with the shop is to celebrate Asian art and stories,” says Wood. “And the film festival is just another version of that. We started doing meetups last summer and it was a really interesting way to build community.”

“Our mission with the shop is to celebrate Asian art and stories,” says Wood. “And the film festival is just another version of that. We started doing meetups last summer and it was a really interesting way to build community.”

Wood goes on to list various meetups, which included everything from a Japanese conversation night to a cosplay event and a teen hangout.

Wood goes on to list various meetups, which included everything from a Japanese conversation night to a cosplay event and a teen hangout.

“That was a really exciting way to bring people together to talk and learn about manga, Japanese culture and Asian culture,” says Wood. “The drive-in screenings are just another extension of bringing people together with a shared interest of participating in a community-minded activity. And the drive-in is really fun! People love movies; this will add something exciting to people’s summertime plans.”

“That was a really exciting way to bring people together to talk and learn about manga, Japanese culture and Asian culture,” says Wood. “The drive-in screenings are just another extension of bringing people together with a shared interest of participating in a community-minded activity. And the drive-in is really fun! People love movies; this will add something exciting to people’s summertime plans.”

CAFF, which Wood describes as a celebration rather than a traditional film fest, also allowed her to dip back into film programming. Prior to opening Manga Manga, Wood founded and helmed The Mini Microcinema, an

CAFF, which Wood describes as a celebration rather than a traditional film fest, also allowed her to dip back into film programming. Prior to opening Manga Manga, Wood founded and helmed The Mini Microcinema, an

experimental film nonprofit. She also worked as a film curator for FotoFocus Cincinnati. CAFF combines that past experience with her current business.

experimental film nonprofit. She also worked as a film curator for FotoFocus Cincinnati. CAFF combines that past experience with her current business.

“Film is my passion and it’s really neat to be back in that space doing the thing I love the most,” says Wood. “It’s really cool for me that the shop can support film programming through the Cincinnati Anime Film Fest, and that the mission can still be there at the core but in a different form. I’ve always loved community building. It’s what I used to do with The Mini Microcinema and what I’ve tried to do with Manga Manga.”

“Film is my passion and it’s really neat to be back in that space doing the thing I love the most,” says Wood. “It’s really cool for me that the shop can support film programming through the Cincinnati Anime Film Fest, and that the mission can still be there at the core but in a different form. I’ve always loved community building. It’s what I used to do with The Mini Microcinema and what I’ve tried to do with Manga Manga.”

The emphasis on community is evident even in the program materials; Wood commissioned artists to create art for the program. She also asked five people to write about their experiences watching the films, which were used in the program’s descriptions.

The emphasis on community is evident even in the program materials; Wood commissioned artists to create art for the program. She also asked five people to write about their experiences watching the films, which were used in the program’s descriptions.

Wood emphasizes that she doesn’t consider herself a manga, anime or Japanese culture “expert,” but she is a fan. She goes on to explain that she has always worked to treat the art form with respect in how she runs Manga Manga. She aims to do the same with CAFF.

Wood emphasizes that she doesn’t consider herself a manga, anime or Japanese culture “expert,” but she is a fan. She goes on to explain that she has always worked to treat the art form with respect in how she runs Manga Manga. She aims to do the same with CAFF.

Screenings take place on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. throughout July and August, starting with a nostalgic childhood throwback on July 11: 2004’s Yu-GiOh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light (PG) directed by Hatsuki Tsuji.

Screenings take place on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. throughout July and August, starting with a nostalgic childhood throwback on July 11: 2004’s Yu-GiOh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light (PG) directed by Hatsuki Tsuji.

Other screenings include a recording of the play adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved Spirited Away (NR) on July 18 and Saturday, July 20. Directed by John Caird, Wood says the first screening features Cast A and stars Kanna Hashimoto; Saturday’s showing stars Mone

Other screenings include a recording of the play adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s beloved Spirited Away (NR) on July 18 and Saturday, July 20. Directed by John Caird, Wood says the first screening features Cast A and stars Kanna Hashimoto; Saturday’s showing stars Mone

Kamishiraishi with Cast B.

Kamishiraishi with Cast B.

“With Spirited Away: Live on Stage, which is a really beautiful adaptation of the Miyazaki animation, they required us to do two screenings,” says Wood. “There were two different casts and so they recorded it twice. What you’ll be watching is the stage play.”

“With Spirited Away: Live on Stage, which is a really beautiful adaptation of the Miyazaki animation, they required us to do two screenings,” says Wood. “There were two different casts and so they recorded it twice. What you’ll be watching is the stage play.”

While the stipulation was interesting, it also gives fest-goers more chances to take in the stage adaptation’s puppetry, costumes and musical numbers. If viewers wanted, Wood says they could even watch both and compare the casts.

While the stipulation was interesting, it also gives fest-goers more chances to take in the stage adaptation’s puppetry, costumes and musical numbers. If viewers wanted, Wood says they could even watch both and compare the casts.

Next up is The First Slam Dunk (PG-13) on July 25. Directed by Takehiko Inoue, the movie is based on a Shōnen Jump manga series that follows a delinquent high schooler’s quest to woo his dream girl and help his basketball team reach the national championship.

Next up is The First Slam Dunk (PG-13) on July 25. Directed by Takehiko Inoue, the movie is based on a Shōnen Jump manga series that follows a delinquent high schooler’s quest to woo his dream girl and help his basketball team reach the national championship.

“I knew I wanted to include a sports anime; Slam Dunk was the perfect choice for that,” says Wood. “Takehiko Inoue is a very famous mangaka, or manga artist. His most famous, I would say, is Vagabond. Even though it’s an older series, it’s still very popular. But he also created Slam Dunk, which is very popular. The First Slam Dunk movie is a recent release in 2022. I’m not sure how many people have seen it, so it’s exciting to bring it to the festival.”

“I knew I wanted to include a sports anime; Slam Dunk was the perfect choice for that,” says Wood. “Takehiko Inoue is a very famous mangaka, or manga artist. His most famous, I would say, is Vagabond. Even though it’s an older series, it’s still very popular. But he also created Slam Dunk, which is very popular. The First Slam Dunk movie is a recent release in 2022. I’m not sure how many people have seen it, so it’s exciting to bring it to the festival.”

August programming kicks off on Aug. 1 with CAFF’s sci-fi pick: Metropolis (PG-13), which Wood says is also an ode to Osamu Tezuka, known as “the Godfather of manga.” Along with Metropolis — now out of print and hard to find — he created classic manga like Astroboy. Released in 2001, Metropolis is another throwback.

August programming kicks off on Aug. 1 with CAFF’s sci-fi pick: Metropolis (PG-13), which Wood says is also an ode to Osamu Tezuka, known as “the Godfather of manga.” Along with Metropolis — now out of print and hard to find — he created classic manga like Astroboy. Released in 2001, Metropolis is another throwback.

“It has a really interesting soundtrack. The animation is beautiful,” says Wood. “It has a bit of everything. It has suspense. It has mystery and a little bit of romance. It’s a really powerful film. Any anime or manga fan should see this because it influenced a lot of work after it.”

“It has a really interesting soundtrack. The animation is beautiful,” says Wood. “It has a bit of everything. It has suspense. It has mystery and a little bit of romance. It’s a really powerful film. Any anime or manga fan should see this because it influenced a lot of work after it.”

Speaking of romance, 2019’s Weathering With You (PG-13) by Makoto Shinkai winds the fest down on Aug. 8. Shinkai is also known for Your Name and, more recently, 2022’s Suzume. Wood points out that Weathering With You is based on a light novel: a type of book native to Japan aimed at teens and young adults.

Speaking of romance, 2019’s Weathering With You (PG-13) by Makoto Shinkai winds the fest down on Aug. 8. Shinkai is also known for Your Name and, more recently, 2022’s Suzume. Wood points out that Weathering With You is based on a light novel: a type of book native to Japan aimed at teens and young adults.

Concessions will be available at each screening; Wood also encourages festgoers to come early and grab dinner at a nearby College Hill restaurant or explore the store, which will also be open late for anyone who wants to pop in after the movie. All screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles, except for Yu-Gi-Oh!, which is in English dub. After the fest, there will be a casual Friday wrap-up on Aug. 9 from 6-8 p.m. on the patio outside of the shop. Customers can discuss what they watched over the summer and connect over their shared interests.

Concessions will be available at each screening; Wood also encourages festgoers to come early and grab dinner at a nearby College Hill restaurant or explore the store, which will also be open late for anyone who wants to pop in after the movie. All screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles, except for Yu-Gi-Oh!, which is in English dub.

After the fest, there will be a casual Friday wrap-up on Aug. 9 from 6-8 p.m. on the patio outside of the shop. Customers can discuss what they watched over the summer and connect over their shared interests.

Tickets are $25 per car and $6 if you opt to bring your own chair and radio. Children under age 10 are free for walkup tickets; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are $25 per car and $6 if you opt to bring your own chair and radio. Children under age 10 are free for walkup tickets; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The Cincinnati Anime Film Fest takes place July 11, 18, 20 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at The Hollywood Drive-In Theatre. For more info, visit mangacincinnati.com/cincy-anime-film-fest.

The Cincinnati Anime Film Fest takes place July 11, 18, 20 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at The Hollywood Drive-In Theatre. For more info, visit mangacincinnati.com/cincy-anime-film-fest.

The Cincinnati Anime Film Fest will consist of six screenings at Manga Manga this summer. ART: HUGO PEREIRA

The Cincinnati Anime Film Fest will consist of six screenings at Manga Manga this summer.

ART: HUGO PEREIRA

ONSTAGE

CCCincinnati Opera’s 2024 Season Includes Original Work by Paul McCartney and Other Groundbreaking Performances

BY ANNE ARENSTEIN

Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Season Includes Original Work by Paul McCartney and Other Groundbreaking Performances

BY ANNE ARENSTEIN

incinnati Opera’s 2024 season spans three centuries with Mozart’s 1787 masterpiece Don Giovanni, followed by Verdi’s La Traviata. The season concludes with the first staged production of Liverpool Oratorio, composed by Paul McCartney and British composer/conductor Carl Davis, which had its world premiere in 1991.

incinnati Opera’s 2024 season spans three centuries with Mozart’s 1787 masterpiece

Don Giovanni, followed by Verdi’s La Traviata. The season concludes with the first staged production of Liverpool Oratorio, composed by Paul McCartney and British composer/conductor Carl Davis, which had its world premiere in 1991.

The intimate studio sessions in Music Hall’s Wilks Theater offer cabaret-style performances by three of this season’s leading artists. Jacqueline Echols McCarley’s program features spirituals, gospel and jazz. Elliot Madore reflects on juggling the demands of family and career. Jessica Rivera offers a program reflecting her Latina heritage.

The intimate studio sessions in Music Hall’s Wilks Theater offer cabaret-style performances by three of this season’s leading artists. Jacqueline Echols McCarley’s program features spirituals, gospel and jazz. Elliot Madore reflects on juggling the demands of family and career. Jessica Rivera offers a program reflecting her Latina heritage.

Mozart’s bad boy leads off in a traditional production with one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Mozart, Dame Jane Glover, on the podium and a cast that features University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) faculty and alumni. Director

Mozart’s bad boy leads off in a traditional production with one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Mozart, Dame Jane Glover, on the podium and a cast that features University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) faculty and alumni. Director Alison Moritz, who staged last season’s powerful, stunning production of The Knock, takes on the challenge to broaden the troubling character of Don Giovanni, a notorious womanizer.

Alison Moritz, who staged last season’s powerful, stunning production of The Knock, takes on the challenge to broaden the troubling character of Don Giovanni, a notorious womanizer.

“Having a woman directing this was intentional,” says Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s artistic director. “Alison has been doing a lot of research, noting how Don Giovanni often comes off as a predatory man, a serial rapist who gets dragged off to hell at the end.”

“Having a woman directing this was intentional,” says Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s artistic director. “Alison has been doing a lot of research, noting how Don Giovanni often comes off as a predatory man, a serial rapist who gets dragged off to hell at the end.”

“After several discussions, we saw him as a shapeshifter who sees what his target wants and turns himself into that character. It doesn’t make him any better but he’s not someone who randomly seduces and preys on women.”

“After several discussions, we saw him as a shapeshifter who sees what his target wants and turns himself into that character. It doesn’t make him any better but he’s not someone who randomly seduces and preys on women.”

“You alter a person’s life forever when you abuse them,” Mirageas adds. “We had patrons and board members who asked why do this? But it’s so close to real life and, even with a few laughs, it’s a cautionary tale. I’m loving that Alison has taken us into the Edwardian era and run with this story.”

“You alter a person’s life forever when you abuse them,” Mirageas adds. “We had patrons and board members who asked why do this? But it’s so close to real life and, even with a few laughs, it’s a cautionary tale. I’m loving that Alison has taken us into the Edwardian era and run with this story.”

Grammy Award-winning baritone Madore makes his Cincinnati Opera debut in the title role. An acclaimed artist with credits in opera, musical theater and solo recitals, Madore joined CCM’s voice faculty in 2021 and maintains a busy international career.

Grammy Award-winning baritone Madore makes his Cincinnati Opera debut in the title role. An acclaimed artist with credits in opera, musical theater and solo recitals, Madore joined CCM’s voice faculty in 2021 and maintains a busy international career.

“My first choice for the Don was Elliot, whose career I’d been following for many years,” says Mirageas. “Then there were other CCM alumni I’d been following: Christian Pursell, who’s singing the Don’s servant Leporello, Erin Keesy, our Zerlina, and Jessica Faselt as Donna Anna. What a wonderful way

“My first choice for the Don was Elliot, whose career I’d been following for many years,” says Mirageas. “Then there were other CCM alumni I’d been following: Christian Pursell, who’s singing the Don’s servant Leporello, Erin Keesy, our Zerlina, and Jessica Faselt as Donna Anna. What a wonderful way

to show what our connection with this great institution can be!”

to show what our connection with this great institution can be!”

Tenor Aaron Blake and soprano Jessica Rivera return as Don Ottavio and Donna Elvira.

Tenor Aaron Blake and soprano Jessica Rivera return as Don Ottavio and Donna Elvira.

Verdi’s La Traviata is perhaps his most personal opera, based on Alexandre Dumas’s novel, The Lady of the Camellias, inspired by the life of his one-time mistress Marie Duplessis, a beautiful Parisian courtesan who was 23 when she died of tuberculosis.

Verdi’s La Traviata is perhaps his most personal opera, based on Alexandre Dumas’s novel, The Lady of the Camellias, inspired by the life of his one-time mistress Marie Duplessis, a beautiful Parisian courtesan who was 23 when she died of tuberculosis.

Verdi himself was living with his mistress (and second wife), Giuseppina Strepponi, a woman very much an outsider like his heroine Violetta. “It’s Verdi’s only opera about real people in real time,” says Mirageas, noting that the opera premiered in 1853.

Verdi himself was living with his mistress (and second wife), Giuseppina Strepponi, a woman very much an outsider like his heroine Violetta. “It’s Verdi’s only opera about real people in real time,” says Mirageas, noting that the opera premiered in 1853.

The score is one of Verdi’s most appealing: heartbreaking melodies, of course, but also raucous drinking choruses and virtuosic arias.

The score is one of Verdi’s most appealing: heartbreaking melodies, of course, but also raucous drinking choruses and virtuosic arias.

This production marks Cincinnati Opera debuts for Italian soprano Gilda Fiume, Argentinian/Italian tenor Santiago Ballerini and conductor Lorenzo Passerini. Fiume has performed Violetta throughout Italy and is noted for her lyric coloratura. Ballerini has been heard in leading roles in North and South America and in Europe.

This production marks Cincinnati Opera debuts for Italian soprano Gilda Fiume, Argentinian/Italian tenor Santiago Ballerini and conductor Lorenzo Passerini. Fiume has performed Violetta throughout Italy and is noted for her lyric coloratura. Ballerini has been heard in leading roles in North and South America and in Europe.

Mirageas says he hopes the traditional production will be enhanced by director Trevore Ross’s exploration of secondary characters who can be seen as Violetta’s family. “You’re going to hear every word and all the music but the adjacent characters are more focused, more believable.”

Mirageas says he hopes the traditional production will be enhanced by director Trevore Ross’s exploration of secondary characters who can be seen as Violetta’s family. “You’re going to hear every word and all the music but the adjacent characters are more focused, more believable.”

In July, McCartney is topping the

In July, McCartney is topping the

bill as the company presents the world premiere of a staged version of his Liverpool Oratorio, co-written with Davis.

bill as the company presents the world premiere of a staged version of his Liverpool Oratorio, co-written with Davis.

Written to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the oratorio had its premiere in Liverpool Cathedral, where McCartney had failed to make it into the boys’ chorus.

Written to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the oratorio had its premiere in Liverpool Cathedral, where McCartney had failed to make it into the boys’ chorus.

When a board member asked Cincinnati Opera General Manager and CEO Chris Milligan about a follow-up to the successful 2018 production of Another Brick in the Wall, Milligan immediately turned to the recording of Liverpool Oratorio and shared it with Mirageas.

When a board member asked Cincinnati Opera General Manager and CEO Chris Milligan about a follow-up to the successful 2018 production of Another Brick in the Wall, Milligan immediately turned to the recording of Liverpool Oratorio and shared it with Mirageas.

“After listening to it and reading through the score, I realized this is an opera,” he recalls. “I contacted Paul’s American rep, who told me there had been interest in staging it, but it never happened. He said, ‘Paul will be very interested; send information on the creative team.’”

“After listening to it and reading through the score, I realized this is an opera,” he recalls. “I contacted Paul’s American rep, who told me there had been interest in staging it, but it never happened. He said, ‘Paul will be very interested; send information on the creative team.’”

Mirageas says he had barely sent off an email when he received “a ringing endorsement” from the man himself:

Mirageas says he had barely sent off an email when he received “a ringing endorsement” from the man himself:

“I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project,”

There are beautiful orchestral passages written by Davis, and the arias and choruses are pure Paul: simple, poignant words set to music that enhances the text. You can watch the premier performance on YouTube.

There are beautiful orchestral passages written by Davis, and the arias and choruses are pure Paul: simple, poignant words set to music that enhances the text. You can watch the premier performance on YouTube.

To ensure a Liverpool atmosphere, the company engaged British designer Leslie Travers and director Caroline Clegg, a Manchester native. “They understand the sensibilities of the people and the language,” says Mirageas. “It’s going to be a really, really beautiful production.”

To ensure a Liverpool atmosphere, the company engaged British designer Leslie Travers and director Caroline Clegg, a Manchester native. “They understand the sensibilities of the people and the language,” says Mirageas. “It’s going to be a really, really beautiful production.”

American tenor Andrew Owens portrays Shanty; McCarley sings his mother, Mary. Joseph Young conducts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s contribution to the opera.

American tenor Andrew Owens portrays Shanty; McCarley sings his mother, Mary. Joseph Young conducts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s contribution to the opera.

Ticket demand led to the scheduling of a fifth performance of Liverpool Oratorio, but will McCartney attend? My early inquiries got this response: “His rep said that if he’s not dead or on tour, he’ll be here.”

Ticket demand led to the scheduling of a fifth performance of Liverpool Oratorio, but will McCartney attend? My early inquiries got this response: “His rep said that if he’s not dead or on tour, he’ll be here.”

“I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project,” McCartney wrote in a letter to the Cincinnati Opera. “I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”

McCartney wrote in a letter to the Cincinnati Opera. “I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”

Liverpool Oratorio follows Shanty from his youth in war-torn Liverpool into middle age. There are references to McCartney’s life but the story itself is original.

Liverpool Oratorio follows Shanty from his youth in war-torn Liverpool into middle age. There are references to McCartney’s life but the story itself is original.

But Cincinnati Opera is doubling down to make it happen, announcing a region-wide campaign, “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” In addition to performances and activities, fans can create videos that will be shared with Paul’s team.

But Cincinnati Opera is doubling down to make it happen, announcing a region-wide campaign, “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” In addition to performances and activities, fans can create videos that will be shared with Paul’s team.

“He’ll be most welcome, and I’ll gladly save him a seat,” laughs Mirageas. “Nothing would make me happier than to have him see his dream come true in such a spectacular fashion.”

“He’ll be most welcome, and I’ll gladly save him a seat,” laughs Mirageas. “Nothing would make me happier than to have him see his dream come true in such a spectacular fashion.”

Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season runs from June 13-July 27. More info: cincinnatiopera.org.

Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season runs from June 13-July 27. More info: cincinnatiopera.org.

A rendering of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio by the Cincinnati Opera. DESIGN: LESLIE TRAVERS

A rendering of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio by the Cincinnati Opera.

DESIGN: LESLIE TRAVERS

EVENTS Out & About Greater Cincinnati’s events calendar

Out & About

EVENTS

Greater Cincinnati’s events calendar DJ & Dance

Cincinnati Noir

DJ & Dance

Cincinnati Noir

June 15, 9:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

June 15, 9:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

PORKGRIND - Pride Edition Dance Party with Karsten Sollors & DJ Boywife

PORKGRIND - Pride Edition Dance Party with Karsten Sollors & DJ Boywife

June 22, 10 p.m.; The Mockbee, 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton Summer Escape

June 22, 10 p.m.; The Mockbee, 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton Summer Escape

June 15, 4-8 p.m.; The Righteous Room, 641 Walnut Street, Downtown

June 15, 4-8 p.m.; The Righteous Room, 641 Walnut Street, Downtown

Arts & Culture

FESTIVALS

Arts & Culture FESTIVALS

Covington Taco & Margarita Festival Presented by Tanteo

Covington Taco & Margarita Festival Presented by Tanteo

June 21, 5-11 p.m., June 22, noon11 p.m. and June 23, noon-7 p.m.; Mainstrasse Village, Goebel Park, 501 Philadelphia St., Covington Fibonacci Brewing Company’s Annual Summer Solstice Celebration

June 21, 5-11 p.m., June 22, noon11 p.m. and June 23, noon-7 p.m.; Mainstrasse Village, Goebel Park, 501 Philadelphia St., Covington Fibonacci Brewing Company’s Annual Summer Solstice

Celebration

June 22, noon-11 p.m.; Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy Grad Bash

June 22, noon-11 p.m.; Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy Grad Bash

June 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; IKEA West Chester, 9500 Ikea Way, West Chester

June 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; IKEA West Chester, 9500 Ikea Way, West Chester

FILM

Taft at Twilight Movie Night

FILM

Taft at Twilight Movie Night

June 12, 7-10 p.m.; Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown

June 12, 7-10 p.m.; Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown

COMEDY

COMEDY

Comedy @ Commonwealth Presents: THE STAND-UP AND DRAG SHOW

Comedy @ Commonwealth Presents: THE STAND-UP AND DRAG SHOW

June 15, 7 p.m.; Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 5th Ave., Dayton

Laura Hugg & Christine Ferrera | Comedy at The Comet

June 15, 7 p.m.; Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 5th Ave., Dayton Laura Hugg & Christine Ferrera | Comedy at The Comet

June 15, 7-11 p.m.; Bombs Away! Comedy Club, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside

June 15, 7-11 p.m.; Bombs Away! Comedy Club, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside

June 15, 1-2 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

June 15, 1-2 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

Rodin | Response: FIELD family Secrets

Rodin | Response: FIELD family Secrets

Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

Eve Kennedy’s The Midwest Menace: Alternative Drag Revue

Eve Kennedy’s The Midwest Menace: Alternative Drag Revue

June 16, 6 p.m.-midnight; Good Judy’s, 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside MoPoetry Phillips Presents: Hit the Mic Cincy’s Open Mic

June 16, 6 p.m.-midnight; Good Judy’s, 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside MoPoetry Phillips Presents: Hit the Mic Cincy’s Open Mic

June 21, 8-11 p.m.; The Oasis at Grace, 5501 Hamilton Ave., College Hill

June 21, 8-11 p.m.; The Oasis at Grace, 5501 Hamilton Ave., College Hill

Paint Night in Cincinnati, OH at Dead Low Brewing - “Beach Lighthouse”

Paint Night in Cincinnati, OH at Dead Low Brewing - “Beach Lighthouse”

June 13, 7-9 p.m.; Dead Low Brewing, 5959 Kellogg Ave., California

Watercolor Layering Technique

June 13, 7-9 p.m.; Dead Low Brewing, 5959 Kellogg Ave., California Watercolor Layering Technique

June 15, noon-2 p.m.; University of Cincinnati - Victory Parkway Campus, 2220 Victory Pkwy, East Walnut Hills

Literary

June 15, noon-2 p.m.; University of Cincinnati - Victory Parkway Campus, 2220 Victory Pkwy, East Walnut Hills Literary

Ashley Poston discussing and signing A Novel Love Story

Ashley Poston discussing and signing A Novel Love Story

June 25, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

the Circus!

the Circus!

June 14, 4-7 p.m.; Reading Farmers Market, 9150 Reading Road, Reading Rhinegeist Brewery: Mother’s Day Rooftop Brunch

June 14, 4-7 p.m.; Reading Farmers Market, 9150 Reading Road, Reading Rhinegeist Brewery: Mother’s Day Rooftop Brunch

June 23, 10-midnight; Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Sip & Tour

June 23, 10-midnight; Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Sip & Tour

June 21, 6-7 p.m.; 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown

June 21, 6-7 p.m.; 21c Museum Hotel, 609 Walnut St., Downtown

Community

CLASSES

Community

CLASSES

Create Earrings with Chain Mail Techniques

The Queen’s Quill Teen Poetry Slam June 22, 5-8 p.m.; WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave., Northside

The Queen’s Quill Teen Poetry Slam

June 22, 5-8 p.m.; WordPlay Cincy, 1556 Chase Ave., Northside

THEATER

THEATER

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party | Family Friendly Performances

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party | Family Friendly Performances

June 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown

June 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown

The Murder Mystery Company Presents: “A Dance with Death”

The Murder Mystery Company Presents: “A Dance with Death”

June 21, 7-9:30 p.m.; The Old Spaghetti Factory, 6320 South Gilmore Road, Fairfield

June 21, 7-9:30 p.m.; The Old Spaghetti Factory, 6320 South Gilmore Road, Fairfield

VISUAL ART

VISUAL ART

ANOTHER UKRAINE | Selections from The Kharkiv School of Photography

ANOTHER UKRAINE | Selections from The Kharkiv School of Photography

Thursdays-Saturdays, 4-7 p.m.; Washington Park Art Gallery, 1215 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

CPSA DC119’s 19th Annual Colored Pencil Exhibition

Thursdays-Saturdays, 4-7 p.m.; Washington Park Art Gallery, 1215 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine CPSA DC119’s 19th Annual Colored Pencil Exhibition

Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fairfield Community Art Center (FCAC), 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care

Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fairfield Community Art Center (FCAC), 411 Wessel Dr., Fairfield Hearts of Liberation: A Celebration of Radical Black Love as Collective Care

June 25, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

Bloomsday 2021 Presentation

Bloomsday 2021 Presentation

June 14, 7-9 p.m.; Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati, 3905 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum

Create Earrings with Chain Mail Techniques

June 13, 6-9 p.m.; Cincinnati Lapidary Guild, 2701 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington Dad & Me Epoxy Coaster Workshop

June 13, 6-9 p.m.; Cincinnati Lapidary Guild, 2701 Spring Grove Ave., Camp Washington

Mike Cronin | Comedy at The Comet June 22, 7-11 p.m.; Bombs Away! Comedy Club, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside

Mike Cronin | Comedy at The Comet

June 22, 7-11 p.m.; Bombs Away! Comedy Club, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside

No f%@!s given. None taken. All done.

No f%@!s given. None taken. All done.

June 12, 8:30 p.m. and June 14, 6:45 p.m.; Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine

June 12, 8:30 p.m. and June 14, 6:45 p.m.; Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine

MUSEUMS

Art on The Rise

MUSEUMS

Art on The Rise

June 15, 1-3 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

June 15, 1-3 p.m.; Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park

Choose Your Own Gallery Adventure: Around the World

Choose Your Own Gallery Adventure: Around the World

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy Heights

Paint and Sip at Urban Artifact in Northside - “Dogs on a Dock”

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy Heights Paint and Sip at Urban Artifact in Northside - “Dogs on a Dock”

June 23, 1-3 p.m.; Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside Paint and Sip in OTR - “Sea Serenity”

June 23, 1-3 p.m.; Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside Paint and Sip in OTR - “Sea Serenity”

June 15, 1-3 p.m.; Queen City Radio, 222 W 12th St., Over-the-Rhine Paint Night at Cartride Brewing in Maineville, OH - “Fireworks Celebration”

June 15, 1-3 p.m.; Queen City Radio, 222 W 12th St., Over-the-Rhine Paint Night at Cartride Brewing in Maineville, OH - “Fireworks Celebration”

June 25, 7-9 p.m.; Cartridge Brewing, 1411 Grandin Road, Maineville

June 25, 7-9 p.m.; Cartridge Brewing, 1411 Grandin Road, Maineville

June 14, 7-9 p.m.; Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati, 3905 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum

Lauren Asher signing Love

Unwritten

Lauren Asher signing Love Unwritten

June 18, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

June 18, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

Attractions

Attractions

Community @ Commonwealth Presents: SUMMER YARD SALE

Community @ Commonwealth Presents: SUMMER YARD SALE

June 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 5th Ave, Dayton Miamitown Pet Palooza

June 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 5th Ave, Dayton Miamitown Pet Palooza

June 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; OH-128 and Ferry St., Miamitown

June 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; OH-128 and Ferry St., Miamitown

Food & Drink

Dad & Me Epoxy Coaster Workshop

June 15, 9:30-11 a.m.; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 333 E. Kemper Road, Springdale

Embodied & Empowered: The Somatics of Presence With Love

June 15, 9:30-11 a.m.; Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 333 E. Kemper Road, Springdale

Embodied & Empowered: The Somatics of Presence With Love

June 18, 6:30-8:15 p.m.; The Shine Free Wellness Center, 614 Wooster Pike #10, Terrace Park

June 18, 6:30-8:15 p.m.; The Shine Free Wellness Center, 614 Wooster Pike #10, Terrace Park

Fib Farm Class: DIY Body Scrubs

June 23, 3-5 p.m.; Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy

Supportive Plants for Queer Health

Fib Farm Class: DIY Body Scrubs June 23, 3-5 p.m.; Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy Supportive Plants for Queer Health June 25, 6-7 p.m.; Heart of Northside, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside

June 25, 6-7 p.m.; Heart of Northside, 4222 Hamilton Ave., Northside

GET INVOLVED

GET INVOLVED

Food & Drink

AFTERGLO - Drag Brunch 2024

AFTERGLO - Drag Brunch 2024

June 23, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Somerhaus, 1415 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Father’s Day Weekend at The Filson

June 23, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Somerhaus, 1415 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Father’s Day Weekend at The Filson

June 15, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and June 16, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar, 25 E. Freedom Way, The Banks

MORTAR 10 for 10 Happy Hour: Juneteenth Edition

MORTAR 10 for 10 Happy Hour:

Juneteenth Edition

June 12, 6-8 p.m.; Esoteric Brewing, 918 East McMillan St., Walnut Hills

June 12, 6-8 p.m.; Esoteric Brewing, 918 East McMillan St., Walnut Hills

LECTURES

LECTURES

Happy Hour History: ARI Speaker Series- The Summer Solstice

Happy Hour History: ARI Speaker Series- The Summer Solstice

Fathers Day Weekend Tour Package

June 15, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and June 16, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar, 25 E. Freedom Way, The Banks Fathers Day Weekend Tour Package

June 15, 1-1:30 & 3-3:30 p.m.; Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom, 1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine Juneteenth Tasting Event

June 15, 1-1:30 & 3-3:30 p.m.; Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom, 1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine Juneteenth Tasting Event

June 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Midsummer Smörgåsbord

June 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Midsummer Smörgåsbord

June 21, 5-8 p.m.; IKEA West Chester, 9500 Ikea Way, West Chester Newport Italianfest

June 21, 5-8 p.m.; IKEA West Chester, 9500 Ikea Way, West Chester Newport Italianfest

June 13, 5-11 p.m., June 14, 5-11 p.m., June 15, noon-11 p.m. and June 16, noon-9 p.m.; Riverboat Row, Newport Over the Rhine Craft & Farmers Market

June 13, 5-11 p.m., June 14, 5-11 p.m., June 15, noon-11 p.m. and June 16, noon-9 p.m.; Riverboat Row, Newport Over the Rhine Craft & Farmers Market

Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.; Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Reading Farmers Market: Off to Join

Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.; Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Reading Farmers Market: Off to Join

June 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Archaeological Research Institute, 126 West High St., Lawrenceburg

June 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Archaeological Research Institute, 126 West High St., Lawrenceburg

GROUPS

GROUPS

Juneteenth Group & Panel Discussion

Juneteenth Group & Panel

Discussion

June 22, 10-11:30 a.m.; The Columns, 109 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine Summer Love on Planet Love! With Pam Kravetz

June 22, 10-11:30 a.m.; The Columns, 109 West Elder St., Over-the-Rhine Summer Love on Planet Love! With Pam Kravetz

June 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; The Well, 2868 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington

June 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; The Well, 2868 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington

Sports & Fitness

Sports & Fitness

Adoptable animals at Mercy Healthplex West Clermont

Adoptable animals at Mercy Healthplex West Clermont

June 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; League for Animal Welfare, 4101 Bach Buxton Road, Batavia

June 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; League for Animal Welfare, 4101 Bach Buxton Road, Batavia

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

A Toast to the Good Ol’ Days

A Toast to the Good Ol’ Days

Hamilton’s new watering hole, Hydraulic Bar, pays homage to the history of its home.

BY LOGAN TURNER

Hamilton’s new watering hole, Hydraulic Bar, pays homage to the history of its home.

BY LOGAN TURNER

SSimilar to other Midwestern Rust Belt towns, the city of Hamilton has seen an influx of new developments and businesses as it begins to rebrand its image. What originally started as a concerted effort to build up Main and High streets in Hamilton has slowly morphed into a citywide renaissance. One such example of the city’s massive overhaul is the building, planning and opening of the Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill in December 2022.

imilar to other Midwestern Rust Belt towns, the city of Hamilton has seen an influx of new developments and businesses as it begins to rebrand its image. What originally started as a concerted effort to build up Main and High streets in Hamilton has slowly morphed into a citywide renaissance. One such example of the city’s massive overhaul is the building, planning and opening of the Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill in December 2022.

Now billed as the largest indoor sports facility in North America, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill is a 1.2 million-square-foot property that includes basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts; a food court; arcade; a full-sized outdoor turf field; conference center; hotel; and much, much more.

Now billed as the largest indoor sports facility in North America, Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill is a 1.2 million-square-foot property that includes basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts; a food court; arcade; a full-sized outdoor turf field; conference center; hotel; and much, much more.

The project called for a complete renovation of Hamilton’s old Champion Paper Mill. The old mill sat vacant alongside the Miami River since its closure in 2012.

The project called for a complete renovation of Hamilton’s old Champion Paper Mill. The old mill sat vacant alongside the Miami River since its closure in 2012.

Spooky Nook is also now the site of a brand new watering hole, Hydraulic Bar.

Spooky Nook is also now the site of a brand new watering hole, Hydraulic Bar.

Finding out Spooky Nook was opening a bar was quite a surprise for many Hamilton residents, who saw the massive compound as nothing more than a place for athletes to hone their skills. However, it seems like the owners of Spooky Nook are looking to integrate themselves even more into the Hamilton community. The complex has already opened its doors to other local Hamilton businesses, like Municipal Brew Works and Sara’s House.

Finding out Spooky Nook was opening a bar was quite a surprise for many Hamilton residents, who saw the massive compound as nothing more than a place for athletes to hone their skills. However, it seems like the owners of Spooky Nook are looking to integrate themselves even more into the Hamilton community. The complex has already opened its doors to other local Hamilton businesses, like Municipal Brew Works and Sara’s House.

Spooky Nook held the ribbon cutting for Hydraulic Bar on March 20. The bar, located in the complex’s conference center at 600 N. B St., was named after the hydraulic canal that used to power the old paper mill it currently inhabits. The bar still holds a lot of the remnants

Spooky Nook held the ribbon cutting for Hydraulic Bar on March 20. The bar, located in the complex’s conference center at 600 N. B St., was named after the hydraulic canal that used to power the old paper mill it currently inhabits. The bar still holds a lot of the remnants

of the old mill within the design and decor within its walls.

of the old mill within the design and decor within its walls.

Sara Awsumb, the director of food and beverage for Spooky Nook, sat down with CityBeat to speak more about how the bar worked to preserve the old mill’s history.

Sara Awsumb, the director of food and beverage for Spooky Nook, sat down with CityBeat to speak more about how the bar worked to preserve the old mill’s history.

“There were a lot of challenges,” Awsumb says. “When you’re dealing with historical tax credits and working with a historical society, there are a lot of little nuances that you have to keep in mind. There are normal things you can’t do that you have to work around, like putting signs on the outside of the building. We’re not allowed to do that.”

“There were a lot of challenges,” Awsumb says. “When you’re dealing with historical tax credits and working with a historical society, there are a lot of little nuances that you have to keep in mind. There are normal things you can’t do that you have to work around, like putting signs on the outside of the building. We’re not allowed to do that.”

Awsumb also explained how these historical hurdles led to the bar’s design. Hydraulic Bar showcases massive concrete pillars and exposed brick walls that were a part of the original foundation of the paper mill.

Awsumb also explained how these historical hurdles led to the bar’s design. Hydraulic Bar showcases massive concrete pillars and exposed brick walls that were a part of the original foundation of the paper mill.

Although Hydraulic Bar prominently flaunts remnants of the past, it certainly doesn’t appear outdated. The interior features a giant 58-foot bartop, as well as a 122-seat dining space. The brick and concrete play with sleek metal framings and neutral colors to create a modern, eclectic space.

Although Hydraulic Bar prominently flaunts remnants of the past, it certainly doesn’t appear outdated. The interior features a giant 58-foot bartop, as well as a 122-seat dining space. The brick and concrete play with sleek metal framings and neutral colors to create a modern, eclectic space.

Hydraulic Bar has the appearance of a bar that can be successful, but with any new venture comes obstacles. High Street and Main Street in downtown Hamilton are littered with quality bars and eateries. So how can you stand out when the standards in the neighborhood are so high? Awsumb spoke to CityBeat about some of the issues facing Hydraulic Bar.

Hydraulic Bar has the appearance of a bar that can be successful, but with any new venture comes obstacles. High Street and Main Street in downtown Hamilton are littered with quality bars and eateries. So how can you stand out when the standards in the neighborhood are so high? Awsumb spoke to CityBeat about some of the issues facing Hydraulic Bar.

“It’s hard because people see us as a sports facility, you know? I think, once they come in, they will see the secondbiggest convention center in the state. We have this huge, beautiful bar and

“It’s hard because people see us as a sports facility, you know? I think, once they come in, they will see the secondbiggest convention center in the state. We have this huge, beautiful bar and

restaurant. We have this grand hotel. We’ll have another beautiful restaurant at some point. Once people realize we’re here, they’ll come.”

restaurant. We have this grand hotel. We’ll have another beautiful restaurant at some point. Once people realize we’re here, they’ll come.”

Awsumb also noted the lack of business they see during the weekdays, while the weekends are super busy, thanks in large part to the sporting events on Fridays and Saturdays. Despite the weekend warriors currently making up the majority of their customers, Awsumb says that the community has largely been receptive to the new bar.

Awsumb also noted the lack of business they see during the weekdays, while the weekends are super busy, thanks in large part to the sporting events on Fridays and Saturdays. Despite the weekend warriors currently making up the majority of their customers, Awsumb says that the community has largely been receptive to the new bar.

“We get a lot of positive feedback. We have people who are now starting to come back every Wednesday and Thursday from the community, and they’re bringing friends with them, which is great. We’re starting to see that regular base come through.” Awsumb also credits local Hamilton officials for being easy to work with during the process of not only building Spooky Nook, but opening Hydraulic Bar as well.

“We get a lot of positive feedback. We have people who are now starting to come back every Wednesday and Thursday from the community, and they’re bringing friends with them, which is great. We’re starting to see that regular base come through.” Awsumb also credits local Hamilton officials for being easy to work with during the process of not only building Spooky Nook, but opening Hydraulic Bar as well.

Hydraulic Bar currently sells specialty cocktails to go along with full

Hydraulic Bar currently sells specialty cocktails to go along with full

bar service. They also offer one of the largest bourbon and whiskey selections in the Cincinnati area, carrying over 50 different selections. The bar hosts a happy hour from 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday with a variety of discounts across all types of drinks, along with a specialty happy hour menu with a few select food items.

bar service. They also offer one of the largest bourbon and whiskey selections in the Cincinnati area, carrying over 50 different selections. The bar hosts a happy hour from 3-6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday with a variety of discounts across all types of drinks, along with a specialty happy hour menu with a few select food items.

Aside from the happy hour during the weekdays, Hydraulic Bar also has other promotions to encourage people to come down during the week. Wednesdays are “Wine Down Wednesdays,” with discounts on all wines. Hydraulic Bar also does a trivia night every Thursday evening.

Aside from the happy hour during the weekdays, Hydraulic Bar also has other promotions to encourage people to come down during the week. Wednesdays are “Wine Down Wednesdays,” with discounts on all wines. Hydraulic Bar also does a trivia night every Thursday evening.

If you want to visit Hydraulic Bar, operating hours are currently 3 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

If you want to visit Hydraulic Bar, operating hours are currently 3 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Hydraulic Bar, 600 N. B St., Hamilton. More info: spookynooksports.com.

Hydraulic Bar, 600 N. B St., Hamilton. More info: spookynooksports.com.

Hydraulic Bar features remnants of the mill’s past PHOTO: LOGAN TURNER

Hydraulic Bar features remnants of the mill’s past

PHOTO: LOGAN TURNER

MUSIC

MUSIC

The Sound of Summer

The Sound of Summer

Songs by Cincinnati musicians perfect for your summertime soundtrack

BY BRENT STROUD

Songs by Cincinnati musicians perfect for your summertime soundtrack

BY BRENT STROUD

NNow that summer is finally here, it’s time to update your playlists. Ahead, we’ve crafted an immaculate playlist featuring some of the best summer-y tunes released by Greater Cincinnati musicians throughout the years.

ow that summer is finally here, it’s time to update your playlists. Ahead, we’ve crafted an immaculate playlist featuring some of the best summer-y tunes released by Greater Cincinnati musicians throughout the years.

The playlist features recent releases alongside songs from the city’s past, with up-and-coming artists or current favorites sitting side-by-side with some of the city’s greatest musicians. Cincinnati’s music culture consists of musicians, creative circles and communities of every genre who have been creating music and entertaining audiences as long as the three-minute pop song has been around.

The playlist features recent releases alongside songs from the city’s past, with up-and-coming artists or current favorites sitting side-by-side with some of the city’s greatest musicians. Cincinnati’s music culture consists of musicians, creative circles and communities of every genre who have been creating music and entertaining audiences as long as the three-minute pop song has been around.

Hopefully this list gives you something to listen to this summer and can be the soundtrack to some of your best summer moments. Bring it with you to your next get-together with friends, family grill session or pool party — or even just in your car with the windows down.

Hopefully this list gives you something to listen to this summer and can be the soundtrack to some of your best summer moments. Bring it with you to your next get-together with friends, family grill session or pool party — or even just in your car with the windows down.

Happy Summer from CityBeat.

Happy Summer from CityBeat.

“Rare Earth” by Vacation

“Rare Earth” by Vacation

Vacation has remained a vital and essential centerpiece of Cincinnati music since forming in 2009, with nine consistently inspired releases and rock and roll-driven live performances. The Rare Earth album, released in May on local label Feel It Records, is a continuation of the band’s immediate and often combustible revved-up punk sound. Anchored by singer and guitar player Jerry Westerkamp’s reflective and farreaching subject matter in songwriting, along with a vocal delivery that can cut straight through to the core, “Rare Earth” shows a lot of what Vacation can do.

Vacation has remained a vital and essential centerpiece of Cincinnati music since forming in 2009, with nine consistently inspired releases and rock and roll-driven live performances. The Rare Earth album, released in May on local label Feel It Records, is a continuation of the band’s immediate and often combustible revved-up punk sound. Anchored by singer and guitar player Jerry Westerkamp’s reflective and farreaching subject matter in songwriting, along with a vocal delivery that can cut straight through to the core, “Rare Earth” shows a lot of what Vacation can do.

“It Returns” by The Greenhornes

like driving down a sunny city street with the commotion of summer all around. The song is from the height of the late ‘90s/early 2000s garage rock revival and a good representation of Cincinnati’s significant part in an impactful and particular moment in pop culture when rock and roll started to take over popular music once again. The Greenhornes formed in the late ‘90s with a couple of small lineup changes before settling as a trio. This song and the album that it comes from, Dual Mono, features Cincinnati luminary Eric Stein, who was featured on CityBeat’s list of the best songs of 2023, on vocals and harpsichord. The album also features Greenhornes’ mainstay vocalist/guitar player Craig Fox, along with drummer Patrick Keeler and bassist Jack Lawrence just before the two became the rhythm section for the 2004 Jack White-produced, Grammy-winning album with Loretta Lynn, Van Lear Rose. Fox and Keeler are now a part of The Raconteurs with White. This song truly represents a high point in the city’s music history.

like driving down a sunny city street with the commotion of summer all around. The song is from the height of the late ‘90s/early 2000s garage rock revival and a good representation of Cincinnati’s significant part in an impactful and particular moment in pop culture when rock and roll started to take over popular music once again. The Greenhornes formed in the late ‘90s with a couple of small lineup changes before settling as a trio. This song and the album that it comes from, Dual Mono, features Cincinnati luminary Eric Stein, who was featured on CityBeat’s list of the best songs of 2023, on vocals and harpsichord. The album also features Greenhornes’ mainstay vocalist/guitar player Craig Fox, along with drummer Patrick Keeler and bassist Jack Lawrence just before the two became the rhythm section for the 2004 Jack White-produced, Grammy-winning album with Loretta Lynn, Van Lear Rose. Fox and Keeler are now a part of The Raconteurs with White. This song truly represents a high point in the city’s music history.

“It’s Open” by Gremlin

“It’s Open” by Gremlin

of Cincinnati rock and roll heavyweights. “It’s Open” should provide a proper soundtrack to driving down the highway to your next summer sock hop, party, music festival, canoe trip, get-together or wherever the wind takes you.

of Cincinnati rock and roll heavyweights. “It’s Open” should provide a proper soundtrack to driving down the highway to your next summer sock hop, party, music festival, canoe trip, get-together or wherever the wind takes you.

“Free Like You” by Maria Keck

“Free Like You” by Maria Keck

This breezy, effervescent track bubbles skyward while reaching below the depths lyrically — all the while evoking the weightlessness and freedom that summer brings. Multiinstrumentalist Maria Keck released the video for “Free Like You” in early spring from her 2023 record, The Gardener and Me, that features Keck and dancers moving under the neon glow of the American Sign Museum’s color wheel of timeless light. Maybe this one will help bring a few summer moments the same kind of dreamy perfection as listening to this song makes you feel.

This breezy, effervescent track bubbles skyward while reaching below the depths lyrically — all the while evoking the weightlessness and freedom that summer brings. Multiinstrumentalist Maria Keck released the video for “Free Like You” in early spring from her 2023 record, The Gardener and Me, that features Keck and dancers moving under the neon glow of the American Sign Museum’s color wheel of timeless light. Maybe this one will help bring a few summer moments the same kind of dreamy perfection as listening to this song makes you feel.

“Inkjet” by GrandAce

“Inkjet” by GrandAce

up to another level and thread the song into a catchy cohesive unit you want to hear over and over again.

up to another level and thread the song into a catchy cohesive unit you want to hear over and over again.

“Sleeping Around” by The Dents

“Sleeping Around” by The Dents

The Dents show Cincinnati’s connection to the punk movement that was brewing in cities across America by the mid-1970s, and a thread can easily be seen between the first generation of Cincinnati punk and the bands playing the same kind of clubs today. Another version of the song is featured on the 2019 compilation of Cincinnati punk from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, We Were Living in Cincinnati. Dents singer Vivien Rusch is still very much a presence in the city as the singer of Spiderhand, a band recently featured on CityBeat’s year-end Best Of Cincinnati list for 2023. Let your summer be as timeless as this music.

The Dents show Cincinnati’s connection to the punk movement that was brewing in cities across America by the mid-1970s, and a thread can easily be seen between the first generation of Cincinnati punk and the bands playing the same kind of clubs today. Another version of the song is featured on the 2019 compilation of Cincinnati punk from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, We Were Living in Cincinnati. Dents singer Vivien Rusch is still very much a presence in the city as the singer of Spiderhand, a band recently featured on CityBeat’s year-end Best Of Cincinnati list for 2023. Let your summer be as timeless as this music.

“Serotonin” by Tweens

“Serotonin” by Tweens

“It Returns” by The Greenhornes

This 2002 track from Dual Mono feels

This 2002 track from Dual Mono feels

This direct and driving garage rock nugget was released this spring and shows some promise for the new project featuring a handful

This direct and driving garage rock nugget was released this spring and shows some promise for the new project featuring a handful

The production on GrandAce’s hypnotic chopped and skewed backing track, “Inkjet,” creates the atmosphere of a dub-infused digital psychedelia. The vocals delivered line after line between rhythmic choruses and counter melodies bring it

The production on GrandAce’s hypnotic chopped and skewed backing track, “Inkjet,” creates the atmosphere of a dub-infused digital psychedelia. The vocals delivered line after line between rhythmic choruses and counter melodies bring it

Tweens released this song earlier in the year, along with a handful of other B-sides and demos, but it wouldn’t be summer without them. The band’s performances have been the soundtrack to music fans’ summers since forming just over a decade ago. Tweens have had memorable appearances at the Northside

Tweens released this song earlier in the year, along with a handful of other B-sides and demos, but it wouldn’t be summer without them. The band’s performances have been the soundtrack to music fans’ summers since forming just over a decade ago. Tweens have had memorable appearances at the Northside

up to another level and thread the song into a catchy cohesive unit you want to hear over and over again.

“Sleeping Around” by The Dents

The Dents show Cincinnati’s connection to the punk movement that was brewing in cities across America by the mid-1970s, and a thread can easily be seen between the first generation of Cincinnati punk and the bands playing the same kind of clubs today. Another version of the song featured on the 2019 compilation Cincinnati punk from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, We Were Living Cincinnati. Dents singer Vivien Rusch is still very much a presence the city as the singer of Spiderhand, a band recently featured on CityBeat’s year-end Best Of Cincinnati list for 2023. Let your summer be as timeless as this music.

“Serotonin” by Tweens

Tweens released this song earlier the year, along with a handful other B-sides and demos, but it wouldn’t be summer without them. The band’s performances have been the soundtrack to music fans’ summers since forming just over a decade ago. Tweens have had memorable appearances at the Northside

Rock and Roll Carnival over the years and just last month at the North By Northside Festival. Though this song is about heartbreak, it’s all transcendence and power.

“Walk Tall (Like a Man)” by 2 of Clubs

This 1966 hit, released on Cincinnati’s Fraternity Records label, reached number 92 nationally on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was featured in the 1967 comedy Doctor, You’ve Got to Be Kidding! starring Sandra Dee. The stellar recording is a varied and dramatic presentation of a tale of a woman (or two) begging a man to do right and “for once in your life, be a man.”

“Obloquy” by Annie D (Live at the Tone Shoppe)

“Obloquy” comes from a recent live session at Cincinnati studio The Tone Shoppe. Annie D has become one of the area’s premiere acts, and understandably so — her eclectic approach to songwriting and talent as a multi-instrumentalist make for some varied and well-crafted pieces of music as good as anything else in or outside of the city.

“MOTH” by Turich Benjy

From ULTRASOUND (DELUXE) released earlier this year, “MOTH” grabs and pulls from so many different styles and influences while pushing ahead so hard that it sounds like a kind of reinvention of hip-hop. It almost feels like some glitched hyper-pop transmission from the future.

“What so Never The Dance” by Bootsy Collins

Bootsy Collins played with legend and King Records recording artist James Brown for a time before joining Parliament Funkadelic and later forming Bootsy’s Rubber Band, changing the musical world. He also formed a group with his brother Phelps “Catfish” Collins in the early ‘70s called House Guests. Local label and record shop Shake It Records released a collection of music from the group titled My Mind Set Me Free in 2019 that features a version of this song and a handful of other freewheeling and wild early funk concoctions and collected recordings. This song will hopefully get you in the right mood, whatever that is. From one of Cincinnati’s best known and loyal resident celebrities, Bootsty Collins and CityBeat, straight to you.

“Loud and Low”

by Brian Olive

This single from Brian Olive’s 2018 LP Living on Top will stay in your head for days, weeks or even months and you’ll be all the better for it. There’s also a great WCPO Live Session on YouTube of the song. Olive came up as a member of The Greenhornes on their first record as well as a member of The Soledad Brothers (a band that also features another Cincinnati favorite, Johnny Walker), but has made a name for himself as a solo artist over the last several years, as well as behind the scenes at his Mt. Saturn Studios. This is a great song for summer drives.

“Comfort Queen” by Lydia Shae

Lydia Shae and her band released this statement of a song earlier in the year from the singer-songwriter’s debut album, Decade Diaries, that featured a release show at the Woodward Theater in March. “Comfort Queen” is bold in every way and a fine example of local country-tinged pop.

“Fear Is Never Boring” by The Raisins

This wildly adventurous and multigenre-bending song from The Raisins’ 1983 debut and sole studio album is as significant a piece of the city’s music history as nearly anything. Their sold-out, three-night stand at the Woodward Theater in the beginning of March for the band’s reunion celebration is evidence of their impact on the city and the scene of clubgoers that followed the band’s live shows before the group disbanded and made their individual impacts.

“Turn the Page” by Moonbeau

Moonbeau released this infectious electro-pop-infused song just in time for summer on May 10. The duo blend Talking Heads rhythms, ‘80s synth and 2000s indie pop into an ode to love and connection. Not bad sentiments for the summer.

“Blue” by Left at Orion

Left at Orion blends up a dreamy, reverb-soaked haze of melody on this track that feels like a psychedelic wall of sound. “Blue” is one of the more contemplative moments in the playlist.

“Ms. Chanel” by Cartier WOW

Rising local hip-hop artist Cartier WOW has had write-ups from The

Source and other magazines over the last few months, and he seems to have a drive that won’t stop with a constant flow of releases. This track is just over two minutes of stacked, high-energy rapid-fire lines delivered almost over top of each other and melody-infused Cincinnati hip-hop.

“Shaken” by Pretty Mean

The female-fronted and powerhouse drummer-backed Pretty Mean are one of the newest bands on this list and this single off their upcoming debut makes a bold statement with its propulsive drive and inventively compartmentalized structure.

“Tigers Cage” by The Drin

The Drin’s “Tigers Cage” pieces together a looped-sounding guitar riff accompanied by bouncing drums and percussion with a cloud dissonance bouncing back and forth in stereo. The track’s sound is all-changing subtly underneath the surface before dropping out to a single horn blowing in the distance. This song feels like a late night moving around the city until everything stops in the early hours and a calm comes before the night’s over.

“Mac and Yams” by KAE Savage

KAE Savage put out one of the standout tracks of last summer, “I Wanna Be Ur Dog” a reworking of The Stooges’ classic that was featured on CityBeat’s aforementioned Best of 2023 list. “Mac and Yams” takes a different route but carries the same weight, with atmospheric neo-soul layers of melody overtop a six-minute jam with a swamp funk bassline, accented by waves of moody keyboard and rapid-fire verses delivered between a soaring chorus. The track closes with a guitar solo that comes in flying over top everything to bring it to a close.

Scan the QR code below to listen to CityBeat’s summer playlist on YouTube:

“Writing about your life, you never, never — at least I didn’t — think about looking decades ahead. You just write (about) what’s going on with you. At least I did.”

“Writing about your life, you never, never — at least I didn’t — think about looking decades ahead. You just write (about) what’s going on with you. At least I did.”

Janet Jackson plays Riverbend Music Center on June 22 at 8 p.m. More info: riverbend.org. (Jason Gargano)

Janet Jackson plays Riverbend Music Center on June 22 at 8 p.m. More info: riverbend.org. (Jason Gargano)

KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS

JANET JACKSON

June 22 • Riverbend Music Center

June 22 • Riverbend Music Center

A quick glance at the setlists from Janet Jackson’s current tour, dubbed “Together Again,” reveals a show in four acts. The theme of each act is not exactly clear, as they feature songs from across her recorded history — hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Miss You Much,” “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” and “Rhythm Nation” alongside deeper cuts from a catalog rife with personality, glossy production and inventive beats of the day. It seems she is grouping them by vibe and personal relevance, which has long been Jackson’s modus operandi and not-so-secret weapon.

A quick glance at the setlists from Janet Jackson’s current tour, dubbed “Together Again,” reveals a show in four acts. The theme of each act is not exactly clear, as they feature songs from across her recorded history — hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Miss You Much,” “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” and “Rhythm Nation” alongside deeper cuts from a catalog rife with personality, glossy production and inventive beats of the day. It seems she is grouping them by vibe and personal relevance, which has long been Jackson’s modus operandi and not-so-secret weapon.

Janet Jackson has been in the public eye since before the original Star Wars infiltrated moviegoers’ minds. For the mathematically challenged or those unaware of George Lucas’ cultural juggernaut (which drags on to this day via myriad and seemingly unending spin-offs), that’s nearly a half-century

Janet Jackson has been in the public eye since before the original Star Wars infiltrated moviegoers’ minds. For the mathematically challenged or those unaware of George Lucas’ cultural juggernaut (which drags on to this day via myriad and seemingly unending spin-offs), that’s nearly a half-century

ago. As the 10th and youngest child in the Jackson family, Janet’s emergence as a performer was inevitable — but success on her own was not. The now 58-year-old transcended her family’s history (both good and bad) to carve out her own distinctive life and career, at one point rivaling the ubiquity of her brother Michael. Village Voice critic Robert Christgau delivered this amusing and typically concise closing to his review of Janet, Jackson’s successful 1993 follow-up to the blockbuster onetwo of 1986’s Control and 1989’s Rhythm Nation: “Better nose than Michael, better navel than Madonna, better sex than either.”

ago. As the 10th and youngest child in the Jackson family, Janet’s emergence as a performer was inevitable — but success on her own was not. The now 58-year-old transcended her family’s history (both good and bad) to carve out her own distinctive life and career, at one point rivaling the ubiquity of her brother Michael. Village Voice critic Robert Christgau delivered this amusing and typically concise closing to his review of Janet, Jackson’s successful 1993 follow-up to the blockbuster onetwo of 1986’s Control and 1989’s Rhythm Nation: “Better nose than Michael, better navel than Madonna, better sex than either.”

The Super Bowl thing was both overblown and a significant misstep, and she’s never been quite the same since. Yet the songs endure because of their depth of feeling and meaning for both her and her audience. In a rare interview with Allure a few years back, Jackson addressed the personal nature of her songs and their lasting impact:

The Super Bowl thing was both overblown and a significant misstep, and she’s never been quite the same since. Yet the songs endure because of their depth of feeling and meaning for both her and her audience. In a rare interview with Allure a few years back, Jackson addressed the personal nature of her songs and their lasting impact:

KURT VILE AND THE VIOLATORS

June 23 • Taft Theatre

June 23 • Taft Theatre

Kurt Vile is a busy guy. The 44-year-old Philadelphia-bred singer/songwriter has released nine full-length albums and a torrent of EPs over the last 16 years, an evolving body of work marked by his laconic voice, searching guitar and fertile mind. As if Vile’s most recent album — 2022’s stellar 15-song, 70-minute (watch my moves) — wasn’t enough, he followed it in 2023 with Back to Moon Beach, a nine-song, 52-minute EP that Apple Music dubbed a “set of bottomless non-album material.” Or, as his record label Verve called it, “an EP by no one’s definition but Kurt Vile’s.” It’s populated by the kind of zonked-out, sunbaked guitar jams that has been his bread and butter over the last decade. There are covers, reworked versions of previous material and entirely new creations, all worthy if slightly elusive.

Kurt Vile is a busy guy. The 44-year-old Philadelphia-bred singer/songwriter has released nine full-length albums and a torrent of EPs over the last 16 years, an evolving body of work marked by his laconic voice, searching guitar and fertile mind. As if Vile’s most recent album — 2022’s stellar 15-song, 70-minute (watch my moves) — wasn’t enough, he followed it in 2023 with Back to Moon Beach, a nine-song, 52-minute EP that Apple Music dubbed a “set of bottomless non-album material.” Or, as his record label Verve called it, “an EP by no one’s definition but Kurt Vile’s.” It’s populated by the kind of zonked-out, sunbaked guitar jams that has been his bread and butter over the last decade. There are covers, reworked versions of previous material and entirely new creations, all worthy if slightly elusive.

“When I was younger, I wrote more conventionally and I thought that

“When I was younger, I wrote more conventionally and I thought that

there were rules,” Vile said in a recent interview with Leo Weekly. “The longer I do it, the more I realize that there are no rules, and the possibilities are endless. It’s usually a culmination of a bunch of factors and a deadline. Often it comes down to deciding if the things that are mostly ready will make it on to an album or not. The recording is really just a snapshot of where a song is at that moment because songs will always look a little different each time you play them live and sometimes in that context the more cosmic ones start to feel like they could evolve forever.”

there were rules,” Vile said in a recent interview with Leo Weekly. “The longer I do it, the more I realize that there are no rules, and the possibilities are endless. It’s usually a culmination of a bunch of factors and a deadline. Often it comes down to deciding if the things that are mostly ready will make it on to an album or not. The recording is really just a snapshot of where a song is at that moment because songs will always look a little different each time you play them live and sometimes in that context the more cosmic ones start to feel like they could evolve forever.”

With its recurring piano line and spacy, guitar-fuzz outro, “Another good year for the roses” is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy summer weekend, the sonic equivalent to lounging in a hammock, margarita in hand.

With its recurring piano line and spacy, guitar-fuzz outro, “Another good year for the roses” is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy summer weekend, the sonic equivalent to lounging in a hammock, margarita in hand.

“Tom Petty’s gone (but tell him i asked for him),” driven by its interweaving acoustic and electric guitars, is a languid, eight-minute lament about the fact that Vile was never able to meet one of his biggest influences. A cover of “Must Be Santa” is the oddest offering of the bunch, a keyboard-driven effort featuring vocal assistance from Vile’s daughters. It’s not likely to make Vile’s live setlist anytime soon, yet it’s another sign this guy is willing to move in unexpected directions.

“Tom Petty’s gone (but tell him i asked for him),” driven by its interweaving acoustic and electric guitars, is a languid, eight-minute lament about the fact that Vile was never able to meet one of his biggest influences. A cover of “Must Be Santa” is the oddest offering of the bunch, a keyboard-driven effort featuring vocal assistance from Vile’s daughters. It’s not likely to make Vile’s live setlist anytime soon, yet it’s another sign this guy is willing to move in unexpected directions.

Kurt Vile plays Taft Theatre on June 23 at 8 p.m. More info: tafttheatre.org. (JG)

Kurt Vile plays Taft Theatre on June 23 at 8 p.m. More info: tafttheatre.org. (JG)

Kurt Vile

PHOTO: LANCE BANGS

Janet Jackson

PHOTO: RICH ESTEBAN (CC BY 4.0) JANET JACKSON

Kurt Vile

PHOTO: LANCE BANGS

Janet Jackson

PHOTO: RICH ESTEBAN (CC BY 4.0)

EVENTS

EVENTS

The Set List

The Set List

Greater Cincinnati’s live music calendar

Greater Cincinnati’s live music calendar

6lack - No More Lonely Nights Tour

6lack - No More Lonely Nights Tour

June 19, 7 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St.,

John Byrne Solo performance

Newport

June 15, 7-9 p.m.; Irish Heritage

John Byrne Solo performance

Bluegrass at Inwood Park

June 19, 7 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

Bluegrass at Inwood Park

June 22, 10 a.m.-noon; Inwood Park, 2308 Vine St., Mt. Auburn

Bodybox - Bashed In - No Shot - Bloodklot

Center of Greater Cincinnati, 3905

June 15, 7-9 p.m.; Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati, 3905

Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum

Jon McLaughlin

Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum

Jon McLaughlin

June 19, 8 p.m.; Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

June 19, 8 p.m.; Memorial Hall, 1225

June 15, 7-11:30 p.m.; Legends

June 22, 10 a.m.-noon; Inwood Park, 2308 Vine St., Mt. Auburn Bodybox - Bashed In - No Shot - Bloodklot

Bar & Venue, 3801 Harrison Ave., Cheviot

Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

Jose Gobbo Trio - Jazz for Lovers’ Day

June 15, 7-11:30 p.m.; Legends Bar & Venue, 3801 Harrison Ave., Cheviot

Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King

June 25, 7:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

Carolyn Wonderland, Shelley King

June 25, 7:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport Club 90s Present Midnight Memories - 1D Night

Club 90s Present Midnight Memories - 1D Night

June 13, 8:30 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

June 13, 8:30 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

Comedy @ Commonwealth Presents: JOE STAPLETON AND SAM RHODES

Comedy @ Commonwealth Presents: JOE STAPLETON AND SAM RHODES

June 25, 7-8:30 p.m.; 522 5th Ave., Dayton

Covington Metal Fest III

June 25, 7-8:30 p.m.; 522 5th Ave., Dayton

Covington Metal Fest III

June 15, 5 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734 Madison Ave., Covington

JD Simo, Damon Fowler

June 15, 5 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734 Madison Ave., Covington

June 13, 8 p.m.; The Southgate

JD Simo, Damon Fowler

June 13, 8 p.m.; The Southgate

Jose Gobbo Trio - Jazz for Lovers’ Day

June 12; AYDesign Art Gallery, 4722

Vine St., St. Bernard

June 12; AYDesign Art Gallery, 4722

King Lazy Eye, Dustbin

Vine St., St. Bernard

King Lazy Eye, Dustbin

June 14, 9 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

Kota the Friend

June 14, 9 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

Kota the Friend

June 15, 7:30 p.m.; Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton

Matt St. George Album Release

June 15, 7:30 p.m.; Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton

Show with Anthony Asher, Kryst Kruer & the Secondhand Smoke

Matt St. George Album Release

Show with Anthony Asher, Kryst Kruer & the Secondhand Smoke

June 14, 9:30 p.m.; The Southgate

June 14, 9:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

Maul - Deterioration - Hostile

House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

Vision - Suspectum

Maul - Deterioration - Hostile

Vision - Suspectum

June 24, 7-11 p.m.; Legends Bar & Venue, 3801 Harrison Ave., Cheviot

June 24, 7-11 p.m.; Legends Bar & Venue, 3801 Harrison Ave., Cheviot

MegaCorp Pavilion

Mind Circus, Detached, Encrement

House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

June 22, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

Mind Circus, Detached, Encrement

House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

School of Rock Cincinnati and NKY Adult Program

June 22, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

Madison Ave., Covington Mojo Thunder

Madison Ave., Covington Mojo Thunder

June 13, 10 p.m.; The Southgate

School of Rock Cincinnati and NKY Adult Program

June 23, 5:15 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

School of Rock Cincinnati

House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

June 13, 10 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport Moonbeau, Holy Wire, Don’t Get Lemon, Same Eyes

Rock101 Showcase

June 23, 5:15 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport School of Rock Cincinnati Rock101 Showcase

June 23, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

Moonbeau, Holy Wire, Don’t Get Lemon, Same Eyes

Madison Ave., Covington

June 23, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

June 23, noon; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport SingOUT Cincy Festival Chorus

Madison Ave., Covington

Music in the Park with the Remains

Music in the Park with the Remains

June 15, 7-10 p.m.; Bechtold Park, 4312 Sycamore Road, Sycamore Township

June 15, 7-10 p.m.; Bechtold Park, 4312 Sycamore Road, Sycamore Township

Music of the Silver Screen Civic Pops Concert

Music of the Silver Screen Civic Pops Concert

June 23, noon; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport SingOUT Cincy Festival Chorus

June 18, 8-9 p.m.; Church of Our Saviour, 65 E Hollister St., Mt. Auburn

The House Band

June 18, 8-9 p.m.; Church of Our Saviour, 65 E Hollister St., Mt. Auburn

The House Band

June 20, 8:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

June 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Glendale Village Square, Sharon Road at Greenville Ave., Glendale

June 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Glendale

Paul Cauthen

Village Square, Sharon Road at Greenville Ave., Glendale

Paul Cauthen

June 18, 7 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

Portrayal of Guilt

June 18, 7 p.m.; Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Clifton

Portrayal of Guilt

June 21, 9-11:30 p.m.; Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine

Robert Glasper

June 21, 9-11:30 p.m.; Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine

Robert Glasper

June 20, 7:30 p.m.; Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton Ron Purdon Quintet

June 20, 7:30 p.m.; Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton

Ron Purdon Quintet

June 14, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

June 14, 7-9 p.m.; Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Madisonville

Ryan Snyder, Halfway Hammered, Eric Manuel

Ryan Snyder, Halfway Hammered, Eric Manuel

June 21, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

Madison Ave., Covington

June 21, 8 p.m.; Madison Live!, 734

Madison Ave., Covington

Samantha King, Noah Wotherspoon (solo), Human Cannonball

June 22, 8 p.m.; The Southgate

Samantha King, Noah Wotherspoon (solo), Human Cannonball

June 22, 8 p.m.; The Southgate

June 20, 8:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival - The Lounge, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

The Super Satan Show Celebrates 8 Years of Evil!

The Super Satan Show Celebrates 8 Years of Evil!

June 22, 8:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

USAF Band’s Singing Sergeants

June 22, 8:30 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

USAF Band’s Singing Sergeants

June 18, 7-8 p.m.; Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth St., Downtown

June 18, 7-8 p.m.; Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth St., Downtown

Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass

Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass

June 22, 10 a.m.-noon; Inwood Park, 2308 Vine St, Mt. Auburn VOLK

June 22, 10 a.m.-noon; Inwood Park, 2308 Vine St, Mt. Auburn VOLK

June 19, 8 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

West End Brady Block Party

June 19, 8 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

West End Brady Block Party

June 23, 6 p.m.; Laurel Park, 500 Ezzard Charles Dr., West End Will Kimbrough

June 23, 6 p.m.; Laurel Park, 500 Ezzard Charles Dr., West End Will Kimbrough

June 23, 7 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

June 23, 7 p.m.; The Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport

PHOTO: RON VALLE

MegaCorp Pavilion

PHOTO: RON VALLE

CROSSWORD

IT’S SUMMER

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY WWW.BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

Across 1.  Pasta covered in cheese

4.  Vinyl distortions

9.  Actress Paulson

14.  “I see your tricks!”

15.  Louvre Pyramid architect

16.  Sad poem

17.  -

19.  Legally block

20.  With 27-Down, website launched by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

21.  Overflow (with)

23.  “___ ‘Friends’ Electric?” (Gary Numan song)

24.  Award for jingles

26.  Granola sweetener

29.  Blue underlined text, e.g.

30.  Removes

31.  See 31-Down

32.  Elon Musk and Tim Cook, e.g.

33.  Small amounts

37.  With 39-Across, “What a beautiful day, I’ll wear my tank top” ... and a

cryptic explanation for the shaded squares on this side of the grid

39.  See 37-Across ... and a cryptic explanation for the shaded squares on this side of the grid

41.  Heap praises on

42.  Bit of dust

43.  Uno, due, ___, ...

44.  “That’s a little harsh”

47.  Warm up

48.  Waiting with bated breath

51.  Big name in gas

52.  “This second!”

53.  “This second!”

54.  Returns org.

55.  Stupefy

57.  Strong assets

62.  Slow-moving creek

63.  Look all over

64.  Chipped bowl?

65.  Kind of tea

66.  Kind of run down

67.  Middle-earth race

Down

1.  Soccer game chauffeur, probably

2.  Fancy tuna selection

3.  One of six in Risk

4.  All-knowing

5.  Early hrs.

6.  Tech sch. near Albany

7.  Styles of trousers that share its name with a spinning toy

8.  Muscles

9.  “I can live with this”

10.  Celtics star Horford, and namesakes

11.  Put a new price one, say

12.  Roman marketplace

13.  Bouncing off the walls

18.  “Well, I guess so”

22.  Brian who said “I take sounds and change them into words”

24.  With 31-Across “Dodged a bullet there!”

25.  Server language

26.  Coleur on the French flag

27.  See 20-Across

28.  Ships that travel through wormholes, supposedly

32.  Rome tourist attraction

34.  Just out of the way

35.  Glows

36.  Dishes of leftovers

38.  Annual speech from the pres.

39.  Slimy gunks

40.  Alternative magazine name

42.  Inigo ___ (“The Princess Bride” swordsman)

45.  Make a decision (to)

46.  Driveway application

47.  By way of, briefly

48.  “Dancing With The Stars” judge Carrie Ann ___

49.  Roberto Duran resignation

50.  Convinces

54.  Classic road trip game

56.  Suffix with proto-

58.  Badminton barrier

59.  Word with “health” or “check”

60.  Up to, briefly

61.  Letters on a Hawaiian Tropic bottle

LAST PUZZLE’S ANSWERS: