Mightier
Than the Sword
White Whale Tattoo transforms the lives of Guatemalan gang members with a little bit of ink and a lot of compassion BY M aija Z u mm o
•
PAG E 12
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VOICES
What a Week! BY T.C. Britton
WEDNESDAY FEB. 22
NASA announced Wednesday the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets orbiting the same star outside our solar system. The TRAPPIST-1 system shows potential to support life, consisting of temperate rocky planets that might even have oceans. So let’s see: possibly livable, might have some great beaches, only 40 light-years away — who’s in? The TRAPPIST-1 planetary system is the new Canada.
THURSDAY FEB. 23
While much of the world (OK, the Tristate) is wrapped up in Fiona the hippo coverage, celebrating each precious pound the premie gains, a tiger park in China is dealing with the opposite issue: Their cats are fat. In an effort to slim down the tigers, the park has deployed drones for the massive felines to chase down. Think of it as “cat vs. laser pointer” on steroids. Wait, are we sure this is China and not America?
FRIDAY FEB. 24
Singer Lana Del Rey tweeted a cryptic message this week: “At the stroke of midnight / Feb 24, March 26, April 24, May 23 / Ingredients can b found online.” Apparently those dates align with an occult ritual and somehow that has been interpreted as a witchy effort to cast a spell on Donald Trump to prevent him from doing harm, The Craft style. Sure, why not?
SATURDAY FEB. 25
The Oscars may have host Jimmy Kimmel, the Kodak Theater as a venue and light jabs at Mel Gibson, but Saturday’s Film Independent Spirit Awards had comedians Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, a tent off the Santa Monica Pier and heavy jabs at Mel Gibson. The director was nominated by the academy for his work on Hacksaw Ridge, and Kroll quipped, “People wondered, ‘How long would it take for Hollywood to forgive someone for antiSemitic, racist hate speech?’ The answer? Eight years!” The hilarious hosts also advised that political speeches would be most effective if whispered to one’s self in the bathroom, since independent film fans and makers are probably pretty likeminded already. But that didn’t stop them from skewering the Trump administration, going so far as to say Steve Bannon only came to power because of his sexy good looks. “He looks like if Nick Offerman drowned,” Kroll said, so accurately yet horrifically. Moonlight swept, winning Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and the Robert Altman Award. Could the touching coming-of-age drama recreate this success at the Oscars?
SUNDAY FEB. 26
It might have taken well past midnight to answer that question, but yes: Moonlight was king at the Academy Awards Sunday, too. But not before hours of red carpet coverage, more than 20 awards, some humorous bits and major flubs. Between an erroneous “In Memoriam” segment
(which left out major actors and included a living Australian producer) and the biggest “Sike!” ever, the 89th-annual Oscars were a comedy of errors. Kimmel shined as host, picking on stars like Gibson, lifelong nemesis Matt Damon and the “overrated” Meryl Streep, who Kimmel said has “phoned it in for more than 50 films over the course of her lackluster career.” In what’s become a trend in feeding celebs in the audience, Kimmel launched movie snacks in tiny parachutes into the crowd throughout the night. He awkwardly recreated a opening Lion King scene with tiny Lion star Sunny Pawar and even more awkwardly surprised a group of tourists on a Hollywood tour as they unsuspectingly walked into the telecast. It felt odd, watching these plebs realize they were surrounded by cinema’s elite, but any concerns about the problematic stunt went out the window when we met Gary from Chicago. Dude live-streamed the entire thing, he snatched Mahershala Ali’s Supporting Actor statue, handing his phone to the actor so he could take a photo. Elsewhere throughout the night, the mercilessly ridiculed Suicide Squad became an Academy Award-winning film (Best Makeup and Hairstyling); banned from the U.S., The Salesman’s Iranian director Asghar Farhadi won for Best Foreign Language Film and had Iranian-American engineer/spacewoman Anousheh Ansari accept on his behalf; and Chrissy Teigen reached peak relatability when she dozed off on hubby John Legend’s shoulder as the show entered its fourth hour. Finally, a case of mistaken
envelopes — a duplicate Best Actress card was given instead of Best Picture — led Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway to accidentally announce La La Land for Best Picture. Halfway through acceptance speeches, Moonlight was announced as the true winner. Kimmel appropriately blamed the Best Picture snafu on Steve Harvey (he will never live down the crowning of the wrong Miss Universe contestant). RIP to the stagehands executed because of this error.
MONDAY FEB. 27
A Wikipedia edit war is going down on the Garfield (character) page, and it centers on the lasagna-loving comic cat’s gender identity. While Garfield is often referred to in the comic using male pronouns, creator Jim Davis has stated that the character is “not really male or female or any particular race or nationality, young or old.” A peek into the page’s edit log is rife with arguments over whether Garfield is male, gender fluid or if gender should just be omitted from the page of the goddamned fictional cartoon cat. As of press time, the patriarchy has won, with Garfield still listed as male.
TUESDAY FEB. 28
Today is Mardi Gras, a time for king cake, hurricane cocktails and beads, but here in Cincy it’s a reminder to prepare yourself to see lots of Cincinnatians with ashes on their foreheads tomorrow. Pro tip: Don’t offer anyone a wet wipe. It’s a Catholic thing. CONTACT T.C. BRITTON: letters@ citybeat.com
Ways You’ll (Probably) Never Get to Improve Your Life Due to the Impending Bacon Shortage 0 4 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
A few weeks ago, cincinnati.com posted a story about the panic surrounding an impending bacon shortage and subsequent rise in pork belly prices (bacon is basically just salty pork belly). In consideration of this sad fake news, we present this eulogy of useful ways you may never capitalize on one of nature’s great gifts: bacon. • Bacon is an excellent healthy and natural substitute for tofu and tempeh-based “meatless strips.” Vegetarians and vegans missed their chance to eat real bacon for many years. Now they are looking for “meatless strips” that taste more meat-like. Why not try bacon? Bacon has a savory and meaty taste that often mimics the taste of seasoned tofu and tempeh products. Bacon seems like a reasonable (and seasonable) flavor solution! • Many do not know that, before being heated, bacon is a very malleable. For this reason it makes for a versatile sealant for many home and auto projects. Have a drafty window? Hold the uncooked bacon up to the problem area. When the bacon sways back and forth, you have found the draft. Simply stuff the drafty area with a few strips and heat with a high-power hair dryer or heat gun. The bacon will form an air-tight seal for years to come. Bacon strips also make great DIY fixes for toilet gaskets, head gaskets in cars built before 2005 and leaky seams in salt-water aquariums.
• Because of its salty nature, bacon has incredible absorbing properties. During the humid summer months it can make a great substitute for anti-perspirant. With the magic properties of bacon up your sleeve, you’ll be able to win at any stressful job interview, meeting your new girl/boyfriend’s parents or high-stakes poker game. • Cincinnati is traditionally known as a baseball town and a pork town. Why not reconcile these two institutions? Instead of requesting the one-pound bacon sandwich off the Machine Room menu, request that Dick Williams put bacon in right field. While significantly shorter in stature than the current right fielder, Scott Schebler, bacon stands tall in the stats column. Bacon has a .295 batting average and is known for making sizzling defensive plays. Besides, most Reds’ fans have had bacon at their homes for dinner, whereas only 15 percent of Tristate families even know who Scott Schebler is.
You can make a difference and save bacon in our community. Call Ohio Senator Kevin Bacon at (614) 466-8064 and tell him to do his job. Get bacon back to work!
— JEFF BEYER
VOICES GUEST EDITORIAL
Let’s Wish Deters Well — It’s Our Only Choice BY MARK PAINTER
the prosecutor’s office from cases where a relative of the prosecutor were a judge, it would disqualify the judge from hearing half the cases. In a small county, there would be real difficulty. When nepotism is suspected, the first thing that comes to mind is a relative who can’t get a job any other way. That’s not the case here. Dennis Deters is not unemployed. He has a law degree and has practiced for 16 years. The real issue is whether he is the best for this job. I do not personally know this Deters, so I cannot comment on his personality, or give first-hand illustrations of his intellect. On paper, he has no obvious qualifications for the second-highest judicial office in Ohio. He has not been a judge. He has not taught law, or written any publications that I know about. He has never written a judicial decision or even decided a case. Now he will be reviewing the decisions of other judges. Traditionally, judges serve in a lower court first (I served 13 years on Municipal Court). I would have found it difficult to start at the appellate level, without the experience of seeing how the law works out in the “trenches.” In Ohio, the only technical qualification is that judges must be lawyers for six years before being any type of judge. Deters has been practicing 16, which should give him sufficient experience, though it is much less than normal for the appellate court. I don’t think every appellate judge should be from the same career path. Diversity is good. But too many inexperienced judges at one time may be a problem. Judge Deters will be one of six judges on the court. Four will be new. That’s difficult. I can’t remember a time when more than two were new, and most years either one or no new judges ascended. There will necessarily be some on-the-job training. Deters does have some credentials. In his early days, he worked in the court system as a law clerk. He has practiced 16 years, he has served in public office, he is highly rated by his peers and he seems to have no apparent flaws or weirdness. If Deters is just doing this for a year or two and then will run for something else, that would be a shame. But if he is committed to being a judge, there is no reason he cannot be a good one. Study and hard work can overcome a lack of experience. It doesn’t take genius. It takes common sense, fairness and willingness to learn and apply the law. And maybe the political system will work. He could be a great judge. In any event, he will be a judge, so we must wish him well. Cincinnati native MARK PAINTER served as a judge for 30 years and as an adjunct law professor at the University of Cincinnati for 20 years.
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This year, our Court of Appeals will have four new judges out of six. That’s a major shakeup, brought about by a confluence of circumstances — one judge lost re-election, one maxed out on age, two were elected to the Ohio Supreme Court. The court reviews decisions of all courts in the district. Gov. John Kasich appointed Dennis Deters to one vacancy. Deters, younger brother of prosecutor Joe Deters, previously served as a Colerain Township trustee, was appointed last year to the county commission, but lost re-election to Democrat Denise Driehaus. We all know that the appointment was political — a Deters replaces a DeWine. It’s sad that the courts are used thusly. It has always been this way in Hamilton County — judgeships are a political “reward.” The courts should be the last place where politics is paramount. But we are stuck with the system we have. All judges in Ohio are elected. Vacancies are filled by the governor, almost always at the behest of the local party chair. So the process cannot help but be political.Sometimes the system, despite itself, works — we have had some outstanding judges. Often though, the political system being applied to the court system turned out as expected. Badly. The first objection I’ve heard to Deters’ appointment is the “conflict of interest” issue. Joe Deters is the county prosecutor, responsible for most criminal, and many civil, cases before the court. There is no automatic problem with a judge being the brother of the prosecutor. The general rule, under the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct, is that a judge is disqualified from a case if “the judge’s spouse or domestic partner, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse or domestic partner of such a person” is a lawyer in the case. Obviously, a brother is a close relation. But the rule generally prohibits just the brother (or sister) from personally appearing before the judge. A member of a law firm where the sibling practices is not precluded. Joe Deters could not personally appear and try a case before a relative, but members of his “firm,” the prosecutor’s office, might. We have had the situation before. Judge Sylvia Hendon was a trial and then appellate judge. She was then Joe Deters’ mother-inlaw. Joe did not appear in cases before her, but members of the prosecutor’s office did. The rule states: “The fact that a lawyer in a proceeding is affiliated with a law firm with which a relative of the judge is affiliated does not itself disqualify the judge.” But there could be other circumstances, such as if the lawyers in a small firm had a huge pecuniary interest in a case, that would require disqualification. A rule of reason applies — if we banned
news
Code Complaints
Neighborhood revitalization program in Mount Auburn raises questions about equity in city code enforcement BY nick swartsell
P H O T O : n i c k s wa r t s e l l
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city program funding cleanup efforts and rehabbing community spaces also has negative consequences for those in some low-income neighborhoods. Mount Auburn residents say they were deluged with code compliance orders during the Neighborhood Enhancement Program, which undertook a so-called “90-day sweep” of the neighborhood last fall. That has stirred deeper tensions around code compliance, socioeconomic status and fears about gentrification in the oftenneglected hilltop keystone between the bustling developments in Over-the-Rhine and uptown neighborhoods. “We’ve experienced this before,” Mount Auburn Community Council President Stanley Broadnax told a group of city officials and residents Feb. 27. “But it may have intensified because we’re the last undeveloped hillside in the city and the property is valuable. If we don’t get on top of it, many people who are sitting here are going to end up in a foreclosure court, lose their property or end up in jail.” In 2016, the year the NEP did its 90-day blitz in Mount Auburn, the city issued some 1,464 code orders there, according to city records — more than any other neighborhood in Cincinnati. About 350 of those came during the NEP. “That’s a lot for a neighborhood this small,” Cincinnati City Councilwoman Yvette Simpson says. The community of about 5,000 received more orders than Westwood — which has 30,000 people — as well as Avondale and Walnut Hills, larger and similarly lowincome neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Enhancement Program, which has served 22 Cincinnati neighborhoods in the decade since it kicked off in Avondale and Price Hill in 2007, sometimes comes with a swarm of municipal code orders for neighborhood residents. These can result in thousands of dollars in fines for both serious structural concerns or minor violations like high weeds, chipped paint or missing siding. East Price Hill, which hosted the program in 2014, saw its code orders skyrocket to 3,729 that year. It had 2,286 the year before. Last year, it had 1,308. But other neighborhoods don’t see massive swells in code orders in NEP years. Walnut Hills, which also hosted the NEP in 2014, saw 469 orders issued that year. The year before, it saw 470. Lower Price Hill, which also had the NEP last year, saw 514 code compliance orders in 2016, not many more than the year before. City officials say the goal of the NEP
isn’t to come down hard on neighborhood residents. “The intent is to work with the community to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood,” said NEP Coordinator Ethel Cogen, who noted that the Mount Auburn Community Council voted to bring the NEP in. Cogen highlighted two signature projects the NEP completed in the neighborhood — improvements on Inwood Park and a new health clinic at Taft Elementary School. Not everyone affected by the code orders lives in Mount Auburn. Art Dahlberg, the city’s director of building and inspections, says landlords, not occupants, own more than 80 percent of the Mount Auburn buildings cited during the NEP. But other orders went to homeowners like Shannon Carr. Carr lives on Burnet Avenue, a street where city building and inspections officials issued more than 160 of the roughly 350 code orders issued in Mount Auburn during the NEP. She says she was cited for small, mostly aesthetic issues like paint chipping and missing siding. Like many homeowners who received notices, she’s suspicious about them — especially at a time when real estate interest in Mount Auburn is heating up as development there begins in earnest.
Houses along Burnet Avenue in Mount Auburn received more than 160 of the 350 code orders issued by the city during the Neighborhood Enhancement Program last year. “It all came around the same time,” Carr says. “Investors started calling and writing, trying to buy my house, then the NEP came through, then I got these code orders.” At a Feb. 27 meeting at Taft Elementary called by Cincinnati City Council members Yvette Simpson, Wendell Young and Chris Seelbach, about 60 people crowded into the school’s small cafeteria to air complaints about the NEP and code enforcement more broadly. Some felt the code orders were motivated by developers, presaged gentrification or were racially motivated. Code orders issued during the NEP came directly from city inspectors doing their sweeps of the neighborhood, Dahlberg told attendees, and have a 90-day timeline for compliance — three times the normal length. Non-NEP complaints, however, can be called in by anyone. Even leaving out the NEP-related orders, Mount Auburn got more than 1,000 complaints last year — still more than other highly cited neighborhoods like Avondale and Walnut Hills. Due in part to the deep socioeconomic divisions in Cincinnati and many other cities, code enforcement often falls heavily on neighborhoods where many low-income,
predominantly black residents live. Neighborhoods like Mount Auburn, Avondale, Evanston and others receive hundreds of code orders a year, while similarly sized, higher-income and predominantly white neighborhoods receive far fewer. Hyde Park, for example, a neighborhood of 13,000 people with a median household income of almost $75,000 a year, saw only 169 code orders last year. Some issues are due to absentee landlords. Other times, the violations fall on property owners least able to pay to fix up their houses themselves. Help is sometimes available for those who can’t afford fixes, but some owners fall through the cracks. In the worst-case scenarios, problems can escalate to the point where property owners end up owing thousands of dollars and face foreclosure or even jail time. That’s what happened to Stanford Poole, a retired Cincinnati firefighter who owns two small rental properties on Rice Street in Mount Auburn. A few years ago, the city cited him for siding damage on one of his houses and issues with a porch on another. Court documents reveal Poole went around CONTINUES ON PAGE 07
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news city desk BY cit ybeat staff
Kentucky Authorizes Bible Class for Public Schools
Ohio, Kentucky Appoint Judges in Very Different Ways A state appeals court seat opened up in January. The state’s seven-member Judicial Nominating Commission advertised the vacancy and collected nominations, applications and completed questionnaires. Following a process spelled out in the state Constitution, the panel sent the governor three names last week. It is now up to the governor to choose one of the three. The governor of Kentucky, that is. Ohio dispenses with such cumbersome, bipartisan folly. It engages in a much more efficient process — simple political appointments. With no due-diligence red tape in their way, Hamilton County Republicans scored two seats this month on the six-judge First District Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. Not only that, they filled the seats with two men who had never served as judges at any level, not even traffic court. One of the appointees, Dennis Deters, was largely a product of the local Republican machine. From his humble seat on the Colerain Township Board of Trustees, the party named him to a vacancy on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners in January 2016. Voters passed on keeping him, however, when he ran for a full term last November. But the brother of Prosecutor Joe Deters wasn’t to be denied a government paycheck — a $145,550 paycheck. The party recommended Deters and local attorney Charles “Chip” Miller for the two appellate court
FROM PAGE 07
vacancies. Ohio Gov. John Kasich obliged. Kasich had nothing to say about the qualifications of the pair. “After a careful review, the most qualified individuals were selected,” said a Kasich spokeswoman. Never mind that one of the other three applicants, Mark Schweikert, had served as a Municipal and Common Pleas Court judge for a total of 11 years and had spent a decade as head of the Ohio Judicial Conference. One governor ago, Ted Strickland established the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel to vet judge candidates and make non-binding endorsements to the governor. That died after Kasich took office. Kentucky’s judicial nominating process is
part of its state Constitution. Its seven members include the chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, two lawyers elected by the Kentucky Bar Association and four citizens — two Democrats and two Republicans — appointed by the governor. And whom did they recommend last week for the vacancy on the state’s 5th Appellate District Court in Central Kentucky? One has been a circuit court judge since 2003, another since 2005. The third candidate is the second highest-ranking official in the state’s public defender’s office. Gov. Matt Bevin will choose one of the three. Kasich’s office was asked why Ohio judicial recommendation panel was eliminated. It did not answer the question. (JM)
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Kentucky promoters like to talk about bourbon and racehorses while sidestepping the state’s longstanding failure to see its young people through high school. So while American students fall further and further behind their global counterparts in math and science, the Kentucky Legislature has decided to make the public high school curriculum more competitive than ever — by adding a Bible course in public high schools. Bills introduced in both the Senate and the House call for identical courses of action. If enacted, the legislation would require the state Board of Education to establish an elective social studies course on the “Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament of the Bible, the New Testament or a combination of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament of the Bible.” Students would be taught “biblical content, characters, poetry and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory and public policy.” Actually offering the course would fall to individual school boards. Kentucky ranks 45th among states in the percentage of 25-year-olds and older who have completed high school — 84.2 percent, according to the last U.S. Census Bureau survey. If they finish high school, Kentucky students are more middle-of-the-pack nationally in average SAT and ACT scores, but employers prefer excellence over mediocrity, and the demand — and pay — is high for students who go on to get STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degrees. That fact isn’t lost on international students in U.S. colleges: In the 2015-16 school year, their number breached the 1 million mark for the first time. But while the rest of the world is catching on to American-style career ladder-climbing, Kentucky legislators want their high school students to develop more world perspective. “You would be remiss if you didn’t include the Bible’s impact on the law and the history of our country and where we are in the world today,” said state Sen. Robin Webb, a Democrat from Grayson, Ky., and sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, in an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader. The Kentucky House passed the proposal last Thursday by a God-fearing 80-to-14 margin. The Senate bill passed muster with the Education Committee, but hadn’t made it onto the Senate floor as of Friday. All seven GOP House members from Northern Kentucky voted for the bill Thursday. Of the two Democrats in the region, Arnold Simpson of Covington voted against it, while Dennis Keene of Wilder abstained. Several critics of the measure said Bible instruction in public schools will lead to
lawsuits citing the separation of church and state. Jim Walton, president of Tri-State Freethinkers, an activist group with about 1,900 members, says the bill is a bald attempt to add education about one religion, to the exclusion of others, in secular schools. “It singles out and gives favor to Christianity, which goes against the First Amendment,” he says. “If you were a Jewish child, or a Muslim child, how would you feel if only Christianity is taught?” In Kentucky, though, the measure is encountering nothing but tailwinds. After all, Gov. Matt Bevin declared 2017 the “Year of the Bible.” The American Civil Liberties Union aims to keep close tabs on the state’s implementation of Bible classes. Along with course descriptions, it will pay close attention to instruction, such as whether the course teaches the Bible or about the Bible. “It must be made crystal clear, the Bible may be taught in public school, but only for its historical, cultural or literary value and never in a devotional, celebratory or doctrinal manner, or in such a way that encourages acceptance of the Bible as a religious document,” said Kate Miller, advocacy director for the ACLU of Kentucky, before the Senate Education Committee two weeks ago. (James McNair)
with the city several times on those properties, eventually getting a year’s probation and a $3,500 fine for failing to comply to code orders. He fixed the siding issue, but never resolved the issue with the porch to the satisfaction of inspectors. Eventually, a warrant was issued for Poole’s arrest. A Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy picked the Madisonville resident up on Feb. 14, and he spent the night in jail before posting bond. Council members like Simpson and Young would like to boost groups like People Working Cooperatively, which helps low-and-moderate-income people with certain home maintenance work. She and other
council members also cite a model run by the city of Cleveland, which has a fund set aside to help low-income homeowners meet code compliance requirements. In the meantime, the council members also pledged to find legislative solutions to the problems revealed by the NEP, including a proposed rollback for owner-occupants on strict new blight mitigation rules passed by City Council last year. “We were told when we passed that plan that it would only be targeting people who own tons of rental properties throughout the city and wouldn’t be targeting individual owners who have legitimate reasons why they may be in violation,” Seelbach says. “But in practice, it doesn’t seem to be enforced that way.” ©
Mightier Than the Sword
White Whale Tattoo transforms the lives of Guatemalan gang members with a little bit of ink and a lot of compassion 0 8 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • M A R C H 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
As to l d to M a i ja Z u mm o • Ph oto s BY J es s e F ox
Opposite page: “Our
last tattoo day, we went into Zone 3. Zone 3 was really intense, way more intense than La Limonada,” Jaclin says. “Again, you could tell everyone was welcoming and smiling, but you could feel this hardness. Their life is really hard there. A lot of people in that neighborhood work in the dump, which is right across the street. Working in the dump is highly dangerous but it’s also a huge work opportunity. This one man that I tattooed from Zone 3, I did a cover-up on his forearm. I didn’t really expect the toughness of his skin, especially around his wrists it was so dry. I had to scrub the ink off of him. It was really challenging. And what I heard later is a lot of these people, after a hard day at work they’re covered in whatever from the dump and they don’t have access to gentle soaps to clean up afterward so a lot of times they’ll use paint thinner or even gasoline on their skin to get everything off, or at least as much of it off as they can.” This PAge: This man got a rose tattoo for his mother. “A couple guys who had been in the United States and been involved in gangs there had been deported,” Becki says. “(He) is one of them. His mother lives in New York and he can’t see her. He’s not allowed to go back even though he’s working on turning his life around.”
Ten years later, this past January, Griswold spent 10 days in Guatemala with part of his White Whale Tattoo team, Niki Woltja and Jaclin Hastings; his wife, Becki; and a handful of assistants and photographers, including former CityBeat photographer Jesse Fox, exploring the country and also working with aid organizations and grassroots community leaders to do cover-up tattoos for around 30 former gang members who had re-entered society. The following is Jeremiah’s retelling of that experience.
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Jeremiah Griswold of Walnut Hills’ White Whale Tattoo shades the Venn diagram between self-expression and social justice. While living in Guatemala in 2007, he fell in love with the country and began volunteering in schools and gang prisons in La Limonada, one of Central America’s largest slums, helping design cover-up tattoos for former gang members who were starting over. After realizing this simple artistic endeavor was literally saving lives, Griswold returned to Cincinnati and devoted his life to tattooing, vowing to go back to Guatemala with a team of artists to provide free cover-up services to those in need.
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The Beginning
In 2007, I decided to sell my house and quit my job and move to Guatemala. I had reached a point where I was trying to figure myself out. I just wanted six months with no strings attached where I could do whatever I wanted — I wanted to volunteer; I wanted to learn about people who were doing really cool things down there. So I volunteered a few days a week and I explored the country a few days a week. Guatemala is about the size of Ohio. And it’s mountainous. There are volcanoes everywhere. It’s 75 degrees most of the year. It’s called the “land of eternal spring,” so there are beautiful flowers wherever you look, and at the same time there are rusty metal homes and there’s poverty and there’s garbage. It’s such a stark contrast all the time. Guatemala City is divided into these zones. La Limonada is in Zone 1, I believe. It’s the largest slum in Central America. From what I understand, La Limonada began in the civil war when indigenous Mayans who had lost their land came to the city looking for help. Families that were torn apart — mothers and their children after their fathers were killed — needed a place closer to the city that had access to things. The city really had nothing to offer them so people started building these shacks in what is basically a big ravine and it became a kind of community.
People who grew up there say just 20 or 30 years ago, there was land and trees growing on the sides of the ravine, and now it’s completely barren of that except for all of these cinder block and corrugated metal shacks just stacked on top of each other. The police won’t even go into La Limonada because of the gang violence. They’ll sit on the edge of the community and make sure people aren’t coming out, especially gang members, but they wont go in. There’s this law of the land there. When I asked what La Limonada stood for and why it was called that, the story I was told is that it means “the lemonade.” The reason is because it’s kind of bittersweet. You see that in the character of the people who live there. When you walk around, people are very proud of their homes and they’ll welcome you in and they’ll share whatever they have with you. But there’s also this sense of, as you look around behind you, there are these bullet holes in the walls and this sense that you have to be really strong and really careful to live there. In 2007, I had been serving in La Limonada in the schools — volunteering, teaching English, just doing random building projects, whatever I could do. There was only one school at the time there and the woman who ran that school — her name was Tita — she was the closest thing I had ever seen to Mother Teresa. People call her “Hermana
Tita,” Sister Tita, and when she walks through the streets everyone comes out of their homes to hug her and kiss her and you can just see this impact she’s had on La Limonada over the past several decades. In the beginning, Tita was visiting gang prisons and working with people trying to get them out of gangs. The story Tita tells is that she saw so many of these gang members killed that she had gotten to know that she became very frustrated and said, “Instead of trying to drag the kids out of the river, I’m going to go upstream and see who’s throwing them in.” And that led her to La Limonada, where there was a lot of gang recruitment. I was also working in the gang prisons. The two main gangs in Guatemala are the 18th Street and MS-13, and they are rival gangs. In a lot of ways it’s one of the big issues when they have a presidential election in Guatemala; the first questions for candidates is, “What are you going to do about the gang issues?” The Guatemalan civil war in the ’80s left a lot of people without families and a lot of kids without fathers so the gang in many ways became a surrogate family for them. The story I kept hearing was that these really young boys would join the gang looking for that belonging and family and money and eventually realized they weren’t getting those things and wanted to get out of that lifestyle.
Opposite page (clockwise from left):
La Limonada, the largest slum in Central America. Fito, a community project coordinator in Guatemala who grew up scavenging with his mother in Zone 3 — La Basurero (the dump). He was part of the founding of gang MS-13 in Zone 3. Today, he still lives in Zone 3 with his family and leads an outreach program trying to keep kids out of the gangs. (The bags are filled with fruit smoothies.) Children in Zone 3. This Page: Above: MS-13 graffiti in Zone 3. C I T Y B E A T . C O M • M A R C H 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7 • 1 1
Below: “Most of us thought that La Limonada was the most impoverished area, but Zone 3 seemed to be even more so,” says Jeremiah. “Eighty percent of the people who live in Zone 3 — according to Fito — are somehow making their living off the garbage dump, whether they’re scavenging from the trash or recycling or actually working on the garbage trucks and collecting the trash.”
left/Above: “Niki did
Luis’ tattoo,” Becki says. “He was one of Fito’s crew still surviving from Zone 3. He left the gang and became a baker, and he sells pastries and candy on public transportation. He wanted to get his MS-13 tattoo covered up with a cupcake. Like a colorful cupcake — a pink and purple cupcake. Because he sells his pastries and candy on the bus, he always had to wear longsleeve shirts because buses go throughout town and it’s dangerous for him to have a visible gang tattoo.” right (L-R):
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Jeremiah and Becki Griswold; Jaclin Hastings; Niki Woltja
Even if they left the gang lifestyle, guys who would get out of prison and go back on the streets could be targeted for their gang tattoos. I was seeing that literally lives were being taken because of gang tattoos. Guys would be on the bus and police would come on the bus and look around for gang tattoos; sometimes they would “accidentally” put someone from the 18th Street gang into an MS-13 prison, just for having a gang tattoo. And within minutes we’d get a phone call, “Hey, they’re taking our homie over to the other prison. You’ve got to get there.” And by the time we got there — this happened to me while I was there — at least one guy would be decapitated and they’d be playing soccer with his head and burning his body because they were in the opposite gang. Something as simple as covering up a tattoo could be a lifesaving thing and that blew my mind. At that point I flew down one of the best tattoo artists I knew, and he was doing these cover-up tattoos (for former gang members) while I designed them, like a mini assembly line. I have always drawn and been an artist, and that for me was the connection of how art could actually help save someone’s life. I really dug into this philosophy of philanthropy and began to ask more questions like, “What do these communities need?” And “How can I serve?” instead of me
showing up as a particular white American male and saying, “Here’s what I think you need.” So I started to ask (myself) what I really wanted, and what I really wanted to do was what I always wanted to do, which was to be an artist and to somehow use my artwork for social justice. And at that point the tattoo artist offered me an apprenticeship when I moved back to Cincinnati. That’s when I started tattooing. My first machine, I wrapped it in Guatemalan currency so I could always be reminded of why I was tattooing.
The Trip When I brought down that artist to Guatemala and he did a handful of cover-ups, it was so powerful to me that I have always wanted to go back with a team of tattooers because I knew the need was everywhere. I’ve been wanting to do this trip for 10 years. For it all to come together, the support of the Cincinnati tattoo community and clients who have just poured their heart out, it was just an overwhelming thing to see happen. We did Flash Day (where walk-in clients can pick a predetermined tattoo design from a menu) and that was the biggest fundraising endeavor. Most of our artists are booked out months in advance so we’re appointment-only,
but we did a first come, first served and opened our doors at 10 a.m. We raised about $9,000 that day and tattooed about 60 people. We also had a GoFundMe page and we had a lot of people donate that way, too. We had a lot of support. We planned the trip around when Center for Transforming Mission (a local social change organization) and Joel (CTM’s director of leadership development) could host us because they were the ones who work directly with indigenous leaders on a regular basis, like our contacts Shorty and Fito. They set up hostels and places for us to stay and work. Shorty is a former gang member who now works as a chaplain and visits prisons and works with guys in the gang prisons. He created his own kind of safe home for guys who were leaving the gang lifestyle and needed a place to stay. He also runs an outreach program for families in La Limonada. Fito grew up in Zone 3 in La Basurero in the garbage dump scavenging with his mother and eventually got tired of living that way so he joined the gang. He and 60 other guys were a part of founding the MS-13 in Zone 3, and of those 60 he is one of four remaining alive. The rest have been killed. Fito now lives with his wife and daughter in Zone 3 and leads an outreach program
Niki applying and working on an unfinished cover-up tattoo. “I think we tattooed 30 people,” Jeremiah says. “Some of the cover-ups would take as long as five or six hours and still not be finished. But really to sit for that long of a tattoo is about the limit that the human body can take.”
intertwined on his arm. He was one of Shorty’s contacts. When we told Shorty we’re coming down and we can take this many cover-ups, he was high priority on the list. Shorty and four or five different organizations who were working in different neighborhoods went out and said, “This guy, this guy, this girl, these are high priority” — people who are already out and living in fear every day. And then there were situations where we literally knew next to nothing, we just knew that this was really important and if the story of their tattoo or cover-up got out, it could endanger them. But this guy was a sniper in the Guatemalan mafia, in a gang mafia, and he wanted to get out of the gang. He wanted to cover his tattoos with Lake Atitlán, which is this beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes in Guatemala. Aldous Huxley calls it the most beautiful place in the world — the Mayans believe that’s where their creation story took place — so we just had to draw it on there and it turned out really cool and he was super ecstatic. It was fun to cover those spider webs and things up with volcanoes and waves with a little boat. To see one person being brave enough to break that cycle, and you see that in all of these stories, people really trying to break that cycle, whether it’s poverty or violence or all of them combined. I could not imagine this guy
killing people. He was the sweetest, really quiet. I also did a tattoo for Otto. This one was not a cover-up; we had done a cover-up for Otto’s son Christian. Otto was a guy who grew up in La Limonada. He remembered being a little kid and stirring the stew one day and he found some meat in the stew. He was so excited because their family never had money for meat until he realized the meat was from a rat that had fallen into the stew. At that point, he was like, “I’m tired of living like this.” He had seen gang members with nice clothing. He was like, “I’m going to go make some money for my family.” He was 7 years old. One day he went to rob a bus with a couple of guys in the gang and he had a little girl at gunpoint and the little girl said, “Here’s all I have.” It’s next to nothing. And she said, “Please don’t kill my mom.” He realized, well, why am I robbing from the poor? The only reason I did this is because I was poor. At that point he decided to leave the gang and started making shoes. Now Otto has this shoe-making business that makes these beautiful shoes and he employs seven other guys who have left gangs to make shoes. One of the things they do every year is make shoes for all the school children in Tita’s school in La Limonada. That was an incredible tattoo for me. He got this Bible
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trying to keep kids out of the gangs. We had one day where we tattooed people from Zone 3 and one day where we tattooed people from La Limonada, and even on that day we had to have different times where members from opposing gangs were coming in. Joel and Fito and Shorty sent us pictures in advance as much as they could of the tattoos we would be covering up. Some of the people getting tattooed had ideas of what they wanted to cover it with, but a lot of them didn’t and said we could do whatever we wanted. When I asked Joel about that, Joel said these people have lived in so much oppression their whole lives they can’t dream. They’ve allowed people to put things on them that they’re not proud of, so its really hard for them to think about what they want or about how something could be better. So when we can ascribe something of greater value or help them dream about what they want, it’s a really meaningful thing. You typically have to cover an existing tattoo with something that’s very heavily shaded or has a lot of layers, so things like flowers work really well or dragons or fish or things with scales. We’re wracking our brains trying to figure out, how do we cover these tattoos? Some of them were very much game-time decisions. I had a guy who had these gang symbols that were all
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Above: “(Brian) got his son’s name on his back and he wanted two hands holding the name as if it was cradling his son,” Jaclin says. “As I was placing the stencil, there was this really intense circular scar on his back. And as you’re tattooing, you have this personal connection because you can’t help but have it — you’re physically touching this person — and in my mind I read it as a bullet hole. I didn’t want to think of it as that, I just thought, ‘I need to place this right around this scar so I can tattoo around it,’ while pushing back, ‘Oh. That’s a bullet hole, a really serious wound.’ ... Even though I’m terrible at Spanish, I was still able at the end of the night to talk about the tattoos we have, tattoos we want and why. That made the trip for me. There was nothing more important in that moment than to be able to connect even though we come from such amazingly different places.” right: The stacked tombs of the poor in a Guatemalan cemetery. “They get to have a ceremony and burial, but seven years later they take the remains out and put them in a mass grave,” Jeremiah says.
LEFT: “(A person whose tattoo we covered) had the word ‘mercy’ tattooed above his knee, and that was really striking because I also have the word ‘mercy’ tattooed above my knee,” Jeremiah says. “There’s this weird connection between Cincinnati and Guatemala.” RIGHT: Christian showing off his new tattoo. A resident of La Limonada and budding tattoo artist, he uses a wheelchair after being shot. bELOW: Jeremiah working on a cover-up for a former gang member.
Shorty, all these people had that common theme where they had stared into the abyss and said, “I’m going to go do something with my life and I’m going to help pull other people out of that abyss.” If all we can do is show up and give them tattoos and that somehow helps, that’s amazing. One of the things Fito said was, “You are helping these people cover something they were ashamed of and giving them something to be proud of and in some way help redeem their life.” I think because some tattoos can also be a symbol of our innermost beings and identity, to help someone who is trying to change their identity, that to me was very humbling. There’s a little bit of responsibility for us in Cincinnati and us in the United States to do a little reparation for some of the damage we’ve done. If you dig a little bit back in history and you look at U.S. relations with Guatemala, our country is responsible for a lot of damage. Some people, the way they explain the story of the garbage dumps and La Limonada is really a result of direct relations, historically and politically between the United States, the United Fruit Company and Guatemala. There’s an interesting book called Bitter Fruit that details the accounts of the United Fruit Company and everything that happened with their land. Eventually the United Fruit Company was bought out and turned into
Chiquita Brands by Carl Lindner Jr., so there’s that Cincinnati connection there, too. When we started White Whale, it was always a goal to give 10 percent of our profit to works like Guatemala and then to do this trip maybe once a year and maybe figure out how to do tattoo cover-ups here as well. I’ve become convinced that if you truly listen to what you want and you do what you’re passionate about, the world needs that gift and that is going to help people. You don’t have to sell yourself into something you don’t want to do to make a difference in the world. This trip is just kind of one example of endless opportunities for people to do what they love to do and take themselves out of their normal context and put themselves in a situation that may feel a little uncomfortable, and come out the other end of that experience experiencing something that was really meaningful and life changing and beautiful. When you fall in love with the country, with Guatemala, and fall in love with the people, it’s mutually beneficial. Like you guys are giving me a life. And if I can give back something, great. That’s the dream I think. WHITE WHALE TATTOO will host a Flash Day to raise funds for another trip to Guatemala 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20. For more info, visit whitewhaletattoo.com or gofundme.com/goguate2017.
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verse that said, let’s see if I don’t butcher this, “God gives the most difficult battles to the strongest warriors.” At the end of the tattoo, he asked what size shoe my wife wears. And he brought out these shoes he had made for her. It was really powerful to hear that and then to hear his son Christian’s story, which is a beautiful cover-up that Niki worked on. Christian was also in the gang. He was shot twice and it severed his spine so he’s now in a wheelchair. They live in La Limonada still, but Christian is an artist and he’s taught himself to tattoo. Otto has let Christian practice on him so he has all these tattoos that Christian did and they look really good. A couple years ago, Tita told me about Christian, so I had sent a tattoo machine down for him to use. That machine was stolen by some guys, so he made his own machine out of this tiny little Walkman motor and a button and a pen cap and a phone charger. Niki got to do Christian’s cover-up and Gar, Niki’s partner who is also a tattooer and came with us on the trip, had a machine and he gave it to Christian. Christian was so ecstatic that in return he gave Gar his homemade machine. It was a very powerful moment for Gar and pretty symbolic of this majorly beneficial relationship that we found in Guatemala. To me it seemed like Fito and Otto and Christian and
CELEBR ATE WITH US!
March 29 | 6 –9 pm | ThE PhOENIX F e at u r i n g F o o d & d r i n k s F r o m :
a tavola, amerasia, the BonBonerie, Camp Washington Chili, Coffee emporium, dewey’s pizza, eli’s BBQ, Flipdaddy’s Burgers & Beers, Fusian, grater’s ice Cream, Holtman’s donut shop, izzy’s, keystone Bar & grill, macaron Bar, mazunte, nada, new riff distilling, pompilios, the pub rookwood, rock Bottom Brewery, Queen City exchange, Queen City radio, sundry & Vice, tano Bistro & Catering, taste of Belgium, terry’s turf Club and more to be announced!
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TICk ET S AVAIL AB LE noW AT CIT y B E AT.Com
supporting s p o n s o r s:
proCeeds B e n e F i t:
to do
Staff Recommendations
WEDNESDAY 01
ONSTAGE: WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID — about a bed and breakfast operator who runs a shelter for abused women in the 1970s — gets its regional premiere at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. See review on page 21. ONSTAGE: Broadway in Cincinnati’s SOMETHING ROTTEN! is something wonderful onstage at the Aronoff Center. See review on page 23. MUSIC: Americana Folk duo SHOVELS & ROPE play Madison Theater. See Sound Advice on page 32. EVENT: THE VINTAGE BRIDE FAIR Something borrowed, something new, something old and something blue. The gang at The Turn Vintage Warehouse have brides-tobe covered for the “something old” aspect of the adage with their Vintage Bride Fair. The event features a selection of handpicked creatives who will be on hand to give advice and demonstrations in The Turn’s event space, full of antique tables, chairs and place settings. Sample food, desserts and drinks from local caterers and mixologists and explore unique table and floral displays from Una Floral and Fern, retro makeup artists, handlettered chalkboard signs and more. For the classic and creative bride. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Turn Vintage Warehouse, 913 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., theturnvintage.com. — MAIJA ZUMMO
THURSDAY 02
COMEDY: COMEDYSPORTZ ComedySportz isn’t your ordinary sports
ONSTAGE: RICHARD III “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” Shakespeare wrote that cry for an actor portraying embattled British King Richard III. Nobody got in this guy’s way as he murdered his way to the crown — supporters who doubted his morality, women of no more use to him, even his young nephews who stood between him and the throne. He died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 when he lost his horse and had to fight hand-to-hand, becoming the last King of England to die in combat. Actor Billy Chace is tearing up the stage as Cincy Shakes’ presents the story of his villainy. Through March 11. $26-$42. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 719 Race St., Downtown, cincyshakes.com. — RICK PENDER COMEDY: JOHN ROY “I talk about social issues, which I have always done, but I think there are some broader topics addressed in my current act,” says comedian John Roy. Current topics of discussion and comedy could range from global warming to racism. His podcast, Don’t Ever Change, features guests both famous and not discussing their high school days. Typically dressed in a T-shirt and zip-up sweatshirt, Roy feels many so-called grown-ups might not be as mature as they should be. “I wear clothes like this every day of my life. I eat cereal for dinner, I play video games and if I come up to an automatic door, I might make a Jedi motion,” he says. Roy has appeared on Last Comic Standing, Conan and The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Thursday-Sunday. $8-$14. Go Bananas, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, gobananascomedy. com. — P.F. WILSON FILM: CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S THE KID Pivotal comedian, filmmaker and composer Charlie Chaplin’s first full-length film, The Kid, screens Thursday at The Carnegie accompanied by live pianist Jeff Rapsis. The second highest-grossing film of 1921 (behind Rex Ingram’s The Four Horsemen
friday 03
MUSIC: SAVOY MOTEL Combining the vintage influences and vibes of legends and innovators of genres from Glam and Post Punk to Power Pop and Psych (with nods to Funk and Soul), Nashville’s Savoy Motel lands at a sound that feels fresh and unlike any of today’s Indie music-blog- and fan-darlings. Oddly enough, it’s that sonic outsider approach that is rightfully turning the band into an Indie sensation in its own right. The quartet is already well on its way, drawing widespread praise for its stunning self-titled debut from the likes of Pitchfork, Mojo, The Guardian and Noisey. Besides being backloaded with savvy songwriting, Savoy Motel’s unique blending of styles is so compelling because of the joyous energy that is evident immediately when listening to it. It sounds like the band’s creative process is a blast, and that feeling is contagious — listening to Savoy Motel’s playful, imaginative explorations will have you wanting to experience it in person. 9 p.m. Friday. $8; $12 day of. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, woodwardtheater.com. — MIKE BREEN
CONTINUES ON PAGE 18
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EVENT: CINCINNATI INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL Wine-os, lend us your ears! The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is your destination for sampling luscious wines for a good cause. The multi-day festival includes winery dinners, grand tastings and a charity luncheon and auction. Looking to expand your palette? More than 700 wines from over 100 wineries are available to sample during the festival’s several grand tastings, held Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings at the Duke Energy Convention Center ($70-$120; 525 Elm St., Downtown). Your participation in the festival’s events allows the Cincinnati International Wine Festival to distribute grants to Greater Cincinnati area programs. The wine — and knowing you’re drinking for a good cause — are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Thursday-Saturday. Prices and event locations vary. Find a full list of events at winefestival.com. — LAUREN MORETTO
photo : semi song
game. In fact, it’s not actually a sports game at all. A group of actors — aka “act-letes” — split into two groups and compete for laughs in improvised scenes based entirely on audience suggestions; it’s basically a sports-themed Whose Line Is It Anyway?. A referee decides whether the Red or Blue team takes home the gold in seven to 10 games per match. Make sure to stretch beforehand: Audience volunteers occasionally jump into the fray. 8 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. March 10. $12 adults; $9 kids 15 and under. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com. — EMILY BEGLEY
ToDo; -
Swad Indian Restaurant
1810 W. Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45239 513-522-5900 ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.SWADTASTYOH.IN
full baR now avaIlable wIth beeR, wIne, & SpIRItS
open 6 days - closed mondays parking lot in back & street parking lunch buffet $ 1 off peRSon $3 off 2 peRSon
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photo : ste ven hampton
Saturday, March 4th, 2017 At The Redmoor 3187 Linwood Ave Cincinnati, OH 45208
gueSt Speaker
roB richardSon, Jr. Former University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees Chairman
Help us continue to improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS in our Villages of Hope in Kenya. Enjoy a festive dinner, speakers and a silent auction! www.Soteni.org
FB: @Soteni
friday 03
EVENT: BOCKFEST Bockfest is back for its 25th year as Cincinnati’s flagship three-day festival celebrating the coming of spring plus Over-the-Rhine’s brewing heritage and bock beer. For those who are unfamiliar with bock beer, it’s generally stronger than your typical lager with a robust malt character and a dark amber hue with little to no hops. Bockfest kicks off 6 p.m. Friday with its famed goat- and keg-led parade, which starts in front of Arnold’s on Eighth Street downtown and heads up Main Street to Bockfest Hall at the Christian Moerlein Malt House taproom. Saturday kicks off with the Bockfest 5K, followed by the Billygoat Ball and the Beard Baron and Sausage Queen competitions. Be sure to stop at one of the 19 participating bars and restaurants all weekend long, many with food and drink specials. Bockfest-inspired food will be available at Bockfest Hall all weekend, along with live music on two stages, brewery tours and guest bock beers tapped on an hourly schedule. Check the website for a full schedule. Friday-Sunday. Free. Christian Moerlein Malt House Taproom, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com. — MONROE TROMBLY
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FROM PAGE 17
of the Apocalypse), The Kid tells the story of a man (Chaplin) and his adopted son and sidekick (Jackie Coogan), who is reclaimed by the orphanage at which he previously stayed. The film is widely considered one of the greatest of the silent movie era. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. $21. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington, Ky., thecarnegie.com. — EMILY BEGLEY
FRIDAY 03
MUSIC: ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES play a sold-out show at the Madison Theater. See interview on page 30.
EVENT: MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE BALL Want to celebrate Mardi Gras but can’t make it to New Orleans? The sights and sounds of NOLA will fill the Krohn
Conservatory Friday with lively music, light appetizers and fortune telling, plus plenty of masks and beads. Check out the Blooms on the Bayou exhibit while you enjoy gumbo and jambalaya, beer and wine. There will be free feather masks at the door. Ages 21-plus. 6 p.m. Friday. $15. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, cincinnatiparks.com. — CHRISTINA DROBNEY EVENT: THE CODFATHER FISH FRY Christian or not, fried fish is doggone good, and Mary, Queen of Heaven is the home to one of the best Lenten fish frys (fries?) around. Offered every Friday in March and the first Friday in April, Mary, Queen of Heaven boasts a huge menu of fried Icelandic cod including their signature Holy Haddock sandwich. Sides offered include fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw, green beans and more. And the namesake Codfather, aka
ToDo; -
k e r r y i p e m a // p h o t o : p r o v i d e d b y m e m i & t h e Ta f t t h e at r e
YOUR CHILDHOOD FAVORITE... saturday 04
ONSTAGE: ONE WOMAN SEX AND THE CITY Let’s be real, we all miss hearing the inner monologue of newspaper columnist and fashionista Carrie Bradshaw. Tantric sex, the naked dress and Mr. Big — sigh, so many memories. Nostalgia will be abundant at Taft Theatre’s tribute to the cult-classic, titled One Woman Sex and the City: A Parody on Love, Friendship, and Shoes, directed by TJ Dawe and starring one-woman sextravaganza Kerry Ipema. What better way to spend a night out than by basking in the brunch banter of TV’s most beloved friends following all six seasons? Anticipate puns, cosmopolitans, audience participation and lots of laughs. Doors open 9:30 p.m. Saturday. $20 advance; $25 day of show. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org. — LAUREN MORETTO
John Geisen, the CEO of Izzy’s, dresses in Mafioso gear and carries a huge stuffed cod around the fry for cherished photo ops. 4-8 p.m. Fridays. Through April 7. 1150 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, Ky., mqhparish.com. — MONROE TROMBLY
SATURDAY 04
ONSTAGE: Vocal Arts Ensemble performs CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD, a Grammy-nominated fusion oratorio. See feature on page 20. MUSIC: Sisterly trio JOSEPH plays the 20th Century Theater. See Sound Advice on page 32.
SUNDAY 05
EVENT: THE ART OF SHIFU LECTURE The Cincinnati Asian Art Society — a group of local collectors and admirers of Asian art — hosts author Susan Byrd at the Cincinnati Art Museum as one of their annual programs. Byrd will lecture on the subject of her book, A Song of Praise for Shifu, which is based on the author’s 25 years of research on the laboriously intensive process of shifu, or making paper thread to weave into paper cloth. She will speak about the historical origins of the endeavor, share examples and demonstrate the process for visitors. 2 p.m. lecture, followed by a 3 p.m. reception Sunday. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiasianartsociety.org. — MARIA SEDA-REEDER
TUESDAY 07
MUSIC: Sadie Dupuis aka SAD13 plays The Woodward Theater. See Sound Advice on page 33.
ONGOING SHOWS VISUAL ART Dressed to Kill Cincinnati Art Museum, Mount Adams (through May 7)
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EVENT: LEBANON QUILT & FABRIC ARTS SHOW The Lebanon Quilt & Fabric Arts Show returns with plenty of quilts, quilting supplies and other textiles for all your needlework needs in the 35th-annual show and sale. The Warren County Historical Society will also display The Time Between the Wars: 1930s Textiles. Other events include speakers AnneMarie Chany of Gen-X Quilters and Cindy Oravecz of Quilter’s Fancy, plus a hands-on needle-felting workshop. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $7 door; $5 online; free for members. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon, wchsmuseum. org. — CHRISTINA DROBNEY
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arts & culture
The Passion of Matthew
Vocal Arts Ensemble honors the slain Matthew Shepard with a “fusion oratorio” by its artistic director BY ANNE ARENSTEIN
P H O T O : C o u r t e s y o f V oc a l A r t s E n s e m b l e
2 0 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
T
he Vocal Arts Ensemble takes a bold step forward this weekend with two performances of the Grammynominated Considering Matthew Shepard, written by its music director, Craig Hella Johnson. While the ensemble’s mission is to “raise and nurture the public’s appreciation of the life-enriching qualities of the choral arts,” this work also has a political dimension with crucially urgent resonance. On an October night in 1998, 21-year-old Shepard was brutally beaten and tied to a fence outside of Laramie, Wyo. because he was gay. He died six days later. Two men were convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison. Shepard’s death — and especially the gruesome circumstances — transformed the diminutive University of Wyoming student into an icon for the LGBTQ community and helped prompt the passing of the 2009 federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act. In 1998, music director Johnson was 26 and just starting his career as a choral conductor, composer and teacher. “Matthew Shepard’s death affected me greatly and I always wanted to respond in some way,” he says. Exactly what form that would take at first proved elusive. Fourteen years later, ideas began to take shape. Johnson was teaching at the University of Texas in Austin and leading Conspirare, the Grammy-winning professional vocal ensemble he founded in 1991. “I told my Conspirare colleagues, ‘Let’s do a workshop performance of something,’ and that forced me to start working,” Johnson says. He began curating a libretto incorporating poetry and interviews with people who knew Shepard. The workshop performance that took place in 2014 left Johnson dissatisfied. By then he had also become music director and conductor with Vocal Arts Ensemble, so he consulted with Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s artistic director. After reading the score, Mirageas told him, “What’s missing is Matthew.” “Craig was on his way to Laramie to meet with Matt’s parents and I encouraged him to ask them for access to Matt’s writings,” Mirageas says. Johnson forged an immediate connection with Judy, Shepard’s mother. In the wake of their son’s death, Judy and her husband Dennis had established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to support LGBTQ youth. In an interview with Boston radio station WBUR last year, Judy said that she honored Johnson’s request because he wanted to present the son they had lost. “To
Craig Hella Johnson, seen conducting, wants to make sure Shepard is never forgotten. us he was Matt,” she said. “And we just felt that Craig had a real feel for who Matt was. We’ve officially endorsed very few projects, and this was one of them.” In Considering Matthew Shepard, Johnson composed what he has referred to as a “three-part fusion oratorio.” It features different singers as soloists and uses a small instrumental ensemble. Shepard’s words are incorporated into a libretto that includes passages from the medieval Benedictine abbess and composer Hildegard of Bingen, Persian Sunni poet and Sufi mystic Rumi, Romantic Age English poet William Blake, contemporary poets Michael Dennis Browne, W. S. Merwin and Lesléa Newman, and Johnson himself. “I wanted to create the broadest tent possible and still create a cohesive work of art,” Johnson says. “We heal as a community and the work invites listeners to experience a large palette of humanity, textually and musically.” The title is a deliberate choice. The audience is challenged to reflect on Shepard, on the environment he inhabited and the people who knew him. Bach’s great oratorios serve as a sort of template, with the central section of Considering Matthew Shepard’s three parts entitled “Passion.” The musical palette includes Classical
oratorio, Gregorian chant, Country, Gospel and Spirituals, scored for piano, strings, guitar and percussion. Clocking in at about 100 minutes, Considering Matthew Shepard’s prologue opens with Bach’s familiar Prelude in C Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier, followed by a lonesome cowboy yodel, a chorale celebrating the natural beauty of Wyoming and “An Ordinary Boy,” based on Shepard’s writings as well as interviews with his mother. The “Passion” section encompasses Shepard’s death as observed by a variety of witnesses, the most poignant being the fence he was tied to, whose “testimony” appears four times throughout this section. “Lesléa Newman’s poems about the fence moved me deeply,” Johnson says. “She recognized that this powerful inanimate object was the only witness to the day before, the beating, the day afterward and all the people who came as if they were on a pilgrimage.” Conspirare presented the world premiere of Considering Matthew Shepard at Boston’s Symphony Hall last February, with Johnson conducting. The group released a two-CD recording in September — it was nominated for a Best Surround Sound Grammy.
There have been subsequent performances, but this is the Midwest premiere and also the first time it will have stage direction. That is the result of ongoing interest by Cincinnati Opera’s Mirageas. Mirageas recruited Omer Ben Seadia to be director. A 2014 graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music’s program in opera directing, she has impressive credits throughout the U.S. Ben Seadia says the work’s music is vulnerable and honest in a profoundly moving way, adding that she takes the title seriously. “What I hope to do is highlight the drama that’s already there,” she says via Skype from Israel. “We don’t have a director’s conventional tools, so I want to help the chorus work through what they as a group can express emotionally.” For Johnson, there is a special urgency for continued performances. “I did a performance with Harvard students last March, and not one of them knew about Matt,” he says. So it’s his job to make sure Shepard is not forgotten. The Vocal Arts Ensemble performs CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD 8 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday at Gallagher Theater, Xavier University. Tickets and more info: vaecinci.org.
a&c curtain call
‘Young and Unafraid’ Set Amid Tumultuous Times BY rick pender
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Currently receiving its regional premiere attempts at songwriting. He demonstrates at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Sarah that all men aren’t heels, but he’s more of a Treem’s 2014 play, When We Were Young device than a character. and Unafraid, provided a flashback for me. As more is revealed about each of the It’s set in 1972, the year after I graduated three ancillary roles, it’s clear that Treem from Oberlin College. The Pop recordings conceived them as attitudes and beliefs that director Drew Fracher has chosen to rather than as whole people. This lack of warm up the audience before the show and character development makes her play during intermission, as well as to cover somewhat polemical (The title is, I suspect, scene changes, comprise a soundtrack of ironic — but it doesn’t make much sense. tunes that take me back to my younger self: Fear is an underlying element in the psyche Judy Collins’ “Both Sides Now,” Linda Ronof everyone onstage.) stadt’s “Different Drum” and Carole King’s Treem’s writing for such cable TV series “Beautiful” invoke a bygone era. as House of Cards has been highly sucIt was a tumultuous time: The Equal cessful. But it seems to have instilled in her Rights Amendment promised better treatment for women, Roe v. Wade was working its way through the courts, Richard Nixon was preparing for a second term as the Watergate scandal began to unravel his presidency. Treem’s play swims in those treacherous, historical waters, which feel all too similar to today’s political turmoil. It’s about Agnes, who operates a bed and breakfast on a secluded island off the coast of Washington state. In fact, it’s L-R: Tess Talbot, Delaney Ragusa and Christine Dye a physically remote shelter P H O T O : r ya n ku r t z for abused women in an era when such protections were not generally available — or protected. an episodic mindset that doesn’t work so At ETC, actor Christine Dye plays Agnes well onstage. Her two-act play is a series with pragmatic, likeable candor and good of choppy scenes that rise to moments of humor as she bakes muffins and holds forth emotional tension followed by blackouts. in her comfortable kitchen. Agnes knows So the play isn’t perfect. But Drew her clandestine service presents some Fracher’s direction keeps it engaging and risk for her 16-year-old daughter Penny swift, and Dye’s and Ragusa’s performances (thoroughly believable Delaney Ragusa), a are so natural that audiences will like them budding feminist. But Agnes’ own slowly immensely. Agnes and Penny are imperfect revealed history is such that she feels compeople who struggle with what we once pelled to help vulnerable women because called the Generation Gap. But they care “everybody deserves a chance.” about each other. Penny makes some illAdditional characters underscore mesconsidered moves based on Mary Anne’s sages and define perspectives common four advice, and her behavior leads Agnes to decades ago. Mary Anne (Kat McCaulla), emotional revelations that are unexpected horribly abused and requiring stitches in but convincingly delivered by Dye. her face, clings to a shred of dubious, illEven at the show’s emotional peak, there advised desire for her violent husband. She is significant evidence of everyday humanalso coaches Penny to “catch a man” with ity. Hannah tries to comfort Agnes, whose flirtation and submerged intelligence. patient demeanor fractures as she fears Bursting in from the opposite end of the she’s driven Penny away. Dye’s performance philosophical spectrum is feisty Hannah in this scene is deeply moving, balanced by (Tess Talbot), an ardent politico searchTalbot’s earnest awkwardness. Even when ing for a “separatist lesbian” community. a play doesn’t work perfectly, such moments Talbot gives Hannah a sprightly air that make a trip to the past very satisfying. makes you think the character isn’t quite as WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID committed to the cause as she claims. continues at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati The only male character is bland Paul through March 12. Tickets/more info: (Zak Schneider), a B&B guest escaping ensemblecincinnati.org. from a failed marriage and making anemic
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Two weeks ago, the Cincinnati Playhouse announced plans to build a new theater in Eden Park, opening in time for the 202021 season. But that’s three years off, and Artistic Director Blake Robison has just shared plans for the immediate future — his productions for 2017-18. He calls it “a big season” that sustains the Playhouse’s commitment to multicultural and multigenerational shows and new works, especially by female playwrights. There are one- and two-person shows, and he’s excited to be presenting “some blockbuster titles to headline the Marx.” Robison will direct the season’s first show on the theater’s mainstage, Shakespeare in Love (Sept. 2-30), a theatrical adaptation of the 1998 Oscar winner about young Will overcoming writer’s block in the midst of backstage drama. “It’s going to be a glorious, rich, romantic way to kick off the season,” Robison says. Next is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Oct. 14-Nov. 11), an adaptation of a 2003 novel that gets inside the mind of a brilliant autistic boy. Unfairly accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to clear his name. This script will be staged by Broadway director Marcia Milgrom Dodge (who staged the Playhouse’s Cabaret in 2013) in a production unlike the spectacular physical staging it had in London and New York. “At its most simple and human level,” Robison says, “this is a moving story about people and characters. You can look inside his mind and his heart, and see the world through his eyes without any special effects.” In 2018, it’s Million Dollar Quartet (Jan. 20-Feb. 18), a musical set in a Memphis recording studio in 1956 when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley crossed paths and had a jam session. A tour of this show stopped at the Aronoff Center in 2013, but Robison says this will be a chance to see it up close and personal. Music plays a big part in Marie and Rosetta (March 3-31). It’s about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a Gospel crossover musician who paved the way in the 1930s and 1940s for Rock-and-Rollers with her fierce guitar playing. Her partnership with a young protégé, Marie Knight, frames their story, which Robison calls a “character-rich script with a lot of humor and some amazing singing.” The Marx Season wraps up with Robison’s staging of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island (April 21-May 19). He describes this as “the latest entry in the Playhouse’s commitment to multigenerational programming.” The Playhouse’s intimate Shelterhouse stage will be the venue for five more productions, starting with Daniel Beaty’s Mr. Joy
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22). One actress brings to life nine of the Harlem customers of a Chinese shoe repairman. Running opposite the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol (on the Marx Stage) will be An Evening with Groucho (Nov. 4-Dec. 17), in which Frank Ferrante brings Groucho Marx to life with one-liners, anecdotes, songs and some ace
Blake Robison has “blockbuster titles” in store. P H O T O : m i k k i s c h a f f n e r photo g r a ph y
interaction. He’s performed as the legendary comedian in London and New York as well as on PBS. Two Shelterhouse shows in 2018 are world premieres by up-and-coming female writers, Deborah Zoe Laufer and Allyson Currin. Laufer’s Leveling Up, a story about online gamers, was a Playhouse 2013 premiere. Her new script, Be Here Now (Feb. 9-March 11), is about two lost souls who help one another after an unexplainable turn of events. Currin is a new writer for Playhouse audiences. Sooner/Later (March 24-April 22) explores the pains and pleasures of romance, marriage and parenting, as a teenager helps her single mom through the dating scene. The 2018 season finishes with a Shelterhouse production of Murder for Two (May 5-June 10), a two-person musical murder mystery that Robison characterizes as “an absolute stitch.” One actor plays a detective investigating a novelist’s murder; another portrays all the suspects and victims. Robison expects audiences will be fascinated and entertained by the 2017-18 season. “I’ve already got a couple of titles sketched in for 2018-19 that I wanted to do this season,” he says. “We just couldn’t fit them all in!” ©
a&c onstage
‘Something Rotten!’ Is Something Wonderful BY rick pender
A musical that makes fun of musicals, flooded with singing, dancing actors. playing to an audience that loves musicals: It’s a meta, self-referential sequence, a That’s a fair distillation of Something Rothilarious compendium of snatches of ten!, the touring Broadway hit presently familiar Broadway numbers and riffs on onstage at the Aronoff Center. It also pokes melodies and moments that are instantasome serious fun at the greatest playwright neously recognizable. of all time, William Shakespeare. In fact, I don’t want to spoil the fun by giving the show’s second song is “God, I Hate too much away. Nick’s first stab at a musiShakespeare.” If this sounds something cal, “The Black Death,” clearly misses the like theatrical heresy, well, that’s certainly mark. So he’s back to Nostradamus for a what its creators had in mind. Something sure-fire hit idea. What he gets is off-kilter Rotten! rolls up all the absurdities of musiin a ridiculously wrong-headed way, leading cal theater and drama into a big crazy production — and H keeps audiences in stitches CRITIC’S for two and a half hours. Despite the fact that this H show is set in Elizabethan England — the opening number is “Welcome to the Renaissance” — there’s nothing esoteric about it. The whole musical is about seeing both Shakespeare and musicals from a modern perspective and wringing every drop of humor out of the details and inconsistencies. Here’s how it works: It’s Something Rotten! has audiences laughing uncontrollably. the 1590s and brothers Nick PHOTO : jeremy daniel and Nigel Bottom (Rob McClure and Josh Grisetti) are playwrights who can’t seem to get it to another silly mash-up of musical theater right. (If the name Nick Bottom sounds name- and character-checks that has audifamiliar, that’s because it’s swiped from ences laughing uncontrollably. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s fame continDream, in which he’s the foolish weaver ues to grate (“Will Power” is all about his who decides he can stage a play.) Makability to win the affection of the adoring ing matters worse, an upstart actor who masses), even as he struggles for good Nick suggested try his hand at writing ideas (“Hard to Be the Bard”). A few more has become the toast of the London stage. storylines heighten the humor: Nigel falls Whenever he’s mentioned, Shakespeare’s in love with Portia (Autumn Hurlbert), a name evokes a choral paean that sounds as sweet, poetry-loving Puritan. Their duet, “I if angels are praising his very existence. Love the Way,” is sweet and amusing. Their He’s an arrogant Rock star whose every attraction dismays her prudish father, movement is viewed with fawning attention. Brother Jeremiah (Scott Cote), whose dis(Adam Pascal has this role on tour; he was approval of the theater is a thin mask barely Roger in the original Broadway production hiding his actual inclinations. of Rent — so he is a kind of Rock star!) Something Rotten! is performed on a Shakespeare’s fame sticks in Nick’s resplendently colorful stage designed by craw. Also aggravating: His devoted wife Scott Pask and with an energetic cast that Bea (Maggie Lakis) wants a career, and his never stops changing the exaggerated Elizanervous, sensitive brother has a shortage bethan costumes designed by Gregg Barnes. of self-confidence about his ability to craft (Shakespeare and his entourage wear tight the words for a hit — despite the beautiful black leather pants with pronounced codpoetry he effortlessly cranks out. Money is pieces, to remind of his sex appeal.) tight; Bea announces she’s pregnant. Ten minutes into Something Rotten!, I In desperation, Nick seeks advice from knew I was witnessing something wondera questionable soothsayer — Thomas ful. This is one of the most entertaining Nostradamus (Blake Hammond), not the shows you’re likely to see. legendary seer but his loony nephew. His SOMETHING ROTTEN!, presented by Broadway prophecy of theater’s next big thing: “a in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center, continues musical.” Nick is mystified why audiences through March 5. More info/tickets: cincinnati. would love actors suddenly bursting into broadway.com. song and dance, but instantly the stage is
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a&c film
Interracial Love Tested in ‘A United Kingdom’ BY T T STERN-ENZI
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to his homeland in Africa. She, as a white On a global level, the experiences of Serwoman, steps into the role of a royal leader etse Khama and Ruth Williams as an interfor people whose initial reception is cool. racial couple in England and Africa would What occurs in both A United Kingdom seem to have little in common with those and Loving is a subtle examination of what of the Virginia couple Richard and Mildred happens when white people stumble into a Loving, whose lawsuit prompted the U.S. state of black consciousness. As a British Supreme Court in 1967 to guarantee the white woman, Pike’s Williams has elevated rights of people to marry interracially here. status alongside Khama during their social Khama, a member of the royal family of exchanges with the British government, Bechuanaland (a British Protectorate in but that advantage flips when she’s among Africa that became the nation of Botswana Khama’s people. She makes the necessary in 1966) met and fell in love with Williams in the late 1940s while studying in the United Kingdom. They married, against the wishes of leaders in both England and Africa, and Khama then returned home to lead his people down the arduous path to independence. The Lovings, by contrast, faced discrimination a decade later in Virginia, where they pled guilty to “cohabitating as man and wife, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth.” These couples now share one important thing. Their Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo fight for their African nation. stories have both become P H O T O : f o x s e a r ch l i g ht f i l m s featured in movies, thanks to the efforts of directors adjustments alone (while pregnant) when Amma Asante (the new A United Kingdom) Khama seeks to lobby for independence in and Jeff Nichols (last year’s Loving). Both England. (He is exiled from Bechuanaland films dramatize the impacts their intimate at one point.) relationships had on the political, cultural It is during this period in the story that and social landscape and their times. Asante’s film aligns with Nichols’ in its In A United Kingdom, Asante (the Britportrayal of the women as the quiet powers ish director of Belle) draws audiences into behind the scenes. Loving illustrates how what appears to be a slightly askew parallel Richard Loving’s initial urge to fight for his universe. For American viewers fully aware and his wife’s legal rights led to an awakenof our own race relations at the time (espeing in Mildred that fueled the marathon-long cially attitudes toward interracial couples), push for justice. And like Mildred, Ruth Wilthe early scenes featuring Khama (David liams displays strength and moral fortitude Oyelowo) boxing against a white opponent, to carry on the fight when her husband’s waxing poetically about politics at a party will starts to sag. She plants herself among and then wooing Williams (Rosamund the women in Bechuanaland. Pike) on the dance floor might seem a bit The scale and the stakes are greater in jarring. Khama has the obvious bearings of A United Kingdom than in Loving — the a man unencumbered by the conventional fate of a new nation rests on the outcome of trappings of race. No doubt, he appreciates Khama’s negotiations with England, which racial divisions as an intellectual concept. is attempting to placate the apartheid forces But he glides by such notions with an air of in nearby South Africa by resisting him. entitlement, leaving Williams to serve as But director Asante, like Nichols, grounds the more typical figure constrained by the things in the realm of the personal. social order. And she goes further by showing how the Soon after they lock eyes across the room love between Khama and Williams fortifies and begin their first steps toward their offiand defines their sense of character when cial courtship, Williams faces questions and they are apart. Ironically, the unity of this concerns, starting with her own family. Of couple seems strongest when they are course, the real battle begins in the streets stranded from one another, forced to stand of her neighborhood as she and Khama conalone, with their heavy heads and hearts front bigoted “lads” who denounce her and held high. (Opens Friday at the Mariemont physically assault him. And the situation Theatre) (PG-13) Grade: Abecomes trickier when Khama brings her
A&C: In Theaters; -
ON SCREEN ‘Get Out’: Smart Horror By T T Stern-enzi
Jordan Peele made a name for himself as half of the comic duo Key & Peele (with Keegan-Michael Key), the postDave Chappelle team that daringly skewered our curious racial proclivities in the supposedly post-racial dynamic that dawned following the election of President Barack Obama. It is telling that one of their signature segments showcased Peele as the president and Key as Luther, his anger translator, the not-so subtle joke being that President Obama couldn’t be seen as an angry black man, therefore he needed a stand-in to express his outrage. In Get Out, his first feature as a writer-director, Peele is behind the camera but continues to push the social/cultural discussion about the representations and perceptions of African-Americans in the mainstream. A delicious subtlety simmers within this hearty genre stew of horror tropes, sly comedic moments and a seemingly more fully realized interracial romantic tale. It is about Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), an African-American photographer heading off to the East Coast estate of his white girlfriend (Allison Williams) to meet her parents (Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener) for the first time. The scheduling gods got the last sly laugh by having this update of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner open during Oscar 2017 weekend. With everyone celebrating a veritable feast of nominations for people of color, following two years of #OscarsSoWhite protesting, the arrival of Get Out must look like the wafer-thin mint from Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Progressive social mores get a Twilight Zone-inspired tweaking once the party gets going, and Peele refuses to provide any easy jokes to ease the tension. Intriguingly though, the film revels in a degree of subversiveness and stark tonal juxtapositions that audiences will appreciate long after they’re finished seeing it. And discerning fans will salute Chris as the spiritually “woke” heir to Ben (Duane Jones), the black man who didn’t quite make it to the final frame of George Romero’s 1968 horror classic Night of the Living Dead. Grade: A
a&c television
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Miniseries du jour Big Little Lies (9 over-involved mom one bad latte away from p.m. Sundays, HBO) boasts all the elements a total breakdown. She takes newbie Jane Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise would (Woodley), a mom that just moved to town, kill for: a star-stacked cast, a collection under her wing as yet another project. Jane of conflicting strong female personalities, doesn’t fit the Monterey prototype: She’s tumultuous relationships, mom politics, single, far younger than the other moms and bitchy dialogue dotted with backhanded sleeps on the couch so her son Ziggy can compliments, sweeping images of swoonenjoy his own space in their tiny one-bedworthy properties and unadulterated drama room. She claims to have moved to town for that climaxes with a mysterious murder. the excellent schools, but there’s definitely Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, more to the story. but you can’t beat a good scripted premiumWhen Ziggy is accused of hurting Renata’s cable drama, and Big Little Lies had a solid start in Liane Moriarty’s bestselling book by the same name. Created and written by David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, The Practice, Amazon’s Goliath) and directed by JeanMarc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild), Big Little Lies introduces viewers to a group of mothers in the picturesque, affluent community of Monterey, Calif. But their idyllic agendas of coffee dates and yoga classes, stunning beachfront homes and precocious L-R: Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman mini-me children give way P H O T O : h i l a r y b r o n w y n g ay l e // c o u r t e s y H b o to twisted home lives and personal struggles. The “housewives” here are super competi(Dern) daughter on his first day of first grade, tive “having it all” superheroes that look like which he vehemently denies, schoolyard supermodels, portrayed by A-list actresses disputes evolve into parent politics. Moms Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene and kids alike are pushed to pick sides. Woodley and Laura Dern. Dads get in on the In this Sunday’s episode, Madeline looks drama, too, carried by a strong cast of plusto lure invitees away from Renata’s daughones including Adam Scott and Alexander ter’s birthday party by organizing a trip to Skarsgård. Frozen on Ice. Celeste (Kidman) and Perry Big Little Lies certainly draws in an audi(Skarsgård) try couple’s therapy while Jane ence with big names and a popular title, but is forced to discuss her past when Ziggy is it keeps us hooked with its performances, assigned a family-tree project. storytelling, dark humor and mystery. The series opens at the scene of a swanky school fundraiser. The theme quickly Victoria (Season Finale, 9 p.m. Sunday, shifts to “murder mystery party” when one PBS) – On the brink of giving birth, Victoria attendee winds up dead and the eclectic mix clashes with Albert and faces threats of of power moms are at the center. We don’t assassination as she tries to maintain her know whodunit — as an audience, we don’t independence. even know who died. Feud: Bette and Joan (Series Premiere, Much of the show takes place in the past 10 p.m. Sunday, FX) – Does FX own Ryan at the start of a new school year, occasionally Murphy’s soul? The showrunner’s third cutting to the scene of the impending crime anthology series for the network explores and immediate aftermath, during which famous feuds, starting with Joan Crawford detectives interview others in the commu(Jessica Lange, the sorely missed mainstay nity. The other parents are all too eager to of Murphy’s American Horror Story) and gossip about the moms, pointing out each Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon). The Holwoman’s flaws and identifying “red flags” lywood stars’ epic rivalry on- and off-screen leading up to the crime. Frankly, thus far the comes to a head on the set of the Oscarshow is so packed with compelling drama nominated 1962 film What Ever Happened that it doesn’t need the murder thread to to Baby Jane? Bring on the campy fun! keep drawing us back for more. Queen bee Madeline is the perfect role CONTACT JAC KERN: @jackern for Witherspoon, who personifies the
Be a Culinary TourisT in your own CiTy E x p E r i E n c E t h E c u i s i n E t h at dE f i n E s t h E a rt of di n i ng i n g r E at E r c i n c i n n at i w i t h $ 3 5 t h r E E- cou r sE pr i x-f i x E m E n us from thE cit y’s bEst rEstaur ants. Select dining destinations will feature specially curated lunch and dinner menus for one or two guests (excluding tax, gratuity and beverages).
Pa rt ici Patin g re st
au ra nt s: Banana Leaf Modern Thai Bistro Grace Boi Na Braza
the BeSt OF CINCINNAtI ® CeLeBRAtION
OFFICIAL AFteR PARtY
Brown Dog Cafe Cooper’s Hawk Wine ry & Restaurant Eddie Merlot’s Embers Restaurant
Firebirds Wood Fired
Grill Jag’s Steak & Seafood and Piano Ba r Kaze OTR Metropole
Moerlein Lager Hous
Parker’s Blue Ash Ta
e
vern
Pompilios Prime Cincinnati
7
3
7
Primavista Ruth Chris Steak Ho
use
Seasons 52
2 6 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
Tano Bistro & Catering
The Capital Grille (Ci
The Melting Pot The National Exempla
r The President’s Room Teller’s of Hyde Park Third and Main
@gcrweek
#gcrweek
9pm – close
open to the public | no cov er
ncinnati)
The Golden Lamb
@greatercincinnatirestaurantweek
MARCh 29, 2017
TRIO Bistro
and more to be anno
unced
GRE AT E RCINC INN AT IRE S TAUR A N T W EE K .C om
Fe atur ing li v e enter ta inment From ce a a r tis t o F the y e a r je ss l amb, pr ize g i v e aways & dr ink specia l s including:
$5 booz y slushies $2 modelo/pbr c ans VISIt CIt Y B e At.COM FOR MORe DetAIL S
FOOD & DRINK
The Sandwich Artist
Locally focused and Italian-inspired Panino elevates simple panini to a higher level REVIEW BY GARIN PIRNIA
PHOTO : haile y bollinger
A
but Panino’s charcuterie tray is quite different. We ordered the daily tray for one to two people ($20; $40 for five to six people), which was exactly the correct amount of food. Joe Helms, Panino’s co-owner, delivered the tray to us and explained what we were about to eat: capicola soaked in Skeleton Root wine and salumi made from pigs who roam a 150-acre farm and dine on acorns. He said the acorns make their meat so soft that when he works with the carcasses, the flesh warms up and melts in his hand. Then, he and Loreto age the meat for three weeks. The high-in-fat meat does melt in your mouth. There was also pork and fig pâté and accompaniments like stone-ground mustard, housemade pickles, fig jam, an onion and beet condiment, bread and three types of local cheese. The smoked blue cheese came from Kenny’s Farmhouse in Kentucky, and the Brie was made by My Artisano Foods in Sharonville. The best cheese was a trillium, a triple cream from Tulip Tree Creamery in Indianapolis. It was like Brie, except sharper — and creamier. The only issue we had with the charcuterie was that the cheese stuck to the tray’s paper, which made it difficult to smear on the bread. Then again, I don’t know how you could keep soft cheeses from melting. We devoured the board — it was
While lunch is more to-go, Panino’s dinner menu expands to feature sandwiches, housemade salumi, salads, sweets and craft cocktails. Dutch’s-level good — and waited on our sandwiches. I ordered the dried tomato pesto and local cheddar panini ($8), and my friend ordered the weekly sausage sandwich ($10), which was a Reuben made with goetta instead of corned beef. Each sandwich came with a heaping helping of kettle chips. And for $2 extra, we got caramelized onion dip. I thought my panini was OK. My friend, however, had a quandary about his sandwich. Reubens, a Jewish deli staple, are traditionally made with corned beef and German sauerkraut on rye bread, topped with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. He felt weird about German goetta taking center stage in the dish over the corned beef. To him, it was a lesser version of a classic, and served on an oval bun with cabbage instead of sauerkraut. Still, he ate the whole thing.
We saved room for dessert, which is made in-house by Loreto’s sister. We had three options: a s’mores brownie, a squash tart and pizzelle cookies. We chose the latter. Two giant cookies dusted with powdered sugar came on a plate; they looked like snowflakes and they were a light ending to a filling meal. I think Panino works well as a place to stop in for a drink and charcuterie as well as for a sit-down dinner. I respect Loreto’s and Helms’ focus on local: You know you’re getting the best possible quality and flavors. I would, however, like to see more experimentation with the veggie sandwiches and some more veggie options in general, but that will probably come with the spring and summer seasons. I’m looking forward to what Panino continues to do with our prolific farming region.
Panino GO: 1313-1315 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine; Call: 513-381-0287; Internet: findpanino.com; Hours: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.
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t the end of last year, Nino Loreto expanded his Italian-style charcuterie and meat-sandwich food truck Panino, which he established in 2013, into a full restaurant on Vine Street. Having more space to cure his meats is ideal for an operation that literally uses the entire animal — from snout to tail — and stores the meat in the basement at a controlled 55 degrees. By day, Panino is more of a lunch spot in which hungry customers can order sandwiches to go, but at night the place lights up with a table service, a full menu, cocktails and beer. The front-of-house includes a cold case filled with local cheeses and meats, giving off a classic deli vibe. The adjacent 55-seat dining area features a long L-shaped bar that fits about 20 chairs, with a bar top featuring repurposed wood from Del-Fair Lanes in Delhi, adding some local flair. For dinner, my dining companion and I were presented with a two-sided menu: food on the front; drinks on the back. Our waitress told us the menu changes weekly, sometimes daily. That’s a testament to the hyper-localness of Panino. Loreto sources animals from Kentucky farms and grows vegetables down the street. Even the wine is exclusively sourced from Skeleton Root, less than a mile away. Panino sets its craft cocktail list apart by making triple sec and pear cider in-house. I tried the 90s Baby cocktail ($12): Casamigos tequila (George Clooney’s brand), Campari, melon, cucumber, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda. The refreshing fruit and veggies took center stage while bits of cucumber floated around the pinkish drink. Panino offers eight mostly local beers on draft and canned and bottled options, including one from Forbidden Root brewery in Chicago, which does a great job using flowers and other botanicals. Stella, Guinness and the InBev-owned Elysian Brewing disrupt the local beer ecosystem, so not everything is from around here. With a focus on in-house butchering and curing, meat is the specialty at Panino. Loreto’s grandfather was a butcher, and his mother, who works at the restaurant, is the mind behind the meatballs in Mama’s Grassfed Beefballs sandwich. If you’re a vegetarian, the restaurant has a couple of pesto paninis and a root vegetable wheatberry salad, which is a good deal for $5. If you’re a vegan, then you’re basically screwed and will spend the entire time staring at people stuffing their faces with meat and cheese. Personally, I think charcuterie has become too ubiquitous and I roll my eyes every time a restaurant offers a meat-and-cheese board,
F&D THE DISH Where the locals come to eat, drink and have fun
3/1 - Wing Wednesday 60¢ House-Smoked Wings Live Music from Love Train 6-9pm
3/2 - Jazz & Wine Thursday $9 Wine Tasting Jazz from Steve Barone 6-9pm
3/3 - Friday
Live Music from The Verbs 7-10pm
3/4 - Saturday
BRUNCH
Sunday : 10:00am-2:00pm
LUNCH
Tuesday-Friday : 11:30am-2:00pm
DINNER
Monday-Thursday : 5:30pm-9:30pm Friday & Saturday : 5:30pm-10:00pm
513-281-3663
2 8 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
3410 Telford Street. Cincinnati, OH, 45220
Live music from Old Green Eyes & BBG 7-10pm
3/5 - Sunday Neighborhood Night 27% OFF for the 45227 Live Music from Seth & Sonny 5-8pm
3/6 - Monday Mac Night Build Your Own Mac-n-Cheese
3/7 - Prime Tuesday A Savory Prime Rib Special Local Artist Spotlight w/ Todd Hepburn 6-9pm
6818 Wooster Pk. Mariemont, OH 45227 (513) 561-5233
Heaven for Pigs at Hilltop Family Farm BY ilene ross
quicker, but that’s not how we want to do it.” Until now, if a chef has been seriously conThrough other community connections, cerned about offering his/her guests a farmthe pigs are now also dining regularly on to-table dining experience, the process has bread from Sixteen Bricks, scraps from La been a fairly simple one — locating mostly Soupe, grapes from Skeleton Root and grain local farmers and purveyors of quality meats, from Blank Slate Brewing Company and dairy and produce and cooking them up. But Woodburn Brewery. “We’re also on the list in the case of Maribelle’s eat + drink execuof Listermann Brewery, MadTree Brewing tive chef/owner Mike Florea, that’s just not Company and Braxton Brewing Company in enough anymore. case they don’t have someone else show up In an effort to close the gap between (for their spent grain),” Jones says. farmer and chef — and actually become the The pigs also enjoy whey from My Artisource of the food he serves — Florea and longtime friend Jason Jones have teamed up to raise the pigs served at Maribelle’s. Jones grew up hunting in the country and had always wanted a place of his own. He and his wife Rebecca purchased a small family farm on 10.5 acres in Hamilton and started Hilltop Family Farm with the idea of becoming self-sustaining farmers. Jones does full-time foreclosure work and had no idea how to farm, and although the two hadn’t kept in touch since their school days, he called Jason Jones (right) and chef Mike Florea Florea for advice. PHOTO : haile y bollinger Admitted neophytes, Florea and Jones envisioned sano Foods. Eduardo Rodriguez, owner of starting small, constantly messaging My Artisano, raised pigs in his home country contacts for the right information, including of Argentina and has proven to be another which heritage breeds to raise and how to vital source of information. care for them. One valuable source of inforFrom a marketing standpoint, Jones mation has been noted farmer Travis Hood believes it’s important to let customers know of Hood’s Heritage Hogs in Mount Olivet, Ky. who has participated in the raising of his “He isn’t stingy with his information, pigs. “Community-raised is cool,” he says. although he could be,” Florea says. “We ask “So when we do farmers markets, we want to him questions until he tells us to fuck off.” tell everyone who’s helped us.” Florea and Jones settled on raising a Florea thought that their original four pigs cross between large black, red wattle and would be enough for Maribelle’s, but with Hampshire breeds. “I learned from Travis Mama’s upcoming brood, there would be that red wattle produces quality (and) large more than he alone could handle. He began blacks are called ‘belly pigs’ because they to approach other local chefs that he knew make good pork belly for bacon and stuff,” would appreciate the time, care and quality Florea says. Jones was putting into his product. When the partners were finally ready to “Salazar was our first restaurant, and purchase animals, they found what they Metropole makes a ton of charcuterie from were looking for on Craigslist from an Amish our pork,” Florea says. farmer who raises his pigs in a holistic You can also find Hilltop Family Farm’s fashion. He even went so far as to grow pork on your plate at Coppin’s at Hotel Covfeed-pumpkins for seeds for their natural deington and Wildflower Café in Mason. These worming properties. “I went to get one and are all restaurants whose chefs show as came home with four,” Jones says. much reverence to the animal as Florea does. One sow, who they promptly named Mama, “It’s funny,” he says. “Because for me, cookwas pregnant. ing meat has always been a respect thing. The initial plan was to pasture-raise these The pigs all have names, like Pork Chop and pigs slowly and carefully on a diet of scraps Bacon. So when I dropped off a pig, it was gleaned from Maribelle’s kitchen. “The idea like, ‘This one was Pork Chop; respect it.’ I here is to pasture-raise them, from a humanthink if something dies, you should do whatity standpoint, and to raise a quality pig,” Floever you can to respect it. That’s why we use rea says. “It takes longer, because you could all of it. From hearts to head to tail.” © add things to their diet that gets them bigger
F&D classes & events Most classes and events require registration; classes frequently sell out.
WEDNESDAY 01
Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing at Keystone — Keystone Bar & Grill pairs three feature craft beers/cocktails paired with Thin Mints, Samoas and Do-si-dos. 11 a.m. (11:30 a.m. Hyde Park location) Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Keystone Bar & Grill Clifton, Covington and Hyde Park, keystonebar.com. Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening — An intro course for growing vegetables without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. 6-8 p.m. $15. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Avondale, civicgardencenter.org. Wine Tour of Italy — A dinner with featured Italian wines to match the menu. 7-9 p.m. $95. La Petite Pierre, 7800 Camargo Road, Madeira, lapetitepierre.com.
THURSDAY 02 Light My Fire Cocktail Party — Metropole hosts an interactive demonstration of their reinstated culinary fireplace with fireplace-inspired cocktails and complimentary light bites. Cash bar. 5-6:30 p.m. Free admission. Metropole at 21c, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, metropoleonwalnut.com. Say Cheese(cake): From Golden Girls to Disney with George Geary — Geary, cheesecake maker to the stars, leads this class on how to create the perfect cheesecake. Remember the cheesecakes in Golden Girls? Geary made ’em. 6:30-9 p.m. $70. Cooks’Wares, 11344 Montgomery Road, Harpers Point, cookswaresonline.com. Perfect Pairings — Up your kitchen game by learning to make two sauces to perfectly pair your favorite grilled proteins. 6:307:30 p.m. $35. Artichoke OTR, 1824 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artichokeotr.com.
FRIDAY 03
Cincinnati International Wine Festival — If wine is more your style, this weekend the Cincinnati International Wine Festival also descends upon downtown with winery dinners, grand tastings and more. Tastings Friday and Saturday. Prices vary. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, winefestival.com. Taste of the Mediterranean Wine Dinner — A four-course meal paired with
Doppelbock Tour — This 60-minute walking tour includes the lagering cellars of Kauffman brewery and a complimentary beer. Friday and Saturday. $25. Bockfest Hall, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com/historic-tours.html.
GRILL OF INDIA 354 Ludlow Ave Cincinnati, OH
513-961-3600
SATURDAY 04
Maple Syrup Festival — The 51st-annual Maple Syrup Festival celebrates all things maple. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $6 adults’ pancake breakfast; $5 kids. Hueston Woods, 6929 Brown Road, Oxford, enjoyoxford.org. Arabian Nights — Encounter the wonderful world of flavors that inspired Scherherzade’s famous imagination. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $65. Artichoke OTR, 1824 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, artichokeotr.com. Easy Recipes for Postpartum and DIY Baby Food — Tender Beginnings hosts this class on creating nourishing family foods, postpartum. Demo class. 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Whole Foods Mason, 5805 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, atenderbeginning.com. Newport Wine Walk — The 11th-annual Wine Walk features red and white wine, plus appetizers, at each stop along the Levee. 2-5 p.m. $25. Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportonthelevee.com. Malz Tour — This historical brewery tour celebrates how beer was made and consumed in pre-Prohibition OTR. The tour includes costumed re-enactors, a descent into the lagering cellars of the Kauffman Brewery and a complimentary beer. Saturday and Sunday. $25. Bockfest Hall, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com/ historic-tours.html.
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Reserve A Tea Event Party. Now Serving Champagne Cocktails
$7 Burgers: ALL DAY!
TuesDAY
$8 Flatbread Pizzas
WeDNesDAY $8 Flatbread Pizzas
ThursDAY
$7 Burgers: 5-Close
Volks Tour — This 90-minute walking tour celebrates how the people of Over-theRhine lived, worked and played. Includes costume re-enactors, a tour of the lagering cellars of the Schmidt Brothers/Crown Brewery and a complimentary beer. Saturday and Sunday. $25. Bockfest Hall, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com/ historic-tours.html. Dr. Morgan’s Hangover Relief Tour — Mike Morgan leads this tour, peppered with information about the reclamation of Cincinnati’s brewing heritage, the city’s preProhibition past and the birth of our bohemian Bockfest festival. Tour includes a trip to Washington Platform’s lagering cellars and a cold beer, plus irresponsible medical advice. Saturday and Sunday. $20. Washington Platform, 1000 Elm St., Downtown, bockfest.com/historic-tours.html.
MONDAY
www.bonbonerie.com
C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7 • 2 9
Bockfest — Cincinnati’s famed Bockfest celebrates 25 years of debauchery with three days of festivities, including bock beer, sausage dinners, a Beard Baron competition, Billygoat Ball, beer heritage tours and plenty of fun drunk locals. Friday-Sunday. Multiple venues in Over-the-Rhine and downtown including Bockfest Hall, 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, bockfest.com.
wines from South America. 6:30-10 p.m. $95. The Transept, 1205 E. Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, marchwinedinner.splashthat. com.
music
Deep ‘Sea’ Diving
Modern Soul crew St. Paul & the Broken Bones explore modern Southern identity on their sophomore album BY GREGORY GASTON
P H O T O : d av i d m c c l i s t e r
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W
inston Churchill, the old “British bulldog” and statesman, inspired many a politician as well as the British public at large during WWII. However, you might not expect the former British Prime Minister’s posthumous influence to currently motivate a fledgling Soul band in small-town Alabama in America’s Deep South and help shape its new record. But you would be mistaken. Relaxing at home in Birmingham, Ala. after a European tour, lead singer Paul Janeway spins anecdotes about his band, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, the musicians’ varied influences and their slow-molten burn of a second album, Sea of Noise, during a recent phone interview. With the surprising success of St. Paul & the Broken Bones’ 2014 debut record, Half the City, the eight-piece, neo-Soul/Rock outfit has toured exhaustively and perfected its blazing blend of Janeway’s exuberant frontman combustion and the Bones’ pulsing rhythm-and-horns support. If Janeway looks more like a mild-mannered, bespectacled accountant than a Soul singer, it doesn’t take long in concert to be moved by his over-the-top, delirious antics and voice. “Unhinged” is the word he uses to describe his stage persona, and it fits. It’s no coincidence that Janeway grew up wanting to be a fire and brimstone preacher — until Rock & Roll saved him (or damned him, take your pick). “As a kid, as a teenager — I mean, it’s not like I lived in New York City,” Janeway says. “I didn’t have access to listen to The Smiths, for instance, you know? I grew up in smalltown Alabama — there wasn’t a record store, there was no place to buy music, but there was a Christian bookstore and that was it. I didn’t know any better.” In fact, his first exposure to Rock music occurred at age 19 when he bought U2’s Joshua Tree. But Soul music was different. “When I was a kid I could listen to that, it was the one kind of secular music I could,” Janeway says. “So I was aware of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Al Green. But I was not familiar with let’s say, Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On,’ which was too on the edge.” Sophomore records have often been the pressured bane of many a young band. Achieving that initial success often leads to stumbling over what comes next or trying to repeat the familiar formula. With its topical themes and more nuanced, ambitious song textures, Sea of Noise offers a richer listening experience than the more traditional revivalist Soul-inflections of Half the City. You also get the sense that Janeway
On Sea of Noise, St. Paul & the Broken Bones expand beyond their debut’s vintage R&B vibe. has learned he doesn’t have to vocally go for broke on every song. Even the cover evokes a cosmic, contemporary bent. Picture a golden altar made up of flying saucers, angel wings and two pistols facing each other, floating in deep blue space. “I knew even before our first record came out that our second one would be different,” Janeway says. “I wrote this before campaign season last year, but there was something already in the air,” the singer continues. “It was kind of having your pulse on what was going on, scratching that creative itch. For me, the first record felt more like standard fare — R&B, Soul music kind of a thing. You know — heartbreak, personal loss, let’s dance. And there’s nothing wrong with that, at all. But this time I was looking for creative ways to explore the Southern identity in modern times.” It doesn’t hurt that the band recruited ringers like veteran Memphis producer/ musician Lester Snell (Isaac Hayes, etc.) to arrange string charts on certain songs, and also used the stirring Gospel swell of the Tennessee Mass Choir to complement Janeway’s elastic falsetto on funky, rousing anthems such as first single “All I Ever Wonder.” The strings’ dark warmth replaces some of the Bones’ horn section’s punchy
bombast on songs like “I’ll Be Your Woman.” As a bonus, the band even recorded part of the record in Memphis’ Stax Records Museum and in Sam Phillips’ recording studio. Rooted in the trinity of Soul music destinations, like Alabama’s own Muscle Shoals studio and Detroit’s Motown, Memphis embodies the mecca of Soul — not to mention Blues and Rock & Roll. The Reverend Al Green still preaches and dazzles weekly in his church located about a mile from Elvis’s Graceland. Janeway’s own crisis of faith thematically influenced Sea of Noise as well. “Burning Rome,” the record’s centerpiece song, traces his disillusion with the Church as he testifies in a scorched-earth wail, seemingly soaked in kerosene and existential doubt. “When we did that song, the guys thought it was kind of a standard ballad,” Janeway says of the band’s first introduction to the tune. “It’s not ‘I’m brokenhearted because my woman left me,’ it’s about that struggle with religion, God, spirituality — all of those things balled up in one — and it goes through a coming to enlightenment. That was a fun one to try to explain to Mom and Dad.” “Crumbling Light Posts, Parts 1-3” ripples through the record in brooding surges of
symmetry. This motif took root because of Janeway’s voracious reading habits. This is a man determined to deepen his connections to the world, and that hard-earned self-knowledge improves Sea of Noise, especially lyrically. “I was reading an FDR biography, bizarrely enough, and that quote came up, because Churchill is trying to convince the U.S. to get involved in WWII as Germany is bombing England,” Janeway says. “I thought that’s beautiful imagery — it brings up this very distinct image of England being this crumbling lighthouse in a sea of darkness. I thought that could be associated with so many things in modern times. I thought it was a good common theme and the glue that held the intent of the record.” Books aside, during concerts, St. Paul & the Broken Bones swagger and swing their way through loaded sets of garage Soul music with a streak of Punk Rock abandon. This is a working band, and an inspired one. Janeway chuckles. “The only three rules of the band are: try to write great music, be on time and play a great show,” he says. ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES play a soldout show Friday at Madison Theater. More info: madisontheateronline.com.
music spill it
Dynamic Jazz Duo Celebrates Debut Release BY MIKE BREEN
MINIMUM GAUGE
1345 main st motrpub.com
BY mike breen
Witchy Woman Lana Del Rey got fans excited that her new album was imminent when she posted a cryptic tweet. But Rey’s vague message — “At the stroke of midnight… Feb 24, March 26, April 24, May 23… Ingredients can b found online” — was actually for a bigger purpose. The dates coincide with waning crescent moons; that’s also when an occult ritual relating to getting rid of negative energy and stress occurs. The tweet came just after it was announced that witches across the globe were planning to perform spells on those dates in an attempt to rid the world of the ultimate “negative energy”: President Trump. DeLonge Gets UFO Award Former Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge received loads of ridicule when he began talking about his post-band mission in life — studying aliens and UFOs. But now he’s received some positive reinforcement. An organization that calls itself the “international UFO congress” awarded DeLonge “UFO Researcher of the Year” honors for his “groundbreaking work,” and they weren’t even being sarcastic. Trump Betrays Anthem Singer Jackie Evancho, runner-up on America’s Got Talent in 2010, was one of the few musicians willing to perform at Trump’s inauguration in January. He’s apparently not very grateful for her gesture of goodwill. Evancho’s sister was unable to attend the inauguration because she was dealing with a lawsuit against her school in Pittsburgh, which passed a policy last year requiring transgender students to use the bathroom for the gender on their birth certificate. A federal judge recently ruled that Juliet Evancho (and two other transgender students involved) was allowed to use the bathroom for the gender with which she identifies. The ruling followed Trump’s rolling back of federal protections for transgender students, which prompted a “very disappointed” Jackie Evancho to plead for a meeting with the president to discuss the issue.
wed 1
sylmar, urban tropic
epic brewing co. beer tasting
thu 2
frederick the younger
fri 3
bockfest: chad valley, chill witch
sat 4
bockfest: joesph, orchards
sun 5
the midwestern swing
mon static falls, darlene 6 truth serum: comedy game show tue 7
writer’s night w/ dave feat. preston bell charles iii
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mar
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savoy motel
mar
sad13, stef cHura
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tHe funs, leggy daWg yaWp anna Wise, kate Wakefield Best of ottaWa int’l animation festival 2016
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C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7 • 3 1
If you pay any attention to Cincinnati’s Dan Dorff Jr., Tom Buckley and Marc WolfJazz scene, you surely know the names Brad ley on various tracks, Sanguinaria (HopeMyers and Michael Sharfe, two of the most fulsongs) finds Myers and Sharfe roaming active working musicians in the area. The breezily from the supple Brazilian Jazz on guitarist and bassist (respectively) have the title track (featuring local keyboard ace incredibly impressive résumés that show Dan Karlsberg on melodica) to the fretless that both are not in any way limited to one bass/strummed acoustic guitar groove of or two particular modes of Jazz, and both their rendition of Pat Metheny’s “Norm’s have often worked outside of the genre Ridge” to the jubilant swing of their take on completely. Their bond is that they are Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way.” unbounded in their creative pursuits, and The album is nakedly produced and clutwhen they perform together, their interplay ter free, which allows the bass and guitar is magical. Sharfe is Cincinnati’s go-to Jazz bassist, a founding member of the legendary Blue Wisp Big Band nearly 40 years ago who is a member of the progressive Jazz juggernaut PsychoAcoustic Orchestra. He has also worked with several regional orchestras (including the Cincinnati Pops and Symphony Orchestras) and performed alongside everyone from Rosemary Clooney and Joe Lovano to Adrian Belew and Peter Frampton. Sharfe Brad Myers & Michael Sharfe’s Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs) plays with various other PHOTO : provided musicians and combos regularly around town and he currently leads several ensembles, includto be heard with pronounced clarity. While ing the Latin Jazz sextet Mambo Combo and the focus is often on how the pair plays Post Bop group Retro Nouveau. together, there are also numerous moments Myers first became known to local music where each instrument shines separately, fans in the late ’90s as a member of the which brings attention to the heart and popular and adventurous Jazz/Funk/Jam soul Myers and Sharfe each put into their band Ray’s Music Exchange. He’s currently performances. Along with the way his bass involved in numerous local projects, includoften acts as the muscular “lead” instruing Steve Schmidt’s Organ Trio, Country ment, Sharfe’s solos, especially when the crew Jeremy Pinnell & the 55’s and jazzy bass is the only instrument in the mix, are Western Swing act The Midwestern Swing. particularly jaw-dropping. In 2015, Myers released his first solo album, While Myers and Sharfe are both clearly Prime Numbers, which scored praiseful technical geniuses, Sanguinaria (Hopefulwrite-ups from the Jazz press, including a songs) is a master class in how important four-star review from DownBeat magazine. feel and emotion are to Jazz. In our modern Those glowing reviews have continued age of computerized recording perfectionwith Myers and Sharfe’s collaborative ism, the album’s directness and raw presenalbum, Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs), tation is highly refreshing and the artistry in which was released digitally in late January. the performances is consistently riveting. The album is an understated and intimate This Saturday, Sharfe and Myers (joined recording that undeniably accomplishes by Karlberg and drummer Shane Willis) will its stated goal of showcasing the “elements host an album release celebration at Washof interplay and synergy (that) are fundaington Platform (1000 Elm St., Downtown) mental to the essence of the finest Jazz at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge, but the expression,” particularly in regard to Jazz venue has a $10 food/drink minimum. Sanguitar and bass. guinaria is available to purchase or stream While dynamic and loaded with solos, on most digital platforms (including Apple the musicians are never flashy, demonstratMusic and Spotify). ing their masterful understanding of the Visit musicbybrad.com for more music’s foundation by putting the spotlight information. on the arrangements and the musical conCONTACT MIKE BREEN: mbreen@citybeat.com versation between their instruments in tandem. Backed by drummer/percussionists
MIN GAUGE; -
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Fri. 3rd John Roberts
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Sat. 4th Kyle Knapp of The Turkeys 8:30-11:30pm
Sun. 5th Ed Bruker
6-9pm
Fri. 10th Sammy Reusch Jazz Trio 8-11pm
3/1 the newbees - march artist in residence, mike kuntz, dave davies 3/2 the cold hard cash show; this way to the egress, ford theatre reunion; nathan kalish 3/3 unplugged feat. moonbow, naked truth, circus of the sun, chakras, woolper creek mafia; the goddamn gallows, np presley & the ghost of jesse garon, dead man string band, saint pickle; russ t. nutz 3/4 the grove presents 2nd annual rock ‘n’ roll revival for a cure 3/5 agent orange, guttermouth, the queers, the atom age; sunny sweeney
Sat. 11th Old Green Eyes
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHGATE HOUSE LOUNGE OR TICKETFLY.COM
8-11pm
W W W . S O U TH G A TE H O U S E . CO M
Sun. 12th Rachel Mousie
6-9pm
Sat. 18th Everything’s Jake
Live Music
thur. 23rd Old Man Winter
no cover
7-10
(Women in Bourbon
Thursday 3/2 Todd Hepburn & Friends feat. Chico Converse. 6-9
3 2 • C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7
5-7pm)
Fri. 24th Red Idle Rejects
8-11pm
Friday 3/3 Steve Schmidt Trio feat. Aaron Jacobs & John Taylor. 6-12
6-9pm
saTurday 3/4 Steve Schmidt Trio feat. Brian Lovely & Peter Gemus. 8-12
Sun. 26th Seal Geil
Wednesday 3/1 Pianist Phil DeGreg with Joe Lukasik. 6-9
Fri. 31St Jody Stapleton
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MUSIC sound advice Shovels & Rope with John Moreland Wednesday • Madison Theater The Shovels & Rope journey began a decade and a half ago, when Nashville resident Cary Ann Hearst, already a veteran solo performer in her early 20s, met Denver-born/Charleston, S.C. raised Michael Trent when he was gigging with his band, The Films. After four years of touring together, Hearst released Dust and Bones, her debut solo album, which was quickly followed by Trent’s eponymous solo release in 2007. Finally, the duo’s first album together under their own names, prophetically titled Shovels & Rope, came out in 2008. In 2009, Hearst and Trent went from bandmates to 12/30 the medicine men lifemates with their Charleston wedding, and over the next two years both delivered sophomore solo releases; his was titled The Winner, and her work Shovels & Rope was spread across P H O T O : Le s l i e Rya n M c K e l l a r 2010’s You Ready to Die EP and the 2011 full-length Lions and Lambs. By that time, the pair had begun filming a documentary about their experiences playing together with the working title The Ballad of Shovels and Rope; planned to wrap in Joseph three months, it took PHOTO : Ebru Yildiz three years. With two-thirds of the film done, Hearst and Trent finally adopted a band identity, choosing their first album title as the name of their Roots Rock pairing. Their debut as Shovels & Rope, 2012’s O’ Be Joyful, made a decent showing on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and earned the duo their network television debut on Late Night with David Letterman in early 2013, as well as critical comparisons to other famous couples like Exene Cervenka and John Doe and Johnny Cash and June Carter. Shovels & Rope’s big year was 2014, with its hugely successful third album, Swimmin’ Time, nearly cracking the Top 20 of Billboard’s album chart, and the documentary finally screening and going on to win regional film festival awards. The following year, the duo released the combination covers/duets album Busted Jukebox Vol. 1, featuring their spins on
songs by Elvis Costello, Guns N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails with help from a variety of artists, including Milk Carton Kids, JD McPherson and J. Roddy Walston. Last fall saw the release of Little Seeds, an album the pair described as their most personal work to date, a sonic scrapbook of a difficult couple of years (Trent’s father’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; the Charleston church massacre; the death of a close friend) balanced by the joy of their first child’s arrival. Whether the mood is raucous or melancholy, Shovels & Rope plays with a passion and intensity that hits an audience with the visceral beauty of a velvet two-by-four. (Brian Baker) Joseph with Kelsey Kopecky Saturday • 20th Century Theater With all the Joseph variations we’ve got running around Cincinnati, you’d think we wouldn’t have to import any more. We’ve already claimed Joesph, the solo Indie Pop project from former Pomegranates member Joey Cook, and of course there’s Joseph Nevels, better known as JSPH, a contemporary Soul/ Pop/R&B marvel. But where Josephs are concerned, the third one might just be the charm, so it only makes sense to invite anyone to town who fits the bill, hence the imminent arrival of rising Folk/Pop group Joseph. Much like our own Joseph-related artists, the trio of sisters based the name of their group after someone’s first name, specifically their grandfather Jo, although they also intended it to be a tribute to Joseph, their Oregon hometown. Oldest sister Natalie Schepman was exploring a solo singer/songwriter direction when she invited her younger twin sisters Meegan and Allison Closner to serve as vocalists for her new project. After settling on the Joseph identity, the sisters recorded and self-released their debut album, 2014’s Native Dreamer Kin, a raw but atmospheric blend of modern Pop, 21st-century acoustic Folk and hints of Delta Blues, topped with their flawless gene-kissed harmonies.
After a solid year of regional house shows and wider scale touring, Joseph attracted substantial label interest and ultimately signed with Dave Matthews’ ATO Records, first for ATO Sessions — a 2015 teaser EP — followed by last summer’s I’m Alone, No You’re Not. The sisters’ sophomore full-length features a fuller sound, in both production and instrumentation, reminiscent of Mumford and Fitz and their respective Sons and Tantrums, with the sisters’ crystalline voices cutting through any manufactured studio fog, particularly on the album’s powerful first single, “White Flag.” There’s always room for one more Joseph, especially when it contains musicians as talented and powerful as this one. (BB)
FUTURE SOUNDS JOHNNYSWIM – March 9, Bogart’s NORAH JONES – March 16, Taft Theatre WHY? – March 16, Woodward Theater BLUE OCTOBER – March 18, Bogart’s THE REVIVALISTS – March 21, Madison Theater
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May 31st Riverbend Music Center
COLD WAR KIDS – March 24, Madison Theater CHUCK PROPHET & THE MISSION EXPRESS – March 24, Southgate House Revival ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS – March 28, Bogart’s HAYSEED DIXIE – March 30, Southgate House Revival MARGO PRICE – April 2, 20th Century Theater LOCAL NATIVES – April 3, Madison Theater 7, Bogart’s
NEW FOUND GLORY – April
SON VOLT – April 14, Southgate House Revival
March
april
14
Devin Townsend Project
KISHI BASHI – April 14, 20th Century Theater
1
The Lox
1
Thunderstruck
20
FLUX PAVILION – April 19, Bogart’s
2
Whitechapel
7
CinCity Burlesque ROCK & ROLL night
THURSDAY – April 22, Bogart’s
3
Corey Smtih
New Found Glory SOLD OUT
27
City and Colour
8
Tickle me EMO Night
15
Saved By the 90’s
19
Flux Pavilion
22
Thursday
25
Explosions In the Sky
26
Mayday Parade
27
The Damned
28
Silversun Pickups
29
Testament
30
Real Friends
ERIC CHURCH – April 22, U.S. Bank Arena
4
King Chip
HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF – April 24, Woodward Theater
9
Johnnyswim
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY – April 25, Bogart’s
10
Cal Scruby
MAYDAY PARADE – April 26, Bogart’s
11
#Wedoitforthelocals
THE DAMNED – April 27, Bogart’s
12
TESTAMENT – April 29, Bogart’s PIXIES – May 6, Madison Theater
AMMM ft. Zach Meyers of Shinedown
LANY – May 8, 20th Century Theater
16
Phantogram
THE BLACK ANGELS – May 9, Woodward Theater
17
St. Patty’s Day w/ Pink Droyd
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – May 19, U.S. Bank Arena
18
Blue October
THE BLASTERS – May 24, Southgate House Revival
23
Bobaflex
CITY AND COLOUR – May 27, Bogart’s
25
80’s Night w/ Sixteen Candles
THE WEEKND – June 9, U.S. Bank Arena
28
Andrew McMahon
TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS – Jun. 12, U.S. Bank Arena
31
Big Ass Rock Show
MASTODON – May 14, Taft Theatre
FUTURE – May 31, Riverbend Music Center
TRAIN/O.A.R./NATASHA BEDINGFIELD – June 27, Riverbend Music Center
May 3
In This Moment
6
Bayside/Say Anything
9
SoMo
13
Departure (A Tribute to Journey)
JUNE 9
Hairbanger’s Ball
JUST ANNOUNCED: SEETHER July 18th ON SALE FRIDAy! SyLvAN ESSO September 21St ON SALE FRIDAy!
FOREIGNER/CHEAP TRICK – Aug. 8, Riverbend Music Center GREEN DAY – Aug. 20, Riverbend Music Center JOHN MAYER – Aug. 26, Riverbend Music Center TIM MCGRAW/FAITH HILL – Sept. 2, U.S. Bank Arena
BOGART’S BOX OFFICE | TICKETMASTER | 800.745.3000 CONTACT MINDYGOFF@LIVENATION.COM FOR VIP INFO /BOGARTSSHOWS
C I T Y B E A T . C O M • ma r c h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7 • 3 3
Sad13 with Stef Chura, The Funs and Leggy Tuesday • Woodward Theater Sad13 Sadie Dupuis is a PHOTO : provided big fan of Dan Savage’s long-running sex advice column “Savage Love.” Along those lines, the frontwoman for slanted Indie outfit Speedy Ortiz — for the uninitiated, think Pavement fronted by primeera Liz Phair — calls her new solo project, dubbed Sad13, “advice column Pop.” Dupuis wrote the 10 songs that would make up Sad13’s debut album, Slugger, over a couple-week period while holed up in Philadelphia early last year. Inspired by a recently ended abusive relationship, Dupuis wanted to create a Pop album that explores the topic of consent from a female perspective — and do it via a rush of keyboards and soaring, candy-coated choruses. Take “Just a Friend,” which plays off of Biz Markie’s song of the same name. Biz’s version is all about picking up a lady and opens with this couplet: “Have you ever met a girl you tried to date?/But a year to make love she wanted you to wait.” Dupuis’ version offers up a clarification — “Put away your old ideas about my friend Ben/True I love him big time, but I didn’t mean it like that” — before turning the tables (“Objectify these boys!”). “The song is a response to (Biz Markie’s song) ‘Just a Friend,’ which I love, but I’m like, ‘Fuck you, Biz!’ ” Dupuis said in an interview with Elle late last year. “You should talk to a girl who’s just a friend. That’s the sign of a healthy, well-adjusted person who doesn’t view gender as a reason to befriend someone.” “Get a Yes” is perhaps the most overt
declaration in Dupuis’ exploration of consent, with her singing, “I say yes to the dress when I put it on/I say yes if I want you to take it off.” (Jason Gargano)
music listings
CityBeat’s music listings are free. Send info to MIKE BREEN via email at mbreen@citybeat.com. Listings are subject to change. See citybeat.com for full music listings and all club locations. H is CityBeat staff’s stamp of approval.
Wednesday 01
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle. 8 p.m. Americana. Free. Bogart’s - The Lox. 7 p.m. Hip Hip. $25.
Bromwell’s Härth Lounge - Phil DeGreg with Joe Lukasik. 6 p.m. Jazz. Free. The Liberty Inn - Stagger Lee. 6:30 p.m. Country/Rock. Free. Live! at the Ludlow Garage - Jared & The Mill. 8 p.m. Rock. $15-$20. The Mad Frog - The Overdose Awareness Tour with Bubba Sparxxx and more. 8 p.m. Hip Hop. $16, $20 day of show.
H
Madison Theater - Shovels & Rope with John Moreland. 8 p.m. Americana. $20, $25 day of show.
Northside Yacht Club - Kississippi, Fern Mayo, Carriers and Bambi Land. 10 p.m. Indie/Pop/Rock. Free. Plain Folk Café - Open Mic with Greg Short. 7 p.m. Various. Free. Southgate House Revival (Lounge) Nathan Kalish. 9:30 p.m. Americana. Free. Southgate House Revival (Revival Room) - This Way to Egress and Ford Theatre Reunion. 8:30 p.m. Rock/ World Beat/Vaudeville/Various. $8, $10 day of show. Southgate House Revival (Sanctuary) - The Cold Hard Cash Show. 8 p.m. Johnny Cash tribute. $10, $12 day of show. Stanley’s Pub - LITZ. 9 p.m. Jam/ Funk. Cover.
Mansion Hill Tavern - Losing Lucky. 8 p.m. Roots. Free.
Trinity Gastro Pub - Tana Matz. 7:30 p.m. Acoustic. Free.
Miller’s Fill Inn - Karaoke with A Mystical Sound Sensation DJ Rob. 9 p.m. Various. Free.
Urban Artifact - Red Samantha, Physco and the Midwesterns. 9 p.m. Rock. Free.
The Mockbee - Gravez with ChuckDiesel, Meiosis and Trademark Aaron. 9 p.m. Bass music/EDM/Hip Hop. $10-$15.
Friday 03
MOTR Pub - Sylmar and Urban Tropic. 9 p.m. Rock/Various. Free.
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - The Cincy Brass. 9 p.m. Pop/Funk/Soul/Jazz/ Brass/Various. Free.
Pit to Plate - Bluegrass Night with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. 7 p.m. Bluegrass. $2.
Blue Note Harrison - The Menus. 9 p.m. Pop/Dance/Rock/Various. Cover.
Silverton Café - Bob Cushing. 8 p.m. Acoustic. Free.
Bogart’s - Corey Smith. 8 p.m. Country. $29.27.
Southgate House Revival (Lounge) - The Newbees with Mike Kuntz and Dave Davies. 8 p.m. Acoustic/Pop/ Roots/Various. Free. Taft Theatre - Puddles Pity Party. 8 p.m. Pop. $25, $30 day of show (in the Ballroom). Trinity Gastro Pub - Moment 44. 7:30 p.m. Alternative. Free. Urban Artifact - Blue Wisp Big Band. 8:30 p.m. Big Band Jazz. $10.
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MOTR Pub - Frederick the Younger. 9 p.m. Indie/Pop/Rock. Free.
Thursday 02
Bromwell’s Härth Lounge - Steve Schmidt Trio featuring Aaron Jacobs and John Taylor. 6 p.m. Jazz. Free.
H
Celeberties - Scarface. 10 p.m. Hip Hop. $35-$100.
College Hill Coffee Co. - Ellie Fabe. 7:30 p.m. Singer/Songwriter. Free. The Greenwich - Rollins Davis Band featuring Deborah Hunter. 9 p.m. Jazz/R&B. $5. Irish Heritage Center - Derek H Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones. 7:30 p.m. Irish. $25.
Northside Yacht Club - Swim H Team, Lover’s Touch, Silent Touch and Amanda’s Scanner. 9 p.m. Rock/Punk/Various.
Oxford Community Arts Center Oxford Community Square Dance featuring The Jericho Old Time Band. 7:30 p.m. Roots. $5.00 Peecox Erlanger - Saving Stimpy. 9:30 p.m. Rock. $5.
Bogart’s - King Chip. 8 p.m. Hip Hop. $10.
Plain Folk Café - Cull Hollow. 7:30 p.m. Bluegrass. Free.
Braxton Brewing Company H Hayden Kaye (album release show) with Joe Wannabe and
Northside Yacht Club - Beloved Youth and Prince Daddy & the Hyenas. 9 p.m. Indie Rock.
The Redmoor - The Warm It Up Party featuring The Top This Band. 9 p.m. Pop/Dance/R&B/Various. $10, $15 day of show. Rick’s Tavern - Heather Roush Band. 10 p.m. Country. $5. RJ’s Sports Pub - Bob Cushing. 9 p.m. Acoustic. Free. Silverton Café - Sonny Moorman. 9 p.m. Blues. Free. Southgate House Revival (Lounge) Russ T. Nutz. 9:30 p.m. Country. Free. Southgate House Revival (Revival Room) - The Goddamn Gallows, NP Presley & The Ghost of Jesse Garon, Dead Man String Band and Saint Pickle. 9 p.m. Roots/Rock/Various. $12, $15 day of show.
H
Southgate House Revival (Sanctuary) - “Unplugged” featuring Moonbow, Naked Truth, Circus of the Sun, Chakras, Woolper Creek Mafia, Scotty Ryan, Blacklight Barbarian, Lovecrush 88, Kevin Nolan, Chalk Eye, Dan Ryan and more. 9 p.m. Acoustic. $10, $12 day of show.
Thompson House - Call Me Karizma. 7 p.m. Alt/Hip Hop/Pop. $15. Trinity Gastro Pub - Fish Head. 8 p.m. Various. Free. The Underground - Seth Canan & The Carriers, Mad After Dark, Schoolyard, Samson and more. 7 p.m. Rock/Various. Cover. Urban Artifact - Broccoli Samurai, Love Alive and SolEcho. 8 p.m. Rock/Various. Free. U.S. Bank Arena - Maroon 5 with R. City and Tinashe. 7:30 p.m. Pop. $30.50-$126.
Bogart’s - Whitechapel, Cattle Decapitation, Goatwhore and Allegaeon. 5:30 p.m. Metal. $23.
The Mad Frog - Wicked Peace, Soul Butter, BoxTrot and Shock Relief. 8 p.m. Rock. Cover.
Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant - French Axe (9 p.m.); Brian Lovely Duo (5:30 p.m.). 5:30 p.m. Jazz. $10 (food/drink minimum).
Bromwell’s Härth Lounge - Todd Hepburn and Friends featuring Chico Converse. 6 p.m. Various. Free.
Madison Theater - St. Paul and H the Broken Bones with Aaron Lee Tasjan. 8:30 p.m. Soul/Funk/
Woodward Theater - Savoy H Motel. 9 p.m. Indie/Pop/Rock. $8, $12 day of show.
Mansion Hill Tavern - Chuck Brisbin Band. 9 p.m. Blues. $4.
Saturday 04
The Drinkery - Later Days. 9 p.m. Alt/Emo. The Greenwich - Mambo Combo. 8 p.m. Latin Jazz. $5.
MOTR Pub - Chad Valley with H Chill Witch. 9 p.m. Indie/Electronic/Various. Free.
Horse & Barrel - John Ford. 6 p.m. Roots/Blues. Free.
MVP Bar & Grille - Thunder Road. 8 p.m. Rock/Blues.
MVP Bar & Grille - Billy Rock Band. 8 p.m. Rock. Northside Tavern - Sexy Time Live Band Karaoke. 9 p.m. Various. Free.
Jim and Jack’s on the River - Southern Saviour. 9 p.m. Country/Rock/ Pop. Free.
Doc’s Place - Tom Kaper Acoustic. Free.
Big Song Music House - Lisa Biales & The Belle of the Blues Orchestra. 8 p.m. Blues. $20.
MOTR Pub - Joesph with H Orchards. 9 p.m. Indie/Pop/ Rock/Various. Free.
Blue Note Harrison - Bad Habit. 9 p.m. Rock. Cover.
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - The New Royals. 7 p.m. Funk. Free.
Various. $25, $30 day of show.
Roustabout (5 p.m.). Americana/Jug band/Folk. Free.
20th Century Theater - Joseph H with Kelsey Kopecky. 8 p.m. Indie/Folk/Pop. $18, $20 day of show.
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - Cincinnati Dancing Pigs (9 p.m.); River City
Common Center. 6 p.m. Folk/Rock/ Blues/Various.
Bromwell’s Härth Lounge - Steve Schmidt Trio featuring Brian Lovely and Peter Gemus. 8 p.m. Jazz. Free. College Hill Coffee Co. - Blue Nite Jazz Band. 7:30 p.m. Jazz. Free. Doc’s Place - Bob Cushing. 8 p.m. Acoustic. Free. Fairfield Community Arts Center The Ronny Cox Band. 8 p.m. Singer/ Songwriter/Spoken word. $25-$30. Folk School Coffee Parlor H The Tillers 10th-Anniversary Celebration (shows at 7 and 9 p.m.). Folk. Cover.
The Greenwich - Keigo Hirakawa Trio featuring Duane Eubanks and JD Allen. 9 p.m. Jazz. $10. Jag’s Steak and Seafood - The Good Hooks. 9 p.m. Dance/Pop/Rock/ Various. Cover. Japp’s - Ricky Nye Inc. 7 p.m. Blues/ Boogie Woogie. Free. Jim and Jack’s on the River - Carey Hunley Band. 9 p.m. Country. Free. Legends Nightclub - Highway Radio. 9 p.m. Roots Rock. $5. Live! at the Ludlow Garage - Royal Wood with Diana Chittester. 8 p.m. Singer/Songwriter. $12-$15. The Mad Frog - Charlie Farley and Southern Country Muzik. 8 p.m. Country Rap. Cover. Madison Live - Avanti (EP release show) with Derailed, The Obnoxious Boot, Sleep Comes After Death and Necro-Coitus. 7:30 p.m. Rock/Metal. $8, $10 day of show. Madison Theater - Madison Theater Band Challenge Semi-Finals with B-sides, Joe Tellman Band, Men of Blues, Off Black, Resonator, The Shaun Peace Band, The Red Shift and The Vims. 7 p.m. Various. $10.
OTR Live - Meek Mill. 10 p.m. Hip Hop. $60. Peecox Erlanger - Saving Stimpy. 9:30 p.m. Rock. $5. Plain Folk Café - Missy Werner H Band. 7:30 p.m. Bluegrass. Free. Rick’s Tavern - Cherry on Top. 10 p.m. Pop/Dance/Various. $5. Silverton Café - Big Trouble. 9 p.m. Blues. Free.
H
Southgate House Revival - The Grove Presents: Second Annual Rock ’N Revival for a Cure with Here Come Here, Jim Trace and the Makers, Toaster Bath, Tag., Matt Schneider, Jamwave, Lullaby Crash, Motel Faces, One Day Steady, Current Events, Young Heirlooms, Room For Zero, Lemon Sky, Sundae Drives, Telehope, Wilder, Zebras in Public, 90 Proof Twang, Jess Lamb, Greenlight Morning and The Key Concepts. 5 p.m. Various. $10.
Stanley’s Pub - Queen City H Silver Stars with Know Prisoners. 9 p.m. Reggae/Tropical/R&B/Various. Cover.
Thompson House - Youth in Revolt. 8 p.m. Metal. $10. Trinity Gastro Pub - Everything’s Jake. 8 p.m. R&B/Jazz/Blues/Rock. Free. The Underground - In Days Forgotten. 7 p.m. Metalcore. Cover. Urban Artifact - Lemon Sky, Milkman and Swoops. 9:30 p.m. Rock/ Various. Free (donations accepted for Planned Parenthood).
H
Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant - Brad Meyers & Michael Sharfe (9 p.m.); George Cunningham & Joe Lukasik (6 p.m.); John Ford (4 p.m.); The Less More Band (1 p.m.). Jazz/Blues/Various. $10 (food/drink minimum).
Sunday 05
Mansion Hill Tavern - Johnny Fink & the Intrusion. 9 p.m. Blues. $4.
Bar and Grill - Jeremy HArnold’s Pinnell. Noon. Country. Free.
McCauly’s Pub - Phoenix Rising. 9 p.m. Rock. Free.
The Comet - The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars. 7:30 p.m. Bluegrass. Free.
The Mockbee - Smerf, Fatchick/ Bassface, Nonplus, Sinister and Forealism Tribe. 9:30 p.m. Drum & Bass. Free.
Miller’s Fill Inn - Karaoke with A Mystical Sound Sensation DJ Rob. 9 p.m. Various. Free. MOTR Pub - The Midwestern Swing. 9 p.m. Western Swing/Jazz. Free.
Northside Tavern - Bulletville. 8:30 p.m. Country. Free. Southgate House Revival (Revival Room) - Sunny Sweeney. 8 p.m. Country. $10, $15 day of show. Southgate House Revival H (Sanctuary) - Agent Orange, Guttermouth, The Queers and The Atom Age. 7:30 p.m. Punk. $18.
Stanley’s Pub - Stanley’s Open Jam. 10 p.m. Various. Free. Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant - 2nd Line Trio. 11:30 a.m. New Orleans Jazz. $10 (food/ drink minimum).
Monday 06
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - Jean H Dowell and Mike Oberst. 7 p.m. Folk. Free. The Comet - Shadow Band. 10 p.m. Psych Folk. Free. Mansion Hill Tavern - Acoustic Jam with John Redell and Friends. 8 p.m. Acoustic/Various. Free. McCauly’s Pub - Open Jam with Sonny Moorman. 7 p.m. Blues/Various. Free. Memorial Hall - Durand Jones & H The Indications with Young Heirlooms. 8 p.m. Soul and Folk. $15. MOTR Pub - Static Falls with H Darlene. 9 p.m. Indie/Rock/ Pop. Free. Northside Tavern - The Qtet. 10 p.m. Funk/Rock/Jazz/Various. Free. Stanley’s Pub - Stanley’s Live Jazz Band. 10 p.m. Jazz. Free. Urban Artifact - Super Oragami, H Zijnzijn Zijnzijn and Marc Governanti. 9 p.m. Experimental/ Progressive/Various. Free.
Tuesday 07
Arnold’s Bar and Grill - John Redell. 7 p.m. Blues. Free. Crow’s Nest - Open Mic Nite. 8 p.m. Various. Free. Folk School Coffee Parlor - William Matheny. 7 p.m. AltCountry/Folk. McCauly’s Pub - Stagger Lee. 7 p.m. Country/Rock. Free. The Mockbee - Ntelekt, Mikey, Cash R.O.E. & J-Gutz GVO, Vo Fareal, Dynasty and Aura Da Prophet. 9 p.m. Hip Hop. $5. Northside Tavern - The Stealth Pastille. 10 p.m. Rock/Psych/Pop. Free. Northside Yacht Club - Expire with Homewrecker, Cross Me, Treason and Cursed Path. 8:30 p.m. Hardcore. $12, $15 day of show.
Woodward Theater - Sad13 and H Stef Chura with The Funs and Leggy. 8 p.m. Indie/Rock/Pop/Elec-
tronic/Various. $8, $10 day of show.
crossword puzzle
THE CLASSIFIEDS
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Across
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C I T Y B E A T . C O M • marc h 0 1 – 0 7 , 2 0 1 7 • 3 5
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