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WHAT A WEEK!

BY T.C. B R I T TO N

Man, I Feel Like an American

Country music queen Shania Twain has been on something of a Millennial pop culture tour lately. She played herself in a hilarious appearance on Broad City this past fall, recently served as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and hung out at Coachella with Timothée Chalamet, French Montana, The Weeknd and Nicki Minaj, as evidenced by a now-viral photo that rivals Ellen’s Oscar selfie. This means Shania’s woke, right? Well, Brad Pitt may not impress her much, but it sure sounds like Donald Trump does, according to an interview with the Guardian. See, while Twain might seem like the all-American Grammy-winner next door, she’s actually a Canada native who lives in Switzerland. So she couldn’t vote in the 2016 U.S. election, but if she could, she says she would have voted for the Orange One because he seemed honest. Girl, what you doin’? Shania quickly apologized for the remarks, using the classic “taken out of context” excuse and saying she should have never commented, she does not support any kind of discrimination and she doesn’t share any of Trump’s “moral belief.”

Shania is now on progressive probation but I guess we don’t need to go burning our replica leopard-print outfits quite yet.

“Be here now” makes him a philosopher.

Days after supporting Black Lives Matter critic Candace Owens, he said activist and Parkland shooting survivor Emma González was his hero and even shaved his head to match hers. It’s all for the gram as the kids say — anything it takes to keep his name in all our mouths. We’re just giving the guy what he wants. Including me. Oops.

At least it inspired Jordan Peele to get started writing Get Out 2.

Nerd Prom Gets Savage AF

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner — annoyingly known as Nerd Prom — is a longstanding Washington tradition. First held in 1921, this annual event hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association celebrates the First Amendment, featuring various types of entertainment over the years and raising money for scholarships and awards that recognize journalists. Since the 1980s, the dinner has featured comedians who often poke fun at politics, journalists and the sitting president — who often attends, gets roasted and has a bit of their own silly fun. (Cut to George W. Bush’s fi lmed skit about looking for weapons of mass destruction in the Oval Office. Oy.) That all naturally changed when our country elected a giant baby

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He’s Just Bein’ Kanye

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Of course Shania Twain wasn’t the only celebrity to make some pro-Trump comments this week. Kanye West recently ended his Twitter sabbatical to drop some snippets of a philosophy books he’s “writing in real time” (?), photos of his new line of ugly ass shoes and potential neck tat designs and even an apparent sneak peek at his upcoming album cover, which he says will feature the image of Jan Adams. Adams is the plastic surgeon who performed a number of operations on West’s mother, Donda, who died from complications the day after her surgery. But it was his musings on the president and shots of him wearing the infamous red “Make America Great Again” hat that sent the internet into a frenzy.

In addition to rambling on social media, Ye also called Hot 97 radio host Ebro Darden, during which he dropped the bomb, “I do love Donald Trump” (and, perhaps even darker, that he was addicted to opioids during his 2016 hospitalization), because Obama regularly ignored his calls whereas Trump set up a meeting with him ASAP. At this point Kanye will do anything to stir up #controversy. Him supporting Trump doesn’t necessarily make him a conservative anymore than him typing

who refuses to participate in the event, but the show must go on and it did with help from this year’s host, comedian and writer Michelle Wolf. She wasted no time reading the room for fi lth, remarking on how at age 32, she’s “10 years too young to host this event and 20 years too old for Roy Moore”; Sarah Huckabee Sanders uses burnt facts to create the perfect smokey eye; Trump may actually be broke and grabs pussies to fi nd loose change; and, in a mic-dropping end note, that Flint, Mich., still doesn’t have clean drinking water. CUE THE CONSERVATIVE RAGE! Free-speech loving right-wingers who constantly lament overly PC snowflakes had their panties in a bunch over Wolf’s speech and many think the WHCD format should die. Sure, the notion of journalists, celebrities and politicians all getting cozy and chummy is pretty gross and is defi nitely not what the scholarship fundraiser is all about. But Wolf dropped some comedic truth bombs — including digs at democrats — at a time when the media isn’t holding anyone in office accountable for the true dumpster fire that is aflame in

This Week in Questionable Decisions…

1. That’s So Raven actor Orlando Brown was arrested in his underwear by a bounty hunter.

2. Charlie Rose is in talks to host a #MeToo series where he’ll interview Louis C.K., Matt Lauer and others accused of sexual harassment scandals.

3. Kate Middleton trotted out in front of cameras hours after giving birth to her and Prince William’s third child, Louis, — in heels, no less! Can the woman be human for one day?

4. Reason No. 492 why I’m ashamed to be classified as a Millennial: the University of Utah opened a cry closet for students to use for 10 minutes at a time if stressed out. Yes, I do already have one. It’s called my cubicle.

5. A freaky trailer for R-rated horror film Hereditary accidentally aired before a screening of Peter Rabbit, emotionally scarring a Perth, Australia theater that included at least 40 children.

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6. Mega (and MAGA) troll Greg Piatek sued a New York City bar for discrimination after he was thrown out for

our country right now. Wolf Pack (a term I just invented) for life!

One thing we can all agree on: reading Dennis Miller for this tweet: “What a horrid human being Michelle Wolf is. I’m going to read up on her over the next couple of days and I will have a few brutally mean jokes about her by Wednesday.” Stay tuned for that timely commentary!

Bye Bitch: Bill Cosby Edition

One of the most disappointing figures to ever have had the moniker of America’s Dad, Bill Cosby was found guilty of sexual assault charges against Andrea Constand this week. After the last attempt to cage this monster resulted in a mistrial last summer, he now faces up to 10 years for each of the three counts. At age 80 and in poor health, Cosby could be living out the rest of his days behind bars (though his lawyer will likely request home confi nement). Speaking of his attorney, Thomas Mesereau passed out, mouth agape, in court for a half hour as the judge reviewed testimonies. And on the topic of embarrassing mistakes…

refusing to take off Kanye’s favorite red hat. Thankfully, the judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the law doesn’t protect against political discrimination and supporting Trump is not a religion.

Boy, bye!

7. “Illusionist” David Blaine sewed his mouth shut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Why are we acting like these stunt queen maneuvers are magic?!

8. Miley Cyrus withdrew the apology she made for her seminude Vanity Fair photos taken 10 years ago when she was 15.

The shots by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz sparked some controversy (but really, for me, it was all the creepy daddy stuff with Billy Ray) at the time, but what’s questionable here is why folks even blamed the teen girl herself and not the adults in charge.

9. The odor of a rotten durian (known as Asia’s smelliest fruit even when fresh) was mistaken for a gas leak at a Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology library, causing hundreds to be evacuated.

10. After his historic summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Trump deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

11. There were way too many references to 45 this week. Sorry, y’all!

NEWS

Primary Concerns Ohio’s sometimes-bizarre gubernatorial primaries have populist candidates taking establishment favorites on some wild rides

BY N I C K SWA R T S E L L

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Mary Taylor (left) and Dennis Kucinich PHOTO: GAGE SKIDMORE

Recent polling showed Kucinich and Cordray neck and neck. That, however, was before revelations that Kucinich took $20,000 from a group known to support Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Taylor in his statements on gun control or Medicaid — though he does say the Obamacare-era program is financially unsustainable.

Meanwhile, the race between Democrats has gotten strange.

Recent polling showed Kucinich and Cordray neck and neck. That, however, was before revelations that Kucinich took $20,000 from a group known to support Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, which he didn’t initially disclose in requisite filings.

Following controversy, the former Democrat presidential primary contender and Cleveland mayor said he would CONTINUES ON PAGE 07

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from Planned Parenthood.

But Taylor’s campaign says he has yet to address doubts about his own conservative credentials, including questions about how he would address Ohio’s Medicaid expansion.

Gov. John Kasich ushered in that program, part of Obamacare, after a fight with his own party in the state house. Taylor has said she would eliminate the expansion her boss fought for, which insures about 700,000 Ohioans.

That and other moves by Taylor — including an appearance at a gun rights rally after the mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. to which she brought a shotgun to underscore her commitment to the Second Amendment — seem to be a clear play to try and bottle the lighting Trump tapped into to grab a decisive eight-point win in the Buckeye State during the 2016 election.

Taylor’s approach also seems pointedly calculated to distance herself from Kasich, who recently pushed moderate gun restrictions and has long been one of Trump’s most vocal GOP critics.

DeWine hasn’t gone nearly as far as

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votes for gun control and immigration reform DeWine took as a senator.

“AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS,” “GUN BANS,” “MORE DEBT,” trumpets the text in one ad by Taylor’s campaign. “DC DeWine voted for all of it,” Taylor intones over top of the ad, saying that as a senator (he served from 1995 to 2007), DeWine voted with Democrat Hillary Clinton 952 times.

Taylor is throwing everything she can at DeWine in something of a Hail Mary.

Last year, polling showed her losing the primary by 40 points against him. A poll taken last month by Fallon Research commissioned by a GOP lobbyist suggested she had narrowed that gap and is now only 18 points behind, though other recent polling suggested a larger deficit.

At first, DeWine’s campaign strategy appeared to be to shrug off Taylor, to his challenger’s chagrin. The two have not officially debated, though they did meet with the editorial board of Cleveland.com earlier this month, where they debated about whether or not they had debated.

But after Taylor’s last ad blitz, DeWine lashed out, calling her a “phony” when it comes to conservative causes.

DeWine has some far-right cred. He has fought often-losing legal battles to protect state lawmakers’ ever-growing regulations on abortion providers and efforts to strip state funding for health screenings

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former presidential contender with alleged ties to supporters of a dictator in Syria. A lieutenant governor showing up to a gun rights rally with a shotgun as she works to brand herself as an outsider. Facebook boasts about romantic conquests.

In Ohio’s post-Trump landscape, it’s been a weird and heated gubernatorial primary season as candidates battle for nods from their parties so they can contend for term-limited Gov. John Kasich’s seat in November.

On the GOP side, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and running mate Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted are the favorites against challengers Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and her running mate Nathan Estruth.

The Democratic Party’s primary is a bit more crowded — and contested. Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray is facing a surprisingly stiff challenge from former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who is running an unconventional, populist campaign.

Taylor is trying to take on DeWine, usually seen as a staunch conservative, from his right. Under most circumstances, it would be difficult for a sitting lieutenant governor to position herself as the outsider candidate in a race, but Taylor has DeWine’s 40-year career as an elected official — and the topsy-turvy post-Trump political landscape — to work with.

DeWine has held just about any elected position you can think of in the state.

He served briefly as a state senator in the early 1980s before moving up to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Ohio’s 7th District between 1983 and 1991.

He then made the jump to lieutenant governor under Ohio GOP political giant Gov. George Voinovich. Then it was immediately off to the U.S. Senate for 12 years.

After a few years cooling off, DeWine became Ohio’s attorney general in 2011.

To that end, Taylor’s campaign — and PACs supporting her bid — have dug up plenty of fodder for TV ads, including

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CITY DESK

Streetcar Saw Most Blockages Ever in March, Other Challenges

BY N I C K SWA R T S EL L

A new report from acting Cincinnati City Manager Patrick Duhaney shows that despite hitting its millionth rider this month, the streetcar still has challenges to address.

The transit system missed ridership goals last month, is experiencing big shortfalls in one source of operating funding and saw the most blockages along its route since it launched in September 2016.

The new data comes as the city, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, contracted operator Transdev and streetcar manufacturer CAF all work through the transit system’s complex management structure to address challenges with on-time performance, ridership and big equipment issues.

Ridership for March missed budgeted goals, according to a supplementary report

submitted by the city manager — though not by as much as it had earlier in the year, when cold-weather performance issues often sidelined the streetcar. Cincinnatians and visitors took 37,471 rides on the streetcar in March, 8.3 percent below a budgeted 40,875-ride goal. That put the streetcar at 384,201 rides for the fiscal year to date — under the 447,690 rides the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority budgeted for and less than the 437,429 rides the transit project provided this time last fiscal year.

There is some good news, however — the streetcar last month increased ridership by 8 percent over the same time last year. It’s the first time that has happened.

One of the funding mechanisms for the streetcar is also lagging, according to the report submitted by the city manager.

The Voluntary Tax Incentive Contribution Agreements — VTICA for short — will generate about $36,000 by June 30, the end of fiscal year 2018. That’s a big drop from a projected $400,000 take for the transit project from developers in Over-the-Rhine and downtown who entered into the abatement agreement, which funnels money that would be paid in property taxes into a special streetcar fund.

The city says that a gap between construction costs on projects in VTICA and the market value they are assessed by Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes is one reason for the shortfall. The other is that a number of the developers involved have pushed back the dates by which their projects will be completed.

The $364,000 gap has led the city to revise its fiscal year 2019 projections for

Democrats Line Up to Challenge GOP in Northern Kentucky Primaries

BY M C K EN ZI E ES K R I D G E

Democrats are seeing competitive primaries across Northern Kentucky, while GOP candidates are running mostly unopposed.

Ahead of the May 22 primary election, the big race in Northern Kentucky is for the state’s 4th Congressional District. Republican incumbent Thomas Massie is running unopposed in the primaries but will face the victor from a crowded field of Democrats, which includes Patti Piatt, Christina Lord and Seth Hall.

Kentucky Tonight host Renee Shaw moderated a 30-minute debate between the three Democrat candidates on April 16.

The trio agreed on most matters, but Lord leaned left of the pack when she suggested

raising the nation’s minimum wage to $22.

Piatt seems to have raised the most money — about $24,000 — finance reports released March 31 show. Hall has raised about $20,000. Fundraising figures for Lord were not available.

Northern Kentucky primary voters will also decide on a number of statehouse races, though only four of those races have competitive primaries this year.

Republican incumbent Sal Santoro, representing Kentucky’s District 60, is once again running unopposed in his own party, but two Democratic candidates have thrown their hats in the ring: Boone County sales manager Jesse Parks and

Library, Zoo Seek Levies in May 8 Election

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BY N I C K SWA R T S EL L

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Hamilton County voters will have more than political party nominations to consider in this year’s May 8 primary election.

Two of Cincinnati’s most venerable institutions are asking for public support via tax levies.

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is asking voters to up their contributions to the library system via a 10-year property tax hike. That levy — Hamilton County Issue 3 on the May 8 ballot — would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an extra $28 a year.

Even with the boost, which would bring that same homeowner’s contribution up to roughly $60 a year, the library is cheaper

than many across the state for taxpayers.

A similar homeowner pays $98 a year in Columbus and $132 a year in Cleveland.

Library officials say they need the boost because funding for libraries approved by state lawmakers has declined in recent years, and because they’re mulling major improvements to the library system that will make circulation and administrative tasks more efficient. Currently, the library gets $38 million from the state — the same level it got 25 years ago. Should the levy fail, the library will face a deficit by 2020, officials say.

The levy seems to have some broad support. For example, the group Our Library,

retired special education teacher Roger Rankin.

District 61 Representative Brian Linder decided not to seek reelection after he admitted to settling a sexual harassment complaint with a legislative staffer. That vacancy has four new candidates chomping at the bit: Dr. Michael Fletcher and political organizer Savannah Maddox are competing in the Republican primary, while high school guidance counselor Susan Back and former Grant County Judge-Executive Darrell Link are fighting for the Democratic nomination.

Democratic candidates Adam Sovkoplas and Jenny Urie are looking to challenge

VTICA. The transit authority now believes the program will bring in about $133,000, not the $524,000 originally forecast. That’s an even bigger gap — $391,000. Should this year’s shortfall be paid from the city’s streetcar fund, that pot of money will be reduced to $1.1 million.

March was a record month when it came to barriers along the streetcar’s route in the form of other vehicles. Nearly 100 such blockages happened last month. Since January, more than 50 blockages have come from cars, another 50 from delivery trucks, 45 from police or emergency vehicles and 80 from Metro buses.

That has cut into on-time performance for the streetcar, which is the responsibility of Transdev, the private company SORTA has contracted to oversee day-to-day operations of the transit system. The city’s report shows a 38 percent on-time rate for the streetcar on Transdev’s performance evaluation, which stretches from July 2017 to February this year.

Officials have in turn blamed the streetcar’s lagging ridership numbers at least in part on its inability to reach stops on time.

Republican incumbent Philip Pratt, who represents Kentucky District 62. Pratt voted in favor of controversial Senate Bill 151, which sought to change the way Kentucky provides pensions for some public employees. Both Democrats think that could make him vulnerable in November.

In District 69, middle school teacher Ryan Neaves and law school professor Col Owens, both Democrats, are hoping to unseat Republican incumbent Adam Koenig, a real estate agent who has faced zero political opposition in six years. Like most Democrats running in Northern Kentucky, both Neaves and Owens promise to funnel money into public schools and away from charters, as well as fully fund state employees’ pension.

Kentucky abides by a closed primary system, meaning only registered party voters can cast their ballot for the party’s nominees.

Our Decision has come out in favor of the ask despite having been highly critical of the library’s administration and board on a now-scuttled plan that could have sold the north building of the library’s downtown campus, as well as issues around the way the library treats its employees.

However, others are skeptical of the levy. Republican North College Hill City Councilman Matt Wahlert says the library replaced much of its missing state funding with a 2009 levy and isn’t using the funds it has well. He’s advocating voting against the levy.

“OLOD has major reservations about the administration’s ongoing behavior.

We will remain relentless in our effort to change how the library is governed.

However, even as we fight to ensure that workers and patrons are empowered to determine our library’s future, it’s vital that this institution secures the funding that it needs. That’s why, despite serious misgivings about its current leadership, OLOD is formally endorsing the library levy,” a statement from the group says. “Vote yes to support our library and its workers.”

The Cincinnati Zoo, meanwhile, wants voters to stay the course when it comes to their contributions, asking for a levy renewal. A 35-year-old property tax levy costs the owners of a $100,000 house about $10 a year and brings in about $6.5 million a year — roughly one-sixth of the zoo’s overall budget. That money goes toward caring for the zoo’s animals.

Voters have reapproved the levy seven of the eight times it has been up for renewal.

FROM PAGE 05

return the money, which he received for speaking at what he calls a peace summit in London.

“I am not nor have I ever been an apologist for anyone,” Kucinich wrote in a letter to the Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial board, which endorsed him, explaining his appearance at the summit. “In a lifetime as a public servant I have never carried water for any interest, foreign or domestic.”

The group that paid him the money is an umbrella organization for the Syrian Solidarity Movement, which has made pro-Assad statements on its website and been accused of spreading pro-Assad propaganda. Kucinich also made a January 2017 trip to visit Assad in Syria.

Kucinich has run a campaign that in some ways looks like a standard progressive pitch and, in other ways, looks very different.

He’s hit many contemporary left-leaning talking points — equitable, singlepayer access to health care, ending America’s wars overseas, increasing wages and an ‘F’ rating from the National Rifle Association that he wears like a badge of honor. He’s used that to hit Cordray for his more moderate stance on gun control.

His populist approach has won him

endorsements of some big-name organizations and local politicians, from national progressive group Our Revolution to Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune.

But he’s hard to pin down, sometimes speaking up to defend Republican President Donald Trump or to downplay Russia’s involvement the 2016 election.

And, for some, the Syria chapter of his candidacy has complicated his appeal.

In contrast to Kucinich’s wild ride, Cordray has floated a mostly sleepy, staid campaign backed by Democratic Party donors and labor unions. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own progressive bona fides, however: The former state treasurer and attorney general (he won a special election in 2008 before losing to DeWine two years later) has garnered the backing of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a stalwart progressive populist. He also has the distinct advantage of being able to tout the millions of dollars he wrangled from big banks for taxpayers during his legal fights heading the CFPB. There are two other contenders in the Democratic primary — State Sen. Joe Schiavoni and former Ohio Supreme Court Justice William O’Neill. Schiavoni has mostly taken the safe and steady Cordray route.

O’Neill has opted for a different path.

Not long after launching his campaign, he drew ire from some progressives for trying to defend U.S. Sen. Al Franken, who had been accused of groping a reporter, by recounting his own romantic affairs via a Facebook post. He later apologized for the post.

He also made some less-than-desirable headlines at a debate earlier this month in Middletown, when he told attendees he didn’t know anything about the Brent Spence Bridge.

The aging bridge, technically owned by Kentucky, pops up often on lists of critical infrastructure needs and will likely require a multi-billion-dollar replacement in the coming years. That has caused headaches for Gov. Kasich, but apparently not for O’Neill.

All this gubernatorial drama has translated into a lot of money raised and spent on all sides.

Pre-primary campaign finance reports filed April 26 reveal about what you’d expect: the establishment favorites on both sides racked up big bucks, while their opponents took home smaller hauls.

Among Democrats, Cordray has the big advantage. The party and labor union favorite has raised about $1.4 million since the beginning of this year.

Kucinich was runner up, scoring more than $592,000. Schiavoni trailed a distant third, bringing in $87,105. O’Neill

rounded out the pack with his $68,268 haul.

As you might expect, Cordray also has the biggest war chest going forward with $1.6 million in the bank compared to Kucinich’s almost $275,000, Schiavoni’s $73,000 and O’Neill’s slim $5,325.

Meanwhile, DeWine raked in the most dough on the GOP side. He’s raised $1.7 million since January to opponent Taylor’s $410,497. DeWine has about $7.4 million in the bank right now, even after dropping almost $5 million on TV ads against Taylor.

Kasich’s second-in-command has fired back with her own $5 million in TV ads, but she’s outgunned money-wise compared to establishment favorite DeWine’s access to big GOP donors. She now has about $2 million on hand.

DeWine has given his campaign about $1 million of his own money, while Taylor and running mate Estruth have given their campaign more than $3 million.

Early voting has already begun ahead of Ohio’s May 8 primary election. It’s unclear as of now whether the shakeup in the Ohio House, the ad wars between DeWine and Taylor, revelations about Kucinich’s speaking engagement and battles over issues like gun control on all sides will sway the results.

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The Mill Creek runs from West Chester to the Ohio River PH OTO: NIC K SWARTSELL

millcreekrising HOW THE MUCH-MALIGNED WATERWAY AT CINCINNATI’S HEART IS GETTING ITS GROOVE BACK

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BY NICK SWARTSELL

n a bit of grass at Salway Park, across from Cincinnati’s stately Spring Grove Cemetery, there is a rectangular stone bearing a simple, mysterious inscription: “Mahketewah.”

The stone came from an aging, now-demolished industrial building in Lower Price Hill, which is fitting in its own way. But the word itself is far older.

It’s the name native people gave the waterway that cuts through the heart of Cincinnati. Today, we call it the Mill Creek — if we talk about it at all.

Tanner Yess muses about the afterlife of the Mill Creek’s original name as we brave the March cold to tour a snowdusted stretch of creek along Salway Park’s bike path. Not many monikers end up on both crumbling warehouses and tony Cincinnati country clubs, he says, but Maketewah (the most common spelling) did.

The path we’re on, like any number of other things around Salway Park, is part of a quarter-century effort to revive the Mill Creek — one that has the old stream starting to come to life again.

Yess is program coordinator for the newly minted Mill Creek Alliance, a merger of two groups that have long worked to better the stream. He is an enthusiastic, die-hard

booster when it comes to the urban river’s past and future.

“There is a lot that Cincinnati owes to the Mill Creek,” he says as we survey its concrete retaining walls and muddy banks. “Basically, it’s the reason we’re here as a city. It was an Underground Railroad corridor. It was and still is the industrial backbone of the city, and it has suffered the consequences of that.”

The Mill Creek has gotten a bad rap for some good reasons. It was an open sewer for much of Cincinnati’s existence. Heavy industry, unencumbered by more recent regulations, used it as a dump site.

Except when it was flooding (or, in one instance, on fire), the stream often remained out of sight and out of mind during all that abuse.

But by the early 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency was finding alarming levels of bacteria and pollution in the water, and in 1997, conservation group American Rivers named it the most endangered urban river in North America.

The attention deeply embarrassed the city — and helped solidify efforts around cleaning up the waterway.

Until recently, Yess worked for Groundwork Cincinnati–Mill Creek. Founded in 1994, Groundwork focused on engaging and empowering the communities along the stream to work on projects like bike paths, gardens and tree planting alongside the Mill Creek.

Another group, the Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities, founded in 1995, has long been concerned with the technical aspects of fixing up shorelines, mitigating the effects of dams along the stream and other engineering projects in Cincinnati and municipalities to the north.

Earlier this year, the two groups converged to become the Mill Creek Alliance.

Dave Schmitt, the combined group’s executive director, is also on our chilly walk along the bike path, as is Alliance

before Cincinnati was built.

“The Mill Creek will never be completely natural,” he says. “It will never get back to its pre-civilization form. In the meantime, it’s gained a lot of heritage. I’d stack it up against any other stream for its history.”

Above: Cleaning up the Mill Creek by boat. Below (L to R): Tanner Yess, Dave Schmitt and Jim Moyer PH OTO: NIC K SWARTSELL

The Past

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Floating the Mill Creek by canoe is a way to glide through Cincinnati’s origins. The 28-mile strand of water that runs from West Chester through the Queen City to the Ohio River juxtaposes the region’s vibrant green spaces with the sometimes-rusting mementos of its industrial past.

But its impact on Cincinnati goes back about a million years or so before the first factory opened its doors.

Back then, what geologists call the Deep Stage Licking River — a giant precursor to the river that now flows through Northern Kentucky — roared through the heart of the land the Queen City now occupies.

That big river would literally clear the way for Cincinnati. The valley left behind when glaciers finally CONTINUES ON PAGE 10 shuffled the Deep Stage Licking

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civil engineer Jim Moyer.

“That listing really got a lot of peoples’ attention,” Schmitt says of the dubious distinction bestowed on the Mill Creek by American Rivers two decades ago. “Frankly, it embarrassed a lot of people locally and statewide and brought a lot more resources.”

Those resources have started to pay off. Last November, American Rivers finally took the Mill Creek off its most endangered waterways list. Things are looking up — but there is still a lot of work to do to revive the Mill Creek.

“We’re about halfway there,” says Bruce Koehler, a former senior environmental planner at the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Regional Council of Governments who has been very active in efforts to revitalize the stream.

Koehler, sometimes known by “Commodore” for his role founding canoeing crew the Mill Creek Yacht Club 21 years ago, says his wife used to keep him from coming in the house when he got home from the stream due to the lingering smell of sewage. Now, 180 or so trips later, he’s allowed all the way to the laundry room thanks to the creek’s ongoing recovery.

For Koehler and other Mill Creek fans, the goal will never be to return the stream to some pristine state that existed

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and the Ohio Rivers south about 250,000 years ago was — and remains — deep, flat and wide.

Native people lived there, likely for thousands of years. Beginning in the late 1700s, so did European settlers. They chased native people off and quickly began changing the land to their own ends — first for farming, and then to build industry as Cincinnati’s downtown basin filled up. The Miami and Erie Canal, built in 1827 just east of the creek, accelerated that growth.

Without the river’s big, flat valley, Cincinnati’s early expansion might have been much more arduous, or perhaps stalled entirely until the advent of inclines to scale the city’s steep hills in the 1870s.

The Western Hills Viaduct — and the Cincinnati cultural divide it sometimes symbolizes — might not exist. Camp Washington Chili could be high atop a hillside today.

By 1880 more than 115 factories and other industrial sites existed in the valley, which drew more workers to settle there.

Camp Washington’s population rose from 3,000 people in 1880 to more than 11,500 by 1900. Cumminsville went from roughly 5,600 people to more than 14,000 in the same period.

With that influx of industry and humanity came pollution. In 1890, the Ohio Board of Health named the Mill Creek the “most foul waterway in the state.” An observer writing about the effects of the 1913 flood on poor inhabitants of the Mill Creek Valley for a book called The Survey said the creek was “the great open city sewer, foul and stifling during the warm months.”

In 1828, the city began constructing a sewer system to convey waste and storm water to natural runoff locations, predominantly the Mill Creek. Near the turn of the century, the city added so-called interceptor pipes, which trap sewage during dry conditions, but still allow for storm water and sewage to mix during heavy rain.

“The Mill Creek is the biggest piece of drainage infrastructure in its watershed,” Moyer says. “It’s 166 square miles — everyone’s storm water drains through it. Way back, it kind of seemed like a good idea that you would build your sewer system to just handle that everyday waste, and when it rains, it’s fine, you just run the extra out into the Mill Creek.”

That meant the stream got heavy doses of human waste along with the industrial runoff from the Mill Creek Valley’s myriad factories. The situation only got worse as the decades went on.

Sometime during the historic 1937 flood, overturned gasoline tanks caused the stream to burst into flames. Afterward, the Army Corps of Engineers began constricting the creek with concrete walls to try and prevent further flooding.

By the 1970s, Cincinnati’s economy was changing, and the communities around the Mill Creek Valley fell into decline.

Those in the core of the city were the hardest hit, and continue today to have high rates of poverty, unemployment and low

as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) for local nonprofit Working in Neighborhoods. Next, she’s mulling over which college to attend, likely for environmental work.

Brown says seeing the progress the Mill Creek is making is thrilling. She’s eager to talk about the 20 species of fish living in the stream now, or the fact she regularly sees deer, blue heron and turtles around the waterway.

“I love what I do, and I’m so happy to do it,” she says. “And we’re still at the beginning, so I’m going to get to see so much more happen.”

The Structures

Aerial of Salway low head dam PHOTO: PROVIDED

life expectancies.

“The Mill Creek corridor has gone through this long history,” Yess says. “There were settlers, then blue collar industry, then white flight, then housing developments and a lot of low-income, minority communities moved in and they’re bearing the brunt of the environmental issues.”

But residents there are also working to make the creek, and their communities, more vibrant.

The People

Growing up in South Cumminsville, Iyah Brown used to think environmental work was “hippie stuff.”

The community, hemmed in by the Mill Creek Valley, I-74, railyards and hulking former factories, can be a tough place. It is tight-knit and full of tenacious advocates, but also suffers a number of challenges.

Major employers like nearby Lunkenheimer Valve closed up shop beginning in the late 1960s, taking jobs with them. The environmental problems associated with industry, unfortunately, didn’t immediately go away when the factories did.

The neighborhood’s troubles were exacerbated by the construction of I-74 in the early 1970s. The highway effectively cut the neighborhood in half, creating what are now known as South Cumminsville and Northside.

Today, the median household income in South Cumminsville is $18,000 a year.

Here, life expectancy is five years less than the city’s average. The neighborhood is near brownfield sites and other environmental hazards.

But 21-year-old Brown is ambitious and curious, and at 18 she grabbed a seat on the neighborhood’s community council.

She also started working in its community garden, where she met Yess.

Yess convinced her to join Green Team, a Groundwork youth program focused on

clearing honeysuckle and planting trees around the Mill Creek. From there, she joined Green Corps, a similar program that started in 2016 and focused on 18-24 year olds.

One of the big projects the Green Team and Green Corps have worked on is an effort to plant 10,000 native hardwood trees along the Mill Creek to commemorate its role in the Underground Railroad.

Those fleeing slavery could follow the Mill Creek north toward relative safety. Sometimes, that flight took a little imagination. Around 1850, the appropriately named Levi Coffin, a leader of the abolitionist movement, led a group of 28 travel-weary ex-slaves up the Mill Creek Valley after an arduous crossing of the Ohio River. To disguise themselves in not exactly fugitive-slave-friendly Cincinnati, they posed as a funeral procession, marching along the stream to a black cemetery in Cumminsville.

Since joining up with Groundwork, Brown hasn’t looked back. She’s become a passionate advocate for work around the Mill Creek and environmental issues in general.

“It affects our lives in ways we don’t realize, ways that most people don’t think about on a daily basis,” she says of the stream. “The Mill Creek was a critical part of our lives that people forgot about. It could still be a big part of lives. I’m a gardener and every natural resource affects what grows around here. It’s all really important and interconnected.”

Through Groundwork, Brown took her first trip on an airplane, flying to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming in the summer of 2016 for a series of workshops. Last year, she took another trip to Texas with the group for trail-building school.

She has also expanded her role in the community garden — she’s now a director there — and works on food access issues

While Groundwork has focused on building up people and communities, other work around reviving the Mill Creek is very much about infrastructure. On our walk around Salway Park, Mill Creek Alliance civil engineer Moyer points out one of two riffles — shallower, faster parts of the creek with rocky bottoms — the Alliance has been working on recently.

The riffles work by evening out water levels, helping fish swimming upstream from the Ohio River navigate a series of low-head dams put in place years ago by the Army Corps to limit flooding. The rock structures are part of larger restoration work here and at several other locations along the creek, including projects in Sharonville and Hartwell. The riffles also create spaces for wildlife to rest or live that aren’t otherwise available in the stream’s now-concrete channel.

“Historically, the Mill Creek wasn’t engineered to take into account the animals that live in it,” Moyer says. “This riffle doesn’t change the flood mitigation work that’s been done, but does create that habitat.”

Some of the infrastructure work is much bigger, and out of the hands of the Alliance.

The Metropolitan Sewer District, following a 2006 federal court order to clean up sewage overflow, has cut waste drainage into the Mill Creek dramatically.

One of the most visible efforts on that front is the enormous Lick Run project in South Fairmount, which will expose a creek buried in a pipe underground at the dawn of the city’s sewer system. That pipe carried another thing — raw sewage that overflowed from sewer pipes during heavy rains — into the creek with storm water. In addition to creating a park and stream on land once occupied largely by vacant, blighted buildings; the $190 million, two-and-a-half year effort — actually 12 linked projects — will carry 500 million gallons of storm water a year, keeping sewage overflow from ending up in the Mill Creek. Though the effort was downsized somewhat in 2015, it could still be transformational.

“The real guts of the project are underground,” Moyer says. “There’s a massive second pipe where all the things that get flushed through the toilet will be separate from all the storm water that’s coming down from the hill. The Mill Creek will still get the water coming out of that part of the

Iyah Brown PH OTO: NIC K SWARTSELL

city, but it won’t have things you would prefer not to have in your water.”

That’s a huge deal, Mill Creek watchers like Moyer say. But it doesn’t always take millions of dollars and a lot of concrete to get other things you’d prefer not to have in your water out of there — sometimes a handful of crazy folks in canoes will do the trick.

Recovery

It’s 9 a.m. on a recent chilly Friday morning and a group of people are gathered behind a hardware store in Evendale to prepare for a voyage down the Mill Creek to pick up trash and debris. The motley

The Work Ahead

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The next big challenge Mill Creek experts seem to agree upon: slowing the flow of water running through the stream from parking lots and other impervious surfaces new development in the watershed is creating. When the land around the creek was covered in soil, it could absorb that water easily. Not so now, especially with changing weather patterns leading to increasing rainfall.

Decades ago, the Army Corps clad the Mill Creek in concrete to keep it from flooding. Now, ironically, concrete is speeding up its flow, causing erosion and a host of other problems.

There are plenty of other challenges to worry about as well.

“The Mill Creek is still suffering from a thousand cuts and we need to turn our sights to that,” the Yacht Club’s Koehler says. “Industries have pretty much cleaned up their act, at least the ones who have too much to lose for a pollution conviction. The sewer overflows are being cleaned up. But there are places where I see one-inch PVC pipe sticking out of the banks. That can’t be a permitted pipe. It could be laundry water discharge, or fly-by-night businesses, little garages, janitorial services. There are so many places in society that generate waste and want to get rid of it cheaply.”

Despite those challenges, however, Yess, Schmitt and others are optimistic about the future of the waterway.

As he leads the tour of Salway Park, Yess points out an osage tree home to a rare family of black crown night herons. It’s one of just a few places in the state the bird is known to live. Nearby, there’s a sandbar he’s particularly excited about.

“That’s the river trying to be natural. It’s so cool — even in these confines, it’s saying, ‘I want to twist and turn and be a real river.’ It’s wild.”

As he explains the Laughing Brook, a recently completed man-made wetland that stores water from nearby parking lots and eventually releases it into the creek via a solar-powered pump, Yess can’t help but wax a little poetic.

“This is my favorite place in the city in the summer,” he says. “There will be all sorts of wetland flowers. Imagine, you’re down there doing your work, and you kind of get lost in the birds and the plants, and then, behind you, it’s the busiest corridor in the eastern United States, I-75. That collision between humans and nature is our future, and it’s represented here.”

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PH OTO: NIC K SWARTSELL

continues to be a recovering system,” the 200-page study, which performed in-depth scientific tests on a number of criteria at 31 sites along the stream, summarizes. “Most sites that were rated as poor or very poor in 1992 and fair to marginally good in 2011 were further improved to fair, good, and in a few instances exceptional quality in 2016.”

A few hours later, muck-covered trophies in tow, Miller and crew set ashore downstream. They didn’t get everything, but the cleanups happen fairly often. And trash is just one concern anyway.

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Construction on Lick Run in South Fairmount

crew, one of three teams deployed at various Mill Creek clean-up spots north of Cincinnati that day, is dressed in everything from waste-high waders to shorts and hiking boots.

The group, led by University of Cincinnati biology professor emeritus Mike Miller, Mill Creek Alliance’s Schmitt and City of Springdale’s Director of Public Works Jeff Agricola — all Mill Creek Yacht Club veterans — will spend the morning floating down a mile-long stretch of the stream, removing debris.

After a brief pep talk from Agricola — who is no-nonsense about safety, but an affable joker about everything else —we’re

ready to jump in.

Soon we’re gliding down a sun-dappled green and brown corridor far removed from the suburban hustle and bustle above. The Mill Creek is perhaps the last such natural greenway by which wildlife can move around the region unencumbered by traffic, noise and other urban disruptions, Miller notes.

As we float, we pass another creek restoration site controlled by the Alliance.

From the creek’s murky waters, we pluck out several tires, two shopping carts, the remains of what appears to be a plastic playhouse and a microwave, among other catches.

Miller is the true sage here.

He’s been working on the Mill Creek since the 1970s and is a fount of knowledge about the waterway. He can bombard you with facts about combined sewage overflow — the mechanism by which sewage mixed with storm water ends up in the creek during flood events — then switch over to talk about how data on macroinvertebrates (that is, water-borne bugs you can see with the naked eye) show how far the Mill Creek has come.

In between fishing out plastic bags from the water, Miller points downstream toward a plant in Reading called Sanitary Sewage Overflow 700, the largest so-called SSO in the MSD system. That plant allows for the storage and cleaning of raw sewage before the water portion of that waste enters the Mill Creek.

“We have three humungous tanks that store several hundred gallons of raw sewage when it’s overflowing,” he says.

“When those fill, it puts it through almost a centrifuge and the water circles really fast and the solids settle out in the middle.

They remove the solids, add chlorine and put it back in the stream so the E. coli are dead. It’s a wee bit safer. We have very few overflows now.”

That water is cleaner than what comes out of sewage plants on the Little and Great Miami Rivers. It’s not 100 percent up to federal standards, but it meets EPA requirements for those macroinvertebrates and for fish.

The return of that kind of wildlife is huge, Miller says.

“The most amazing part is that the lower 7.2 miles of the Mill Creek meet guidelines for fish now,” he says. “That’s incredible because it was the dirtiest part. It smelled, had raw sewage. But work has brought that section back now.”

He’s not the only one to say the stream is bouncing back in some ways. A study conducted by the Midwest Biodiversity Institute released last summer shows that by many metrics, the creek is improving, though not completely clear.

“The 2016 Mill Creek results show that it

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STUFF TO DO Ongoing Shows VISUAL ART: Terracotta Army Cincinnati Art Museum, Mount Adams (through Aug. 12)

WEDNESDAY 02

MUSIC: Minus the Bear celebrates the 10th anniversary of Planet of Ice by playing the album in its entirety at Bogart’s. See Sound Advice on page 27.

ART: Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza’s red, white and brown — new drawings and sculpture is on display at HudsonJones gallery. See Big Picture on page 18.

ONSTAGE: His Eye is On the Sparrow brings the tale of groundbreaking AfricanAmerican performer Ethel Waters to the Ensemble Theatre. See review on page 19.

ART: Second Glances at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center asks viewers to shed old ideas about gender identity. See review on page 20.

EVENT: Live Board Game at Rhinegeist The Playhouse in the Park’s “Off the Grid” initiative transforms Rhinegeist into a game-night playground with a life-size event that blends the games Sorry, Charades and Quelf. The big board needs teams of 12, so sign up with your friends for three rounds of fun; sign-ups for round 1 begin at 7 p.m. If you don’t feel like being a human chess piece, there will also be normal-sized board games to play, scattered throughout the brewery.

7-10 p.m. Thursday. Free.

Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook. com/rhinegeist. — MAIJA ZUMMO ONSTAGE: Cirque du Soleil Corteo Cirque du Soleil brings Corteo — the Italian word for a cortege, or a funeral procession — to the U.S. Bank Arena. Mauro the clown is dying or dead (RIP), but instead of mourning he imagines his own extravagant funeral during which a bunch of his circus pals get together in the space “between heaven and earth” for an evening of Baroque acrobatics, balloon flights, aerial bicycling, pillow fights and vaudeville comedy routines while angels watch on. As most Cirque shows do, Corteo mixes the tragic with the comic in a setting full of impressive acrobatics and lots of drumming.

Through Sunday. $50-$170.

U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, usbankarena.com. — MAIJA ZUMMO

PHOTO: PROVIDED

Bremner, a Columbus-based freelance editor, writer and arts professional, and Matt Distel, exhibitions director at The Carnegie in Covington, Women to Watch Ohio features artists from all over the state who work with metal through sculpture, installation, jewelry and two-dimensional media. The show features pieces from Carmel Buckley, Tracy Featherstone, Llewelynn Fletcher, Leila Khoury and others. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday.

Through July 7. Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, riffegallery.org. — MARIA SEDA-REEDER

FRIDAY 04

MUSIC: “Songwriter’s songwriter” and pianist Iris DeMent plays Memorial Hall. See Sound Advice on page 27.

ART: May the Fourth Be With You Episode III: An Art Tribute Show at Brew House A pop-cultural touchstone that transcends generations, Star Wars has been almost universally enjoyed by anyone whose childhood took place after Jimmy Carter took office — the

franchise defined the ’80s, survived the early aughts and continues to thrive in the present. Ingrained in American mythos, the series has inspired countless fans and fan artists, including those who will have their work displayed at Brew House’s third-annual May the Fourth Be With You art show.

Guests can feast their eyes on an awesome exhibition of intergalactic art, including miniature landscapes painted by Amy Bogard, mixed-media sculptures by Sarah Leah Miller and intricately detailed drawings by Matthew Bustillo. This year’s festivities also feature a gallery of work created by kids, and the opportunity to take a photo with your favorite droid. Walnut Hills neighbors are getting in on the action, too: Video Archive will host a cosplay contest and Fireside Pizza will have a specialty Star Wars pie.

6-11 p.m. Friday. Free. Brew House, 1047 E. McMillian St., Walnut Hills, brewhouse. com. — JUDE NOEL

SPORTS: Star Wars Night at the Cincinnati Reds A galaxy far, far away arrives at Great American Ball Park as the Reds take on the Miami Marlins. Come meet your favorite Star Wars characters, get a Chewbacca bobblehead and stick around after the game for a fireworks show set to the Star Wars soundtrack. If you happen to be an ultimate collector, opt for the $120 VIP package, which comes with bobbleheads from previous years including a 2017 Stormtrooper, 2016 Mr. Redlegs X-Wing Fighter and 2016 Yoda. 7:10 p.m.

Friday. Regular game tickets start at $5; Star Wars ticket packages $25-$80. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, reds.com. — ZACHARY PERRIN EVENT: Cincy-Cinco Census data shows that the Hispanic population in the Tri-State has more than doubled in the last 10 years, accounting for almost 24 percent of the population CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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COMEDY: Stewart Huff The new hour comedian Stewart Huff is writing focuses on collective human behavior. “Human beings will do anything,” he says.

“There’s nothing anybody could say to me that would really shock me about human behavior. On top of being willing to do anything, they will also believe anything, which is a lethal combination.” However, it can also have positive outcomes.

He cites how racism and sexism are now looked down upon in society, whereas in the past, people would brag about such awful behavior.

“Also, people tell me, ‘You can’t get rid of all the guns,’” he says, “but ‘can’t’ isn’t a word that humans really understand.” As he builds his new hour, he’s finding a funny way to explain all of this. Through Sunday. $8-$14. Go Bananas, 8140 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, gobananascomedy. com. — P.F. WILSON

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ART: Ohio Arts Council’s Women to Watch Ohio The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery in Columbus will host an opening reception for an exhibition featuring the work of 10 Ohio women artists, developed in collaboration with the Ohio Advisory Group and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Curated by Ann

Stewart Huff

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ONSTAGE: Bye Bye Birdie It was a simpler time when this show was a hit, but it still has charm, so it’s a fine kick-off for the Summer Classics Season at the Incline Theatre. Birdie is a loving send-up of preBeatles, 1960s small town America — and the advent of Rock & Roll. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie (inspired

by Elvis) gets drafted, so he chooses an All-American girl for a public farewell kiss.

This is a feel-good show with a bunch of popular tunes, including “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” and “Kids!” Through May 27. $29 adults; $26 students/ seniors. Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, 801 Matson Place, East Price Hill, cincinnatilandmarkproductions. com. — RICK PENDER

THURSDAY 03

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FROM PAGE 13

growth in the area, and the Cincy-Cinco festival aims to celebrate Hispanic culture, values and traditions with a weekend-long fiesta featuring authentic Latino music, food and fun. The festival is hosting its quinceañera and transforming Fountain Square into a food market with vendors like Che, Empanadas Aqui, Mashed Roots and the Arepa Place Latin Grill offering signature dishes ranging from beef empanadas to mofongo bowls and Venezuelan arepa pelúa. Expect Mariachi performances, Conga lines, piñatas, Brazilian dance groups, music from Tropicoso, a petting zoo for kids and many more cultural activities. 6-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, cincy-cinco.com.

— ZACHARY PERRIN

SATURDAY 05

EVENT: Covington Trifecta Derby Party The most exciting two minutes in sports are (arguably) best spent sunburnt

and muddy in the infield of Churchill Downs, but Braxton Brewing is throwing an alternative party in honor of the 144th Kentucky Derby.

Tipping their floppy hats to the Run for the Roses, the Covington brewery will have Kentucky Home mint julep-style beer — an ale aged in bourbon barrels with mint — on tap along with heated competitions for Best Dressed, Best Hat and Best Couple. Braxton neighbors Hotel Covington and The Hannaford are also in on the fun: Visit all three locations and you’re in on a raffle for a slew of prizes. Noon-8 p.m.

Saturday. Free admission.

Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, braxtonbrewing.com.

— MCKENZIE ESKRIDGE EVENT: Urban Derby If you’d rather not cross the bridge to bask in the bluegrass on Derby Day, consider heading over to Union Hall in OTR for an “urban derby” experience, featuring student Hip Hop performances, a live painting session by mural artist Xylene and a silent auction. Hosted by Elementz Hip Hop Youth Art Center,

the event raises funds for the community space that “fosters and channels the creative self-expression of Cincinnati’s inner-city youth through music, dance, poetry and art.” The $100 entry fee covers eats and sweets along with an open bar stocked with Derbythemed drinks from Revel OTR Urban Winery, Listermann Brewing Company and Rhinegeist. The unique party promises excitement but start prepping now for the “flyest kicks” and “freshest hat” contests. 4-7 p.m.

Saturday. $100. Union Hall, 1311 Vine St., Over-theRhine, elementz.org.

— MCKENZIE ESKRIDGE EVENT: College Hill Derby Day Party Grab your fanciest hat and prepare to place your bets while supporting your community. This Derby Day party, held at historic Laurel court and hosted by the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, will benefit the organization’s efforts to revitalize the Hamilton Avenue business district and strengthen the surrounding neighborhood.

Attendees will enjoy a free

PHOTO: PROVIDED

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EVENT: The Flying Pig Marathon Sunday marks two decades of Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon and anything less than a 20-day celebration leading up to the big race just wouldn’t have done. The city’s had countless fun runs, live music and even an awards show, but what the Flying Pig needs from nonmarathoners now is spectator support — 26.2 miles worth. From Newport to Hyde Park, all Greater Cincinnati residents are being summoned to entertain and encourage participants with singing, juggling and any weird talent you’ve kept quiet about up to this point. Whether this means throwing a party in your front lawn or throwing back drink at designated party zones, the cheerleading options seem endless. The full list of neighborhoods, rally sites and victory-party info are available online. The race officially kicks off at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Elm Street and W. Freedom Way downtown and ends with a finish line festival and post-race party (until 3 p.m. ) on Mehring Way in front of the Anderson Pavilion. Read about runners who have participated in every single Flying Pig Marathon so far in the feature on page 17. 6:30 a.m. Sunday. Free to watch; find remaining race registration options online.

Cincinnati, flyingpigmarathon.com. — MCKENZIE ESKRIDGE

PHOTO: TONJE THILESEN

SATURDAY 05

MUSIC: ODESZA Last weekend’s Homecoming music festival on the riverfront aside, the outdoor concert season in Cincinnati officially begins this weekend with the first shows at Riverbend’s younger and smaller sibling amphitheater, PNC Pavilion. After Friday’s opening night with rockers Halestorm and In This Moment, the Pavilion will turn into a dance party as Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight’s ODESZA pulls into town. The duo’s EDM project has earned top-of-theposter billing at several major music festivals across the country; most recently, ODESZA’s “cinematic” performance and stage-show at Coachella (where they played right before headliner Eminem) was cited by Billboard as one of the festival’s Dance music highlights. Without the boost of a superstar-assisted radio hit or major press coverage, word-of-mouth adulation for ODESZA’s live show (which has included horn sections, drumlines and captivating visual effects) has made the twosome a major force on the concert circuit. They’ve also done pretty well in the recorded arena. Praised for how they’ve brought their genre-blending musicality and songwriting acumen to EDM, In Return (the duo’s first album after its self-released 2013’s debut) topped the Dance/Electronic Albums chart when it was released in 2014. Just a few years later, 2017’s A Moment Apart debuted at No. 3 on the overall album charts and earned ODESZA a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album. 7 p.m. Saturday. $39.50-$68.50. PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., East End, riverbend.org. — MIKE BREEN

mint julep, Derby-themed catering, a silent auction and a lineup of fun and games.

5-10 p.m. Saturday. $75-$85.

Laurel Court, 5870 Belmont Ave., College Hill, chcurc. com. — JUDE NOEL

TUESDAY 08

MUSIC: No Age plays Northside Yacht Club. See interview on page 25.

YOUR WEEKEND TO DO LIST: LOCAL.CITYBEAT.COM

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

MUSIC: Tav Falco’s Panther Burns bring Psychedelic Rock to the Southgate House Revival. See Sound Advice on page 28.

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EVENT: Westside Market Cincy’s West Side gets its own maker’s market this weekend: the aptly named Westside Market. Held the first Saturday of the month from May through September, this pop-up features goods from local makers, farmers, artisan foodies, vintage hunters and other small

businesses, surrounded by food trucks, a kids’ zone and beer from West Side Brewing.

Be one of the first 50 shoppers on Saturday and get a swag bag full of local goodies.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. 3719 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, westsidemarketcincy.com. — MAIJA ZUMMO

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

EVENT: Brewvolution Ride Cycle. Sip. Repeat. The first in a series of four brewerythemed rides organized by Queen City Bike and Tri State Trails for Cincy Bike Month, Saturday’s Brewvolution journey will take cyclists on a 32-mile ride that hits several locally owned craft breweries along the way.

Participants will start at Listermann in Norwood, then swing by Nine Giant in Pleasant Ridge; Queen City, March First and Fretboard in Blue Ash; Tap & Screw

in Madisonville; MadTree in Oakley; and Woodburn in East Walnut Hills before returning to the starting point. The ride’s free: just bring your bike, drink money and a valid ID. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday. Free. Listermann Brewing Co., 1621 Dana Ave., Norwood, cincybikemonth.com. — JUDE NOEL

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ARTS & CULTURE Streakers at the Flying Pig Marathon These fully-clothed athletes have run in every single Flying Pig so far

BY M A D G E M A R I L

I

Runners wait at the starting line for the first Flying Pig Marathon in 1999 PHOTO: PROVIDED

has one thing to add. “Streakers, and marathoners in general, are very generous people. We are running for something much bigger than ourselves. My group ran our first five races or so raising money for leukemia, and we had a specific child hero that we raised money for and ran for,” she says.

“Marathoners are strong in body and in mind,” she continues. “It’s often said a marathon is 95 percent mental, after you have done the training. That is why a lot of first timers struggle, as they do not have the confidence in knowing they can do it.

Streakers definitely have that confidence and are so grateful of the gifts we have been given and therefore run for others who can’t run.”

If you’re feeling inspired to try the Flying Pig, it’s not too late to register for the marathon’s wait list. Other half-marathon, one-mile and extra races are available for registration at flyingpigmarathon. com. Nevertheless, it’s free — and a little more relaxing, maybe — to cheer from the sidelines.

For more info on the 20th anniversary of the Flying Pig Marathon, visit flyingpigmarathon.com.

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

why anyone would run a marathon, let alone make such a grueling physical feat a 20-year-tradition.

“It’s all about the journey,” Schmidt says.

“Meeting and talking and helping others along the way. Enjoying the crowd that is cheering you on. Not worrying about your aches and pains and just relaxing and taking it all in.”

If you’re unlike me and are reading this with your Flying Pig registration already ready to go, Schmidt has some Streaker-ly advice: “So many younger runners run with headphones, and that is not really when marathoning is all about,” she says. “You have to take in all the sights and sounds to really experience a city and all the race has to offer.”

And Cincinnati has beauty to offer to every runner.

“The water stops are amazing,” Schmidt says. “The groups have themes and really cater to making it fun — lots of music out on the course, and as Streakers we look forward to Elvis going up to Eden Park, the Barbershop singers at Eden Park, big house parties in Mariemont and a great older couple playing symphony music on Eastern Avenue, toward the end of the race, just to name a few.”

After I finish grilling her, Schmidt

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participants, marathon volunteers, sponsors and, yes, the Streakers. The Nashville Indie band COIN — known for their aptly titled breakout 2015 track “Run” — will headline a Friday Night concert at The Banks, accompanied by performances by locals DJ E Trayn, Moonbeau and Telehope.

But the 26.2-mile race, which starts Sunday at 6:30 a.m., is the main event for the Streakers. “The main thing we all have in common is endurance,” Schmidt says.

“For the streakers, there is a great sense of tradition in keeping the streak alive. A lot of us have said we just want to do the first 20, so it will be interesting to see how many continue next year, 25, 30, etc.

“The marathon is a great day, sort of a celebration of all of your training. Getting up in 10-degree weather during January and February and going out and running 15 miles… that’s the hard part.”

However exclusive the Streakers club may be, Schmidt’s eyes are on the medal all runners receive at the end of the marathon. “Medals are very special to marathoners,” she says. “They symbolize all the effort we put in. These keepsakes make sure the memories are kept alive.”

Even though talking to Schmidt made me want to go pick up my first pair of running shoes, I still didn’t quite understand

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

first heard about the Flying Pig Marathon seven years ago, right when I moved to Cincinnati. After all, how could you not? It’s a part of our city’s culture, even for those who, like myself, pull a solid 20-minute mile (on a good day).

However, the idea of lugging my body for 26.2 miles straight, even for just one day, felt impossible. Now imagine my surprise when I heard that there are people who have not only run just one Flying Pig, but every single one of them for the last 19 years.

They call themselves the Streakers.

“We definitely run with our clothes on, but we are a little crazy and have run all the Flying Pig full marathons since the first one in 1999,” says Amy Schmidt, one of the eleven or so female Streakers. There are about 85 Streakers in total this year, with ages ranging from 38 to 83. They run independently of each other.

“Most are definitely athletic, but we come in different shapes and sizes. Some are fast runners and others walk, crawl or do whatever it takes to get across the finish line to maintain the streak,” she says.

Schmidt works at Delta Airlines, and finds marathoning to be a great stress reliever. “We have lawyers, engineers, an ex-congresswoman and all types of professionals,” says Schmidt, 58, who is not related to that ex-congresswoman/ Streaker, Jean Schmidt.

The majority of the Streakers live either in Cincinnati or close by.

“Since we have run all of the races, we have a vested interest in making sure the Flying Pig is one of the best marathons in the country, and it truly has become just that,” Schmidt says. “We love our city and the people that come out every year to cheer us on.”

And this year’s Flying Pig is a special one, marking the 20th year the marathon has brought the city together. It’s actually the centerpiece of a weekend full of events, which start Thursday when P&G presents The Piggys at the Aronoff Center. It’s a “sneaker formal” awards show, according to the event’s website, to honor the community that supports the race, including

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BIG PICTURE

The Blaguards

are Back!!!

May 19th

2:30 PM & 7:30 PM This two-man show is a bubbling stew of humor with a dash of poignancy to sharpen the flavor - NY Times A grand crowd pleaser whenever performed, with the sense of stretchstretch ing out a story, of building image upon image and verbal pattern upon verbal pattern to create folk art out of colloquial language - Chicago Reader “A Couple of Blaguards”; is a theatrical event that will find a place in the heart of every audience member – Goodreads.com

Tickets available online at IrishCenterofCincinnati.com or by calling the Box Office at

513-533-0100

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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Check our website for this week’s deals!

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CINCINNATI.ALTPERKS.COM Facebook/ T w i T Ter: perkopol is

There’s an Ocean in this Art Gallery

BY S T E V EN R O S EN

You will be greeted with an unusual but The title of Mendoza’s sculptural immediately compelling sight as you enter “Growing Up Brown” is a signal that it into the exhibition space at HudsonJones might be autobiographical — especially gallery in Camp Washington to see the once you learn this replica of a brown current show by Maryrose Cobarrubias crayon is the same height as the artist (it Mendoza. Titled red, white and brown — stands on a thin platform). The artist used new drawings and sculpture, it’s a lovely plastic, foam, paper, ink, colored pencil and deeply thoughtful, quietly emotional and acrylic paint to create it, and the piece show. All the work was made specifically is lovingly, carefully crafted. The brown for this exhibition. crayon is actually plastic, but its wrapper is On the floor, between the pristine white drawn on paper. The words “Crayola” and walls, are two oversized pieces of ruled “American” are painted onto it. On one white paper, their horizontal blue lines level, the artist sees herself symbolically conjuring visions of a giant child, seated at as an object that makes art — that seems a giant desk, doing homework. At the top of one of those is a third sheet, looking like a paper hat folded origami-style, like something a bored but imaginative student might create in class.

You might be ready at this point to leave this piece, thinking the work is charming and the artist is something of a magician to use such simple, everyday materials — just paper and colored pencil — to suggest so much. And she is.

But there’s more to the Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza’s “ism” on gallery floor work, titled “ism,” than that.

There are several ripple-like PHOTO: BROOKE SHANESY // COURTESY OF HUDSONJONES folds in the otherwise flat sheets, and that large “party hat” is actually a small-scale boat. That a potent self-image. On another, she sees changes how you perceive this work — a herself nervously standing out as a child ship is traversing the ocean, facing the (the age most people use crayons). waves, and as you step back you can “Kapwa” is a sculptural wall piece that picture the water’s endlessness. You can uses false perspective to make us experialmost feel the wind. It’s a mirage as much ence cut, flattened and folded cardboard as an artwork. boxes as fully dimensional objects stacked The gallery’s checklist provides a against the floor. Mendoza has repeatedly backstory for the work. Mendoza, who is painted in gouache the logo-like word currently associate professor and drawing “Kapwa” (which means “shared being” in coordinator at California’s Pasadena Philippine culture) on those boxes, turning City College, came to the U.S. from the a spiritual term into something conjurPhilippines at age 3, at the end of the 1960s. ing commercialism. It’s a nod to Warhol’s “Ism” comments on the way the U.S took Brillo boxes. control of Spanish territory after winning But there’s a sweet, humanizing touch — the 1898 Spanish-American War, and then on the lower right is a flattened small pink had to fight against a liberation movement. cardboard pastry box, the kind used in Los The title “ism” could be short for Angeles at many start-up immigrant food “imperialism.” But you can read the work businesses. You can picture the owner of another way — as a history of immigration one such business taking a break from the to the U.S., of people coming with very hard work of stacking heavy boxes for a little (paper, pencil) to start a new life quick, satisfying sweet treat. and eventually creating something very Angela Jones of HudsonJones used to valuable. Something as big as an ocean. operate an L.A. gallery with her husband, Mendoza does draw in a traditional Michael Solway. She showed Mendoza sense; a colored pencil on paper piece, there and is now doing so here. It’s a gain “trunk III: Inappropriation,” is of a standing, for us. facing-forward woman’s bare chest, arms Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza’s red, at her side, displaying the tattoos of the white and brown is at HudsonJones Philippines’ indigenous Kalinga tribe — (110 Alfred St., Camp Washington) they spread out and downward from her through June 9. More info: facebook.com/ collar and breasts, looking like growing hudsonjonesgallery. roots.

ONSTAGE

Ensemble’s ‘Sparrow’: Music as Salvation

BY JAC K I E M U L AY

35th Annual Spring Concert

CINCINNATI WOMEN’S CHOIR

May 19 • 2pm & 7pm Memorial Hall Celebrate with MUSE!

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

musechoir.org

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Program includes commissions and arrangements created for MUSE over the past 35 years, Enduring Spirit Award presentation honor honoring the late Maureen Wood, and premiere of a new piece performed with Siri Imani, local poet and activ activist from the band Triiibe.

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His Eye is on the Sparrow at Ensemble costumes, though not elaborate, help Theatre is Larry Parr’s one-woman musical transform every scene into a new city, show that follows the groundbreaking stage and song that punctuates Waters’ life African-American performer Ethel Waters and career. Though Wiggins is dressed as she rises to fame from a povertyplainly and in dull colors at the beginning stricken childhood in Pennsylvania. The of the show, each feather boa or vintage show follows her life from an astoundingly 1920s hairpiece brings a pop of color that difficult upbringing as the daughter of a complements Wiggins’ vivacious energy as 13-year-old rape victim, through her years she croons to some of Waters’ most famous of stardom as a singer, stage performer and songs. film actress.

Wiggins’ performance transforms As Waters, Torie Wiggins is the only throughout the show, as we watch her grow person onstage other than musical up on stage before us. From Waters’ perdirector and accompanist Scot Woolley. formances in small clubs as a young and She delivers a strong, captivating performance and brings a lovely and soulful bluesy timbre to her singing. But the play has some forced, awkward transitions between its narrative and the songs Wiggins sings. And as full songs are performed without always being effectively set up, the audience can slip out of the story, despite its emotional monologues and heartbreaking tales.

Born in Chester, Penn. in 1896, Ethel Waters’ earliest dreams were to follow in her Torie Wiggins as performer Ethel Waters grandmother’s footsteps and become a maid for P H O T O : B R YA N K U R T Z rich white women. But married at the devastatingly young age of 13 and facing impossible vivacious teenager, Wiggins shines with circumstances, Waters had no idea how youthful pep and innocence. quickly and drastically her life was about Wiggins’ effervescence shifts from to change. Sparrow details that unhappy young and unbridled to deeply emotional marriage and her escape from it, as well and professionally crafted as she becomes as her poverty, which was so extreme she an established act at now-famous clubs in often stole bread and milk. But once gone, Harlem like the Cotton Club. This journey, she slowly built a great career in the arts laid bare on the stage, imparts the sheer — as a Blues singer in the 1920s and as a magnificence of Waters’ life and talents. successful vocalist in Jazz, Pop and Gospel.

His Eye is on the Sparrow offers a refresh(“His Eye Is On the Sparrow” is a Gospel ing change of pace with the opportunity to classic.) see a show in which an African-American Also a distinguished actor, she woman is the sole star and featured perreceived a Best Supporting Actress Oscar former the entire time. It is an inspirational nomination for the 1949 drama Pinky Pinky, the tale of one incredible woman’s struggle second African-American woman ever to break the cycle of poverty and rise to nominated in that category. And she was unbelievable stardom. the first black woman to fully integrate His Eye is on the Sparrow is also a into Broadway shows — musical and plays, reminder that Ensemble has been alike. dedicating this season to making sure its His Eye is on the Sparrow Sparrow, directed by D. presentations offer diversity.

Lynn Meyers, is a simple show on the surWaters’ story is not one that is well face. Warm string lights elevate the spare known — surprising given the grit, drama set and help establish the tone for each and total inspiration it offers. But His Eye is new moment. One of the most enjoyable on the Sparrow is certainly a well-intended aspects are the projected historical images step to making her appreciated. provided by set and lighting designer Brian His Eye is on the Sparrow plays through c. Mehring. They help the audience visualMay 19 at Ensemble Theatre (1127 Vine ize the places Waters inhabits at each new St., Over-the-Rhine). Tickets/more info: phase of her life. ensemblecincinnati.org.

Outside of the lighting, the stage is mostly populated by two suitcases that carry most of the costume changes. These

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Video Premiere of What Makes a Life: Friday, May 4, 6 – 8 p.m. FREE and Open to the Public

Untitled, 2018, video still, installation dimensions variable

VISUAL ART

EXHIBITION DATES May 4 – June 10, 2018

C. Jacqueline Wood presents a multi-channel installation utilizing various digital and analog formats of found footage and original content to examine memory, both personal and technological, and the influence it has on our daily life.

Gallery Talk with the Artist: Wednesday, May 9, 7 p.m.

Exhibition Co-Sponsor: Elizabeth Stone

Admission is FREE and open to the public.

Aronoff Center for the Arts / 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 / www.WestonArtGallery.com 2017-18 SEASON SPONSOR: DEE AND TOM STEGMAN The Alpaugh Foundation The LaBoiteaux Family Foundation Judge Mark and Sue Ann Painter

27 Years of Live Stand-Up Comedy in Cincinnati!

Show Times

Wed / Thur / Sun 8:00 - 18+ Friday 7:30 & 10:00 - 18+ Saturday 7:30 & 10:00 - 21+ Just 15 minutes from downtown in Mongtomery!

Stewar t Huff

Cy Amundson May 17 - 20

Marshall Brandon May 10 - 13

Tim Dillon

May 24 - 27

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

May 3 - 6

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W W W.GOBANANASCOMEDY.COM 8410 Market Place Ln.

513.984.9288

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Shedding Old Ideas About Gender

BY K AT H Y S C H WA R T Z

“When people would ask me what I was working on, I’d say, ‘I’m putting together a show about gender identity,’ ” firsttime curator Nancy Gamon says, lowering her voice to speak the last words. “It felt like how we used to whisper ‘cancer.’ I felt really hesitant about saying what I was working on. I wasn’t sure how that was going to be received, and what people were going to think about that.

“And nobody thought anything about it at all, except to think that it was great.”

Her show Second Glances, at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center through June 9, uses art and apparel to explore themes of gender identity.

A few of the more than 20 contributing creatives also Dave from the 2013 series The Other Side of Music Hall address such related topics as feminism and ideals of P H O T O : M AT T H E W Z O R Y beauty.

Gamon, a textile artist, says the show was inspired in part by her white — the shade of a blank canvas. Susan recent work with transgender adolescents Byrnes also wants to “recast” traditions. and a wish to make feminine clothing that Her “Ball and Chain Handbag” is a castfits the masculine form. But ever since iron clutch that holds Dior Addict lipstick. she was a teen, she says, she’s delighted in Artist Pam Kravetz acknowledges being seeing people “doing their own thing with a slave to makeup, “girly girl” colors and their clothes.” tutus. But she’s broken free of society’s One of the exhibit’s largest pieces other beliefs about what makes a woman. is also one that conveys an incredible She can’t cook, she doesn’t clean and her feeling of lightness. Spreading its wings body won’t be mistaken for a Playboy triumphantly in a final gallery, “The bunny’s. Kravetz owns who she is in her Shoulders of Giants” is a magnificent installation “The Bunny Madonna of the butterfly that has shed the weight of others’ Bunnies,” which features a twirling pink expectations. Emily Buddendeck, owner rabbit fulfilling Kravetz’s childhood dream of Northside’s NVISION vintage shop, of being a ballerina. stitched together 1980s-era shoulder pads Matthew Zory shows us ordinary people to make the oversized wings that frame a of meager means who also are rocking mannequin wearing a businesswoman’s their own looks. In his series The Other power suit. “Giants” reminds visitors that Side of Music Hall, a man named Dave not so long ago, a woman had to dress like strikes a sassy pose in sneakers, blue jeans, a linebacker to have any hope of being a satiny shirt with puffy sleeves and a invited to play a man’s game. shiny red vest. A gold cross hangs around But what about the man who looks like his neck. He rests one hand on his hip and a linebacker and chooses to dress like a the other on a cane as he stares down the woman — or in styles that people think camera from behind oversized sunglasses. only a woman should wear?

But there are some who are not happy in Da’Mon Butler makes bold, sculptural their own clothes or skin. Sea Dax, a nonnecklaces out of unorthodox materials, binary trans artist who also identifies as including bicycle inner tubes, plus he fat, uses writing and needlework to convey designs such unisex clothing as poncho their difficult journey. Each stitch that tops and flared pants. Tina Gutierrez outlines Dax’s self-portraits suggests the photographs his creations on black male uncomfortable messages that might poke models. Even so, Gamon says, Butler often at a body from the outside and within. gets asked, “When are you going to start The wish in this show is that someday making things for men?” soon everyone can shed cocoons and test Karen Saunders attempts to strip away their wings. the labels “women’s wear” and “mensSecond Glances is on display through wear” with accessories she calls “Worn June 9 at Kennedy Heights Arts Cenby Humans.” Visitors are invited to pick ter (6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy up and try on hats, ties, purses, briefcases, Heights). More info: kennedyarts.org. heels and wingtips that have been painted

FILM

Searching for Someone to Lean on

BY T T S T ER N - EN ZI

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

| C I T Y B E AT. C O M

Charlie Plummer, the star of Lean on Pete, has been making quite an impact in the movies that feature him. As 16-yearold kidnapping victim John Paul Getty III in Ridley Scott’s recent All the Money in the World, the biographical crime drama exploring the kidnapping of the younger Getty and the deplorable reaction of his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Charlie Plummer stars in Lean on Pete.

Getty (Christopher Plummer, no relaP H O T O : S C O T T P AT R I C K G R E E N tion), he projects his character’s mounting wariness and sense of dread After a scene or two with Ray, you get it with a grounded soulfulness that fully that she got out while the getting was good. engages our sympathies. He embodies But that she left Charley behind speaks the absolute loneliness that comes when ill of her. After all, mothers don’t leave everyone that matters abandons you. In their children, so Charley’s got two strikes that regard, he is like a living special against him — both his parents. effect, custom-made to express bottomless But he’s good. By that, I mean he’s good depths of melancholy, and he’s impossible in a sense beyond simple morality. Charto ignore. ley’s compass always points north. He’s When we see him early on as Charley eternally positive, but it never becomes Thompson in Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete, cloying. Life constantly deals him cards he’s taking his morning run. He’s already from the bottom of the deck, yet he mainlost in the throes of a blissful athletic high, tains his place in the light. angelic in his surrender to the irresistible Along the way, every one of the people pull of each step forward. He has slipped he leans on lets him down. Still, somehow, into a state past pleasure or pain. he never falters. He stays positive when he As a former long-distance runner, I encounters Del (Steve Buscemi), a downremember this state well — you stop thinkon-his-luck racehorse trainer/owner who ing about the rigors of form drilled into hires Charley on to do the tending to of your head during training, or the miles his prized horse — dubbed “Lean on Pete.” still to come, and you just run. It is what Del and his equally downtrodden jockey you are doing, and therefore everything Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) seem like kindred that you are is in that moment. Nothing souls for Charley, but they have lived long else matters. and hard enough that their world-weariSo Charley doesn’t have a care in the ness has calcified into a callousness that world. He’s free, at least until he comes Charley can’t stomach. home to find there’s not much to eat Charley flees with the horse, taking and his father Ray (Travis Fimmel) is off on a quest to find a safe haven and ensconced behind his closed bedroom someone who will care for and protect door entertaining the latest lady in his life his innocence. At every turn, though, life (Amy Seimetz). Turns out she’s a good cook, does its level best to break the boy’s spirit. so she’s able to convince Ray to go out for Haigh’s film, based on a novel by Willy groceries so she can fix breakfast before Vlautin, seems intent on finding Charley’s they head off to work together. breaking point.

As Ray speaks of his romantic partner’s Lean on Pete is all about conventional husband, a big Samoan guy who’ll never notions of good and bad, as well as the find them, he reveals his roguish qualities emerging gray area that develops in the that are mixed with sincere ineptitude. It’s blending of the two. It could have been obvious that no one should rely on him for devastatingly depressing, an exercise in anything; his luck is bad and he’s not going abject futility. But Plummer redeems it, to be able to help himself out of any future and offers us an example of the redemptive inevitable jam. You can see Charley needs power of innocence unlike anything we’ve to be somewhere else, away from Ray. ever seen before. He’s the film’s unshakBut where? Charley’s mom has left them. able rock. (Now playing.) (R) Grade: A

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Frontier-Style Vittles Star at Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

FOOD & DRINK

Dressed to the nines in Western branding, this biscuit bar excels at more than just carbs

BY M C K E N ZI E G R A H A M

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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E

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ating at Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey is one of those “experience” dinners. But unlike the ones you love to hate (or love to love) in Gatlinburg, Tenn., this one is just kitschy enough to be entertaining, yet delicious and thoughtfully curated enough that it’s poised to be your next go-to date-night hangout.

The Pendleton restaurant is inspired by the trappings of the American frontier and California’s 19th-century gold rush.

Its name is a nod to the term “boomtown,” which refers to the burst of economic and population growth of towns that popped up seemingly overnight during the California Gold Rush.

The eatery is divided into two distinct sides. One half feels more intimate, with elegant sidewalk windows and small tables, plus a tufted blue bench. The other side has long tables for group seating and a charming saloon-style bar with a brown Kraftpaper menu and a sign that says, “Stake Your Claim,” hanging above the liquor bottles and TV — which played Deadwood when I visited. Dark blue finishes and unpainted wood visually connect the two sides, with sporadic accents of gold. And the highly Instagrammable bathroom has artificial but striking gold “veining” on the tiled walls.

Choosing a cocktail or a whiskey is akin to panning for gold in soil made entirely of the stuff. Order a cocktail when you sit down so you have time for another before dinner is over — and then another for “dessert.”

The whiskey menu is extensive, given its presumed importance in the diet of frontier prospectors, and is broken up into bourbon (the largest selection), rye whiskey, American whiskey, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey and Scotch. There are four whiskey flights for adventure seekers. Not sure? The waitstaff is ready to help you decide on one (in suspenders, no less) should the selection prove to be overwhelming.

If straight booze isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to mix your liquors with the cocktail list. Each drink is crafted to perfection, priced between $5 and $12 and includes a clever icon to denote the type of glass it’ll be served in. I’m not telling you to choose the cute, antique cordial cocktail for the aesthetics, but the option is there if you

want it.

There is some excellent imbibing to be had with the whiskey-based cocktails, but similar to the menu, Boomtown’s trick is that the high quality extends beyond the theme.

The Oh-Be-Joyful! ($9) includes rum, blueberry-granola cream liquor, fresh lime juice, blueberries and bitters. The color is perfectly Millennial in its pinkness, with a creamy foam on top and just the right amount Boomtown of sweetness to marry well Biscuits & with a biscuit dinner.

Lest you suspect the Whiskey “granola cream liquor” 1201 Broadway St., to be a ploy, my dining Pendleton; 513-381partner took a sip and 2666, boomtownproclaimed that the drink biscuitsandwhiskey. tasted like a delicious com. HOURS: 7 baked good, with a pleasa.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdayant earthiness and fruity Thursday; 7 a.m.-10 aroma. was sumptuous. My mind p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.On the other hand, told me there were too 10 p.m. Saturday; 9 there’s the Carriage House many rich elements for a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Express ($9), a strong one dish, but my mouth tonic-type drink with disagreed. Jokes were bourbon, beet-infused made about only eating sweet vermouth, orange half, but in the end there cordial and bitters. It’s also delicious —the was nothing left to box up. beet and bourbon play especially well Besides the sandwiches, the menu offers together.

“Prospector Plates,” which are more entréeIf you don’t want alcohol, your choices style than the sandwiches; “Bowls of Gold,” at Boomtown aren’t an afterthought. There which are the requisite beans and grits but is freshly prepared orange cream soda and gussied up; “Sundries,” aka the sides you’ll housemade horchata, plus a selection of want at least a few of; “Nuggets of Gold,” for juices, coffee, iced tea and sodas. condiments and dips; and “Sweet Fixins” At Boomtown, the true delight comes for dessert. plated. The signature biscuit isn’t a run-ofMy fellow diner got the vegetarian the-mill thousand-layer flaked baked good.

Hidalgos ($10) prospector plate, with It’s a buttery, soft disc with a close crumb chilaquiles, poached eggs, serrano gravy, and a browned, lightly bubbled top that no ranchera, pico and cumin-lime crema. breakfast chain can compete with.

You can add pork for $3, and it’s worth it (if The food menu starts with “Pick & you’re not a vegetarian). Sweet and unusuShovel Sandwiches.” All of these options ally spiced, I would go back just to grab a feature fillings like fried chicken, barbecue plate of it. short ribs or mush cakes with chimichurri A fair warning on the chilaquiles: the tofu, stuffed between two biscuits. traditional Mexican dish comes with simThe most popular sandwich — and the mered, lightly fried corn tortillas — which, one I ordered — is the Yukon ($11), with naturally, don’t remain crunchy. For those fried chicken, gravy, smoked cheddar unfamiliar with the dish, you may wonder and thick-cut bacon. The option to add if you’re being served soggy corn chips. an egg is, theoretically, optional (and a Once you understand that this is the intent, $2 upcharge), but better thought of as an these flavor bombs become addictive. intrinsic part of the dish. This sandwich By this point, you may think the star

The Sutter’s Mill sandwich, with barbecue short rib, and a Boomtown Bloody PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

of the show was the dreamy biscuit. Plot twist: It’s the greens y’all. For $4, the campfire greens packed more punch than the testosterone in a Spaghetti Western shootout. They were peppery, sweet and lip-smackingly savory, so much so that I wish I got my own instead of sharing with my dining companion.

We also got an extra biscuit side with black and blue jam. True to its name, the jam is made with blackberries and blueberries — mostly fruit with a little sweetener.

We got an extra helping of berries at dessert with Cascades ($7), a French toast made with biscuits and mixed berry compote, topped with house whipped cream and powdered sugar. I don’t need to tell you that this is what dreams are made of.

The biscuits were toasted on the outside to get a satisfying “crunch” when your fork breaks off a piece, and the compote mixed with the whipped cream was light and satisfying.

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey breaks the mold — or rather makes a new, goldnugget-shaped one — with its fun take on American favorites.

FIND MORE RESTAURANT NEWS AND REVIEWS AT CITYBEAT.COM/ FOOD-DRINK

THE DISH

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| C I T Y B E AT. C O M

The constant grind of a 9-to-5 job lumped Banks and Sawyer Point, while hitting in with the obligations attached to friends other landmarks along the way. and family — or “life,” as some might Both The Feat and The Triumph, in call it — can wear anyone down to the addition to the miles of running, challenge point where proper exercise is pushed off members to participate in high-intensity the schedule. As such, you can lose the interval training (HIIT) — additional carbalance between managing day-to-day diovascular exercises geared to keep heart responsibilities and staying healthy. rates up and burn fat. Goldman and MuelCoworkers turned co-owners Grace ler, through their experience as personal Goldman and Whitney Mueller have trainers at Cincinnati’s Beacon Orthopecome together to help the go-getters of the dics, are well-versed in crafting HIITs for Queen City strike a better balance with all stamina and exercise levels, allowing Fuel the Sole, a running club meets HIIT everyone involved to feel the burn without training session meets tour group experifeeling overwhelmed. ence through Cincinnati’s urban basin.

“We want to incorporate working out “We want people to try and find that balance in their lives,” Mueller says.

“This is supposed to be a social thing. It’s supposed to be fun. We’re really trying to make it where we don’t feel intimidating.

We want it to be a thing where everybody can feel comfortable coming on a tour with us.”

A product of both the duo’s personal training and knowledge of Cincinnati history, Fuel the Sole brings locals together to run custom routes around Fuel the Sole co-owners Whitney Mueller (left) and Grace Goldman the city; each is led by Goldman and Mueller. It’s PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER meant to juxtapose exercise with fun, light-hearted commentary on local history. At the finish and really show how it should be a part of line, participants always end at one of the your life,” Goldman says. “We want to help city’s cafés, bars or restaurants and each (people) kick start their life and have fun.” training session includes a free appetizer The two-hour experience consists of and Fuel the Sole-branded koozie.

45-to-75 minutes of exercise, saving the To accommodate different comfort and latter portion of the time allotted for parexercise levels, Fuel the Sole offers three ticipants to clink glasses at the café or bar runs/routes: The Social, The Feat and The with koozies in hand. All three routes cost Triumph. The Social is a 3-mile “hard $29 per individual, and private group runs walk” tailor-made for aspiring runners are $288, which can include a maximum (or even walkers) confident in their place of 12 people. Those interested can book in the cardio hierarchy. Though the route their tours online through Fuel the Sole’s changes every two weeks, the current one website. winds through the streets of Mount Adams, Breaking away from routine, Fuel then through Eden Park before ending at the Sole is partnering with Women of the cozy Bow Tie Café.

Cincy Collective, a self-described “social The Feat is a step above The Social in enterprise dedicated to celebrating and terms of difficultly — it’s a 3-mile “easy empowering incredible local women,” to run.” Right now, the run snakes through have a joint happy hour at one of Cincinnadowntown, starting at Fountain Square ti’s women-owned bars after a custom run and ending at The Blind Pig. and exercise on June 26. Additionally, Fuel “We want to be inviting to all levels of the Sole is joining forces with Fifty West exercise,” Goldman says. “We do have Brewing Company on May 19 and June 9 the walk, the light and the hard run. We to lead HIITs and volleyball competitions want to make sure that whoever we’re with at the brewery’s Production Works’ sand that we can modify for them and make volleyball courts. variations for them. We want to make sure Goldman and Mueller also have other they’re able to do everything with all of us.” summer partnerships pinned to the calFuel the Sole challenges its frequent endar with Urbana Café, OTR Bagelry and exercisers to eventually work their way up Kenwood Cyclebar. to the 5-mile “hard run,” aka The Triumph.

To sign up to run with Fuel the Sole or for The run, which starts and ends at Rhinemore information, visit fuelthesole.com. geist, treks through Washington Park, The

23

CLASSES & EVENTS WEDNESDAY 02 AN IRISH WHISKEY, SCOTCH ANd cRAFT BEER TASTING EVENT

Save the date

october 3rd, 2018 5:30-8:30 Pm New Riff Distillery

Newport, Ky

Fruit Pies Workshop — In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn to make the perfect pie dough and all the fillings, from scratch. Work with seasonal fruit and bake your pie in class, which includes beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks and recipes. 6-9 p.m. $75. Tablespoon Cooking Co. at Findlay Kitchen, 1719 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, tablespooncookingco.com.

Washington Platform Oyster Festival — The 32ndannual Oyster Festival features more than 40 bivalves so suck, shuck and eat raw.

Through May 12. Prices vary.

Washington Platform, 1000 Elm St., Downtown, washingtonplatform.com.

Beer Tasting Series: Treasure Island — Enjoy a three-course dinner from Vonderhaar’s Catering with a four-sample flight of Rhinegeist beer before the Playhouse’s Treasure Island.

Does not include a ticket to the show. 6-7:15 p.m. $35.

Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.

THURSDAY 03

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

Five Courses for Clovernook — The fourth-annual Five Courses for Clovernook is a five-course meal paired with wine and an auction to benefit Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 5:30-8 p.m. $150 per person. Nicola’s Restaurant, 1420 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine, clovernook. org/events.

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Yappy Hour at Washington Park — Grab your furry friend for happy hour at Washington Park’s Southwest Porch. There will be drink specials and doggy themed fun. 5-8 p.m. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-theRhine, washingtonpark.org.

Date Night: Taco & Margarita Fiesta – Head to Findlay Kitchen for an evening of tacos and togetherness.

Learn to make different kinds of taco fillings, salsas and more. Then, enjoy the meal with your date. 6-9 p.m.

Most classes and events require registration and classes frequently sell out. $150 per couple. Findlay Kitchen, 1719 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, tablespooncook tablespooncookingco.com.

Grand Budapest Wedding Installation Party — Iris & Honey wedding planners are hosting a curated wedding party featuring Native Iris Photography, a design inspired by The Grand Budapest Hotel, food from local caterers, a cash bar and pop-up shops from local vendors. 6 p.m. $15; $5 children 10 and under. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, curateohio.com/ wedding-installation-memo.

FRIDAY 04

Cincy-Cinco Festival — This three-day fest will take over Fountain Square for a weekend’s worth of Latin celebrations. The fiesta features Latin American song and dance, plus food from participating restaurants like Che, Empanadas Aqui, Mashed Roots, Mazunte and more. Through Sunday. Free admission. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, cincy-cinco.com.

Cupcakes and Cocktails — Head to The Bonbonerie for a girlfriend hang or date night. Decorate three different cupcakes and select something from the bakery’s small bites menu, paired with a cocktail or glass of wine. 7-9 p.m. $55. The Bonbonerie, 2030 Madison Road, O’Bryonville, facebook.com/bonbonerie.

SATURDAY 05

Covington Trifecta Derby Party — Break out your dapper derby attire for a party at Braxton, which will be tapping its Kentucky Home mint julep-style beer, aged in bourbon barrels.

The brewery will give away prizes for the best dressed, best hat and best couples’ attire. Hotel Covington, The Hannaford and official bourbon sponsor New Riff will also participate with Derby events. Noon-8 p.m. Free admission. Braxton Brewing Company, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, facebook.com/ braxtonbrewingcompany.

Derby de Mayo Presidential Style — Cinco de Mayo and Derby Day take place on May 5 and the Presidents Room is hosting a mashup party featuring tequila juleps, bourbon margaritas and more slip cocktails, plus chips and dip with guacamole and pimento cheese.

Wear festive Derby-style hats for a chance to win a tasting menu dinner for two.

5-10 p.m. Free admission.

The Presidents Room, 812 Race St., Downtown, facebook.com/presidentsroom.

Oakley Wines Kentucky Derby Party — There will be mint juleps, bourbon slushes and Derby Day food. TVs will screen pre-race activities and the official Derby starting at 6:34 p.m. Ladies, wear your best hat. Gents, wear your most dapper bow tie.

3-10 p.m. Free admission.

Oakley Wines, 4011 Allston St., Oakley, facebook.com/ freedrinkinglessons.

The Urban Derby — Celebrate Derby weekend in style at Union Hall with Elementz, Revel OTR, Listermann Brewing Co., Rhinegeist, Lucius Q and more. The party combines food, fashion, fun and a live viewing of the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby to benefit Elementz Hip Hop youth art center. 4-7 p.m. $100. Union Hall, 1311 Vine St., OTR, elementz.cincyregister.com/ derby2018.

TUESDAY 08

Love in the Ridge — Head to Share: Cheesebar to network during #LoveInTheRidge. Eat some cheese and enjoy some wine and beer while meeting others who work, live and play in Pleasant Ridge. 6-9 p.m.

Free admission. Share: Cheesebar, 6105 Ridge Ave., Pleasant Ridge, facebook. com/sharecheesebar.

The Flavors of Mexico — Create the perfect taco al pastor, sides like black beans and rice and lime and tequila-marinated shortcake. 6-8:30 p.m. $75. The Cooking School at Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, junglejims.com.

MUSIC

No Age of Reason A touch of maturity hasn’t altered the artful and spontaneous approach of adventurous Indie Rock duo No Age

BY B R I A N B A K ER

A

No Age P H OTO : A A R O N FA R L E Y

just instinct and what we’re feeling at the time. There wasn’t a thing where we set out to make this album different than other stuff. Dean and I have been friends and creative collaborators for a lot of years and there was never any big road map of what we wanted to do. The idea was to always make art that felt honest to who we were at that time, knowing that things change and evolve. We were hoping we’d grow older and get weirder, which I think we’ve definitely done.”

Randall admits that becoming a parent has altered his and Spunt’s outlook considerably, but even as they’ve accepted the responsibilities of fatherhood and the subsequent reordering of priorities, they remain committed to No Age and to their creative lives.

“We’re not millionaires, but we’re able to make a living from time to time on projects,” he says. “All the excitement and different things we’ve done and how young and dumb we were, that was fun. Hopefully, I’ll continue to look back and in 10 years think how young and dumb I was today.

“I hope I make all the right mistakes and have all the naïveté to get me to tomorrow.

Through that paralysis of knowing too much or being too cynical or pretentious, you want to be naïve enough to keep doing it and think that it means something and makes a difference.”

No Age performs Tuesday at Northside Yacht Club. Tickets/more show info: northsideyachtclub.com.

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

debut for the label, earned No Age and their longtime graphic design collaborator Brian Roettinger a Grammy nomination for packaging. Roettinger’s design work has been present on every No Age album except Weirdo Rippers, and he has since been tapped to provide graphics for Jay-Z, Mark Ronson, Florence + the Machine and Marilyn Manson, among others.

“Brian has gone on to become something of a superstar in album packaging — the real Rock star of the No Age organization,” Randall says with pride. “While we’re still slogging it out on the DIY scene, Brian has shifted seamlessly and gracefully into the major label world, which is great. He’s a super talented, really smart graphic designer and artist in his own right.”

The band’s label switch was no cause for drama. An Object fulfilled their contract, and the twosome elected to take a little time off after touring the album. When they began to assemble the pieces of what would become Snares Like a Haircut Haircut, they put the word out that they were heading toward a new album and Drag City cofounder Dan Koretzky, a longtime fan of the band, stepped up with an offer.

When the subjects of creative evolution and sonic maturation are broached, Randall admits that the band has grown and changed over the past dozen years but insists that they’ve never approached anything they’ve done with premeditation or deliberation. That may be why No Age still sounds vital and exciting.

“There’s no manifesto for this stuff,” Randall says with a laugh. “A lot of it is

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methodically from compelling and relentless Noise Rock dynamics to aggressively ambient atmosphere, like a cross between Sonic Youth and Brian Eno. Randall notes that he and Spunt have followed a general rule of thumb throughout the subtle shifts that have characterized the duo’s musical journey.

“I think there was something early on that Dean and I always found perversely inspiring and that’s to try and write really hooky Pop songs, (but) in the way we saw a Pop song — like Devo writes a Pop song,” he says. “You’re singing along, you’re whistling, you’re clapping, you’re moving, it works as a Pop song, but… with the ugliest, most insane non-Pop sounds and elements that are almost unlistenable and become the hook you remember, the earworm that you’re whistling.

“Not every song has to fit that, but it’s kind of an insight into our creative process over the years. Somehow that rings a little truer to us creatively — not just so on-thenose and exactly like a song you’ve heard before. We’ve been able to create something that’s uniquely honest to us and what we’re creatively trying to say.”

Randall and Spunt formed No Age in 2005 after the demise of their band Wives.

In 2007, the duo released five vinyl EPs with five different labels within a short span of time (the songs were later released as the Weirdo Rippers “album”). Between the conceptual live presentations and off-kilter marketing strategies, No Age attracted the attention of Sub Pop, which signed the twosome in 2008. Nouns, their

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great deal transpired in the lives of Indie Noise Rock auteurs No Age in the five years between the elaborate and beautifully packaged (but largely underappreciated) An Object and the recently released Snares Like a Haircut.

One big headline for the Los Angeles duo of Randy Randall (guitar) and Dean Allen Spunt (drums/vocals) was their label shift from Seattle’s Sub Pop to Chicago’s Drag City, but the sea change for both on a personal level has been fatherhood, once for Spunt and twice for Randall since 2013.

“That gave us a reason to stick around home and not travel too far for too long,” Randall says of parenthood. “We never really stopped playing. We did a bunch of touring those first couple years, then some one-off shows and festivals, and we were involved in a lot of different art projects with different visual and conceptual artists, like Doug Aitken, who we worked with on a few things.” (The duo also collaborated with Cincinnati’s We Have Become Vikings and Visionaries + Voices artist Dale Johnson for the design of a 2013 cassette, released to coincide with a Contemporary Arts Center performance.)

The seeds for Snares Like a Haircut were planted in 2016, when Randall and Spunt reconvened to work up songs for a 7-inch to market on a brief Norwegian tour. It was the first time since the creation of An Object that the pair had worked on new material, and they came together with no expectations about sound, philosophy or direction.

“We’ve never really worked backward, where we knew what we wanted the record to be and then plugged songs into that formula,” Randall says. “If anything, we were excited to write and play new songs.

We were like, ‘Let’s write new songs we can put in the set even before we record them and let them evolve from there.’ A lot of the new songs on Snares Like a Haircut came out of that desire to play new songs live. We were writing stuff we knew we could play live that wasn’t a studio experiment.”

As a result, Snares Like a Haircut bristles and blusters with the best of No Age’s estimable decade-long catalog, veering

25

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M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

This Friday, Cincinnati rockers A.M. Nice celebrate the release of their latest album, End of an Era, the follow-up to the trio’s self-titled debut in 2016. Like A.M. Nice, the new effort is being issued by long-running and well-distributed area independent label Phratry Records, marking the imprint’s 57th release since it began in 2004.

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volume, speed and noise to mask deficiencies, A.M. Nice artfully used them to adjust the music’s sense of anxiety and intensity.

While most of the trio’s best attributes are well represented and shown more clearly on End of an Era, occasionally they feel overly muted.

Check out A.M. Nice’s music video for End of an Era’s first single, “Mind Right,” at citybeat.com, where it premiered earlier this week.

For more on the band, check out its artist profile page at phratryrecords.com or visit facebook. com/A.M.niceOhio.

Selling Out Again

PHOTO: PROVIDED

| C I T Y B E AT. C O M

BY M I K E B R EE N

A.M. Nice

1404 main st (513) 345-7981

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A.M. Nice’s ‘End’ is Near

Friday’s End of an Era release party takes place in the Lounge space at Southgate House Revival (111 E. Sixth St., Newport, Ky., southgatehouse.com). The free show begins at 9 p.m. and will also feature performances by fellow locals New Third Worlds, Worthmores and Red Skylark, whose Wesley Pence — also known for his work in Middlemarch in the ’90s and, in more recent years, The Ready Stance — helped produce End of an Era. A.M. Nice’s debut release introduced the trio — singer/guitarist Adam Nice, bassist Nick Hill and drummer George Marshall Jenkins IV — with a whirl of punkish hyperactivity, manic Post Punk rhythms and dynamic song shifts, all threaded with exquisitely magnetic melodic barbs. On End of an Era, much of that is still in place, but the blustery vigor, distortion and pace are often dialed back.

Curtailing the noisy caterwaul brings Nice’s sharp writing skills (which bring to mind Ted Leo at times) to the forefront, with especially strong cuts like “I’ve Done It” and “Mind Right” emerging as album highlights. Opening track “Porchlight” is also peak A.M. Nice, with the melodic basslines and explosive drumming vividly reflecting the drizzle of guitar sparks, and “Say Hey” radiates the kind of slanted Post Punk quirks Isaac Brock would have eyed longingly in Modest Mouse’s early days.

But the shifting of gears might take some getting used to if you became enamored with the scruffier, more chaoticsounding vibe of the group’s debut and live show. Though some ripening bands rely on

On Jan. 6, 1968, legendary British Rock group The Who released its third album in the U.S., The Who Sell Out Out, a playful, humor-laced collection of songs interlaced with winking commercial jingles and PSAs that would go on to become a favorite among Who fans and music critics. On Jan. 8 of this year, four of Cincinnati’s best musicians and songwriters (who are also responsible for some of the best funny stage banter in the region) teamed up to celebrate the landmark album’s 50th anniversary. Power Pop singer/songwriter/guitarist Roger Klug was joined by his Power Trio bassist Greg Tudor, as well as multi-instrumentalist Tudor Chris Arduser and bassist Bob Nyswonger —whose numerous projects (apart and together) include The Graveblankets, psychodots and The Bears — for a free performance at The Pub at Rookwood Mews, playing Sell Out (the songs, the jingles and even some bonus tracks) in its entirety.

Despite being a bit of a pop-up gig with not much advance notice, the show at The Pub was packed and went so well the ensemble is doing it again this Saturday at 8 p.m. To accommodate the overwhelming interest, Klug, Arduser, Tudor and Nyswonger are reprising their Sell Out revue at the larger Redmoor (3187 Linwood Road, Mount Lookout, theredmoor.com).

Fittingly, they even have a sponsor this time — Dewey’s Pizza — so perhaps a fresh original jingle for a certain local pizza chain will make an appearance in the set (à la that immortal Who classic “Heinz Baked Beans”). Tickets are $10 in advance through eventbrite.com or $12 at the door.

Contact Mike Breen: mbreen@citybeat.com

MINIMUM GAUGE

BY M I K E B R EEN

Kanye/MAGA Fallout

When Kanye West proudly showed off his MAGA hat and professed his love for Donald Trump on Twitter last week, his musical peers responded less than enthusiastically. Several publicly expressed their disappointment in West’s endorsement, which Janelle Monàe pointed out was being “used as fuel by oppressors to continue to oppress black people, minorities.” As if on cue, Trump — who seems elated to finally have a successful and non-white entertainer’s support — proved Monàe’s point. When the crowd at a Michigan rally seemed to boo after he asked if there were “any Hispanics in the room,” Trump said, “In all fairness, Kanye West gets it,” trying to suggest that the rapper approves of his administration’s work in terms of minorities. In fairness, West saved millions in ad dollars for his forthcoming album by getting the president to be his unpaid hype-man.

Charts as Protest

Music lovers in the U.K. sometimes use the sales charts to make a statement, like when they raged against the vapid Pop machine and earned a 17-year-old Rage Against the Machine song a coveted No. 1 slot at Christmas in 2009. The latest campaign is more political, encouraging targeted purchases to put Green Day’s 2004 track “American Idiot” at No. 1 the week of July 13, coinciding with a U.K. visit from the U.S. president.

ABBA Returns

The shrinking “bands that will never reunite” list just got smaller.

ABBA, once the most successful musical entity on Earth, has recorded new music and plans to release a single called “I Still Have Faith in You” in December. The members of the Pop quartet, who repeatedly swore they’d never get back together, will also tour… kinda. ABBA has been working with American Idol creator Simon Fuller on his latest endeavor, which has been creepily described as “developing hyper-realistic digital humans in the field of entertainment.” The “avatar tour project” (as the group called it in a statement) would enable the band to hit the road without travel headaches, but it would also mean missing out on an astronomical payday. In 2000, ABBA reportedly turned down $1 billion for a world tour.

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Minus the Bear PHOTO: SHERVIN LAINEZ

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5/10 - the slackers, newport secret six, queen city silver stars; angela perley

Wednesday • Bogart’s

W W W . S O U TH G A TE H O U S E.COM

Iris DeMent P H O T O : P I E TA B R O W N

Steady and Adrian Belew’s iteration of King Crimson, Voids is among the best of the band’s catalog and a perfect blend of Minus the Bear’s intriguing evolution and bedrock solid foundation.

For the group’s current tour, Minus the Bear is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its breakthrough Planet of Ice album by playing it in its entirety. (Brian Baker)

Iris DeMent Friday • Memorial Hall

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28

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In critics’ parlance, Iris DeMent is a “songwriter’s songwriter,” which simply means that other renowned and respected songwriters hold her work in the highest esteem. That was clearly evidenced on DeMent’s debut album, 1992’s Infamous Angel, when one of Folk’s most celebrated purveyors, John Prine, provided pithy and glowing liner notes for the newcomer. That kindness sparked a long professional and personal friendship; DeMent and Prine have since worked together many times, including multiple collaborations on

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

In 2001, a group of musical friends and acquaintances in Seattle pooled their talents and hybridized their influences and passions into a singular sonic outcome that touched on various Rocks (Math, Indie, Classic, Prog), Jazz and Pop. In naming the band, the original quintet drew on the punchline of a true-life dirty joke; a mutual friend of the band described a blind date as “like that ‘70s TV show BJ and the Bear — minus the Bear.”

Over the next 17 years, Minus the Bear has released six well-regarded full-length studio albums and four EPs, along with a handful of singles and a remix of their 2005 sophomore album, Menos el Oso. The lineup managed to stay relatively intact in that time, retaining three of the band’s five original members — guitarist/lead vocalist Jake Snider, guitarist Dave Knudson and bassist Cory Murchy. Longtime keyboardist Alex Rose joined in 2006, replacing Matt Bayles, who left the group to concentrate on his production career (along with acts like Screaming Females and The Sword, he’s also done studio work with MTB since leaving).

For MTB’s first decade, the band maintained a schedule of releasing an album every two or three years, punctuated by interim (and colorfully titled) EPs like This is What I Know About Being Gigantic and Bands Like It When You Yell “Yar!” at Them. Following an atypical lack of music after 2012’s Infinity Overhead, the band returned last year with Voids, an album that represented a clear return to form, with familiar guitar techniques and time signatures, less electronic blippery and quietly but powerfully evocative lyrics. At times sounding like a mash-up of The Hold

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Chuck Prophet – July 5, Southgate House Revival Janelle Monáe – July 10, Taft Theatre Tav Falco PHOTO: LUCIA ROSSI

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

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Prine’s two duets albums.

Prine isn’t the only fan of DeMent’s pure, plaintive and vulnerable Folk/Country vocal style. She has provided harmonies and served as a duet partner for marquee artists like Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Tom Paxton, Delbert McClinton, Nanci Griffith and many others.

DeMent’s 1994 sophomore album My Life continued Infamous Angel’s introspective songwriting arc; dedicated to her father who had passed away two years earlier, the record earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Her third album, 1996’s The Way I Should, found DeMent writing from a political and social perspective, covering topics like the Vietnam War, government failings, religion and sexual abuse.

After focusing on raising the daughter she and her husband, singer/songwriter Greg Brown, adopted in 2005, DeMent returned in 2012 with Sing the Delta, her first album of original material in 16 years.

For DeMent’s 2015 album The Trackless Woods, she set to music lyrics drawn from the translated works of renowned Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. Last year, DeMent received the Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award from the Americana Music Association, and this year she’s on the road, not to promote anything new but presumably because she feels like it. Maybe she’ll hit the studio soon, or it could be another eight-year wait; that’s how a trailblazer rolls. (BB)

Tav Falco’s Panther Burns with All-Seeing Eyes Tuesday • Southgate House Revival Though he was born in Philadelphia, raised in Arkansas and has often lived in Europe in recent decades, Memphis is the city most tied to the legacy of underground Rock hero Tav Falco. When he moved to the city in the early ’70s, he experimented with performance art, photography and filmmaking, the latter of which led to an

Janet Jackson – July 15, Riverbend Hop Along – July 29, Taft Theatre Ballroom

artistic Deep Purple and awakJudas Priest – Aug. 21, ening.

Riverbend Shooting footage of Kid Rock – Sept. 8, TennesRiverbend see musiGary Clark Jr. – Sept. cians 11, Taft Theatre like R.L. Burnside and Charlie Feathers, Falco became intrigued by Blues, Rockabilly and musical performance in general. Falco made his public debut as a “musician” in 1978 while doing performance art and dancing at a concert in Memphis by Jim Dickinson’s Mud Boy & the Neutrons, famously ending his appearance by chain-sawing his guitar onstage and then (allegedly) passing out.

That origin story is befitting of his eventual legacy. Falco is now named alongside bands like The Cramps and The Gun Club as innovators of a style of music that exploded the Blues and Rockabilly and then revived it by injecting 10,000 CCs of Punk-Rock spirit and avant-garde deconstructionism into its heart. Tav Falco’s Panther Burns was formed (with Big Star’s Alex Chilton, who was fresh off of producing The Cramps’ first singles) in 1979, and Falco’s work would go on to inspire Jack White, Jon Spencer, Primal Scream, Spacemen 3 and an innumerable number of Garage Rock musicians, as well as every performer who has ever had their music described as “Psychobilly.”

The band released its major label debut/ swan-song in 1982, but Falco has kept Panther Burns alive with a rotating lineup ever since, releasing music and touring the world while also still working in film and other media. Late last year saw the release of A Tav Falco Christmas, a collection of holiday classics Panther Burned by Tav and a band that included Minutemen/firehose bassist Mike Watt. (Mike Breen)

LISTINGS

CityBeat’s music listings are free. Send info to Mike Breen at mbreen@citybeat.com. Listings are subject to change.

See CityBeat.com for full music listings and all venue locations. H is CityBeat staff’s stamp of approval.

WEDNESDAY 02

ARNOLD’S BAR AND GRILL - Todd Hepburn. 7 p.m. Blues/Jazz/Various.

Free.

BLIND LEMON - Sara Hutchinson. 7:30 p.m.

Acoustic. Free.

H

BOGART’S - Minus the Bear with The Coathangers. 8 p.m. Indie/ AltRock. $25.

CAFFÈ VIVACE - Mallory, Lausche, Yeager Trio. 7 p.m.

Jazz.

MEMORIAL HALL - CMA Songwriters Series featuring Eric Paslay, Rob Hatch, Sara Evans and Trent Harmon. 7 p.m. Country/Singer/Songwriter. $30-$50.

H

MOTR PUB - Faux Ferocious with The Harlequins and The Jollys.

10 p.m. Rock/Various. Free.

NORTHSIDE TAVERN Adam Flaig, Alpha Rabbit and Breaking Glass. 9 p.m.

Indie/Rock/Various. Free.

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (LOUNGE) - Willow Tree Carolers with Sean Geil and Slippery Creek.

9:30 p.m. Americana/Folk/ Various. Free.

H

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (REVIVAL ROOM) - Trout Steak Revival with Brother Smith.

8 p.m. Bluegrass/Americana. $12.

H

STANLEY’S PUB - Ike Willis Project with Micki Free. 9 p.m. Experimental Rock. Cover.

THURSDAY 03

BLIND LEMON - Mark Macomber. 7:30 p.m. Acoustic. Free.

HORSE & BARREL - John Ford. 6 p.m. Blues/Roots.

Free.

LUDLOW GARAGE

SCHWARTZ’S POINT - Pat Kelly & Mandy Gains. 8:30 p.m. Jazz. Cover.

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (LOUNGE) - Two Beards & A Babe. 8 p.m.

Americana. Free.

H

URBAN ARTIFACT White Stripes Tribute Presented by Radio Artifact featuring Go Go Buffalo, Dead Man String Band and Bi. 9 p.m. White Stripes/ Rock. Free.

WOODWARD THEATER Hot Club of Cowtown with Steve Hammond. 7 p.m.

Western Swing. $18, $20 day of show.

FRIDAY 04

20TH CENTURY THEATER - Leftfield Recording Showcase with BlazeWright, GrandAce, Fycus, This Pine Box and more. 8 p.m. Various. $10.

ARNOLD’S BAR AND GRILL - Chelsea Ford and the Trouble. 9 p.m. Americana. Free.

BOGART’S - Drake White with Noah Smith. 8 p.m.

Country. $20.

CAFFÈ VIVACE - Adia Dobbins Trio. 8 p.m. Jazz.

FIBONACCI BREWING COMPANY - Bluegrass Night with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. 7 p.m.

Bluegrass. Free.

H

HERZOG MUSIC - King of Hillbilly Piano: Moon Mullican Tribute featuring Ricky Nye with Chris Douglas. 7 p.m. Country/ Various. $5.

JAG’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD - 3 Piece Revival. 9 p.m. Rock/Soul/Various. $5.

JEFF RUBY’S STEAKHOUSE - Grace Lincoln Band. 8 p.m. Soul/R&B.

LYDIA’S ON LUDLOW Pedro-X Band. 7 p.m.

Acoustic Jazz. Free.

MANSION HILL TAVERN The Heaters with Ben Levin.

9 p.m. Blues. Cover.

MARTY’S HOPS & VINES - Wild Mountain Berries. 9 p.m. Americana. Free.

H

MEMORIAL HALL - Iris DeMent. 8 p.m. Americana. $20-$40.

MOTR PUB - Modern Aquatic with Season 10. 10 p.m. Indie Pop/Rock. Free.

NORTHSIDE TAVERN Moira, Soften and Sungaze.

10 p.m. Indie Rock/Various.

Free.

H

NORTHSIDE YACHT CLUB - Halvsies, The Electric Grandmother and Loi Loi. 9 p.m. Indie/Pop/ Rock/Various.

OCTAVE - Mickey James & The Queen City Crew. 8 p.m.

Jazz/R&B/Various. Free.

H

OTR LIVE - Lil Wayne.

11 p.m. Hip Hop. $65-$90.

PLAIN FOLK CAFE - Cull Hollow. 7:30 p.m. Americana.

Free.

PNC PAVILION AT RIVERBEND - Halestorm and In This Moment with New Years Day and Stitched Up Heart. 6:15 p.m. Hard Rock. $32.50-$57.50.

THE REDMOOR - Sound Body Jazz Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Jazz. $10.

RICK’S TAVERN - Trailer Park Floosies. 10 p.m. Rock/ Pop/Country/Rap/Dance/ Various. $5.

SCHWARTZ’S POINT Emily Jordan, Jordan Pollard & Judy Tsai. 9 p.m. Jazz.

Cover.

SILVERTON CAFE - Sonny Moorman. 9 p.m. Blues.

Free.

H

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (LOUNGE)

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (REVIVAL ROOM) - Lexy Dunn. 9 p.m.

Country. $10.

TAFT THEATRE - Brit Floyd.

8 p.m. Pink Floyd tribute. $37-$53.50.

THOMPSON HOUSE Dead Eyes Always Dreaming, Albert the Cannibal and T.L.T. 7 p.m. Metal/Hardcore. $10.

URBAN ARTIFACT - Tonefarmer, MARR and Near Earth Objects. 9:30 p.m. Alt/ Indie Rock. Free.

WASHINGTON PLATFORM - Nick Fryer Quartet.

9 p.m. Jazz. $10 (food/drink minimum).

H

WOODWARD THEATER - Lauren Eylise with Chris Crooks, Siri Imani, Macho Means and more. 8 p.m. R&B/Soul/Funk/Hip Hop. $8, $10 day of show.

SATURDAY 05

ARNOLD’S BAR AND GRILL - Cincinnati Dancing Pigs. 9 p.m. Americana/Jug band. Free.

BLIND LEMON - G Burton.

9 p.m. Acoustic. Free.

CAFFÈ VIVACE - Andy Brown and Petra Van Nuis. 8 p.m. Jazz.

DOC’S PLACE - John Ford.

8 p.m. Roots/Blues. Free.

JAG’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD - 2-4 Flinching. 9 p.m.

Rock/Pop/Various. $5.

KNOTTY PINE - Bad Habit.

10 p.m. Rock. Cover.

LAWRENCEBURG EVENT CENTER - Peter Cetera. 8 p.m. Pop/Rock. $40-$150.

LUDLOW GARAGE - Hollywood Nights. 8:30 p.m. Bob Seger tribute. $20-$35.

THE MAD FROG - Summer School, Christopher Robin, Efflorescence and The Tangees. 8 p.m. Indie/Rock/ Various. $5.

MANSION HILL TAVERN - Jeff Bonta & the Tucker

Boys. 9 p.m. Blues. Cover.

MARTY’S HOPS & VINES - New Brew. 9 p.m. Classic Rock. Free.

H H

MOTR PUB - Freekbass. 10 p.m. Funk.

Free.

NORTHSIDE YACHT CLUB - WeirDose & Juan Cosby (album release party) with Carnage The Executioner, Sons Of Silverton and FAX. 9 p.m. Hip Hop

H

OCTAVE - Rumpke Mountain Boys with Restless Leg String Band. 9 p.m. Progressive Bluegrass.

Cover.

PLAIN FOLK CAFE Hickory Robot. 7:30 p.m.

Bluegrass/Americana/Various. Free.

H

PNC PAVILION AT RIVERBEND ODESZA with Phantoms and Pluko. 7 p.m. EDM/Various. $39.50-$68.50.

H

THE REDMOOR - “The Who Sell Out (Deluxe Edition)” with Roger Klug, Greg Tudor, Bob Nyswonger and Chris Arduser. 8 p.m.

Who tribute. $10, $12 day of show.

SCHWARTZ’S POINT - Ron Enyard Trio. 9 p.m. Jazz.

Cover.

SILVERTON CAFE - ModernGroove. 9 p.m. Jazz/ Funk/Rock/Various. Free.

H

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (LOUNGE) - The AmpFibians with The Madeira. 8 p.m. Surf Rock.

Free.

H

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (REVIVAL ROOM) - Xzela, Triiibe , Toph and Venicia & The Shadow People. 9 p.m. Alt/ Hip Hop/Pop/Various. $8.

9 p.m. Hip Hop/R&B/Electronic/Soul/Various. Free.

WASHINGTON PLATFORM - Jim Connerly Quartet. 9 p.m. Jazz. $10 (food/drink minimum).

H

WOODWARD THEATER - Wussy with Schwervon!. 9 p.m. Indie Rock. $15, $18 day of show.

SUNDAY 06

BOGART’S - G Herbo. 8 p.m. Hip Hop. $54.

MANSION HILL TAVERN Open Jam with Deb Ohlinger.

6 p.m. Various. Free.

MOTR PUB - Ricky Nye and Chris Douglas. 8 p.m. Blues/ Boogie Woogie. Free.

H

NORTHSIDE TAVERN - Amy Rigby and Chuck Cleaver & Mark Messerly. 8 p.m. Rock. Free.

H

URBAN ARTIFACT Dan Pugach Nonet. 8 p.m. Jazz.

MONDAY 07

THE GREENWICH - Baron Von Ohlen & the Flying Circus Big Band. 7:30 p.m.

Jazz.

H

THE MAD FROG Perpetual Groove. 8 p.m. Progressive/Jazz/Rock/ Electronic/Psych/Various.

Cover.

MANSION HILL TAVERN - Acoustic Jam with John Redell and Friends. 8 p.m.

Acoustic. Free.

TUESDAY 08

H

BOGART’S - Jonathan Davis. 7:30 p.m. Rock. $41.15.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL - Live@Lunch with The Brussels Sprouts. 12:10 p.m. Blues/Jazz/Rock/Country. Free.

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (SANCTUARY) - Gutter Demons, Whiskey Daredevils and Lockjaw. 9 p.m. Psychobilly/Various. $12.

H

STANLEY’S PUB - The Freeway Revival with John Gentry Jr. 9 p.m. Southern Rock/Jam. Cover.

H

H

URBAN ARTIFACT Last Gasp Collective.

NORTHSIDE YACHT CLUB - No Age with Behavior, Vacation and Moth Clock. 9 p.m. Indie Rock/ Various. $10, $12 day of show.

SOUTHGATE HOUSE REVIVAL (REVIVAL ROOM) - Tav Falco’s Panther Burns with All-Seeing Eyes. 8 p.m. Rock/Blues/ Alt. $15.

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

CAFFÈ VIVACE - Kim Pensyl Trio. 7 p.m. Jazz.

H

OCTAVE - Formula 5. 9 p.m. Jam/Rock/Various.

Free.

LUDLOW GARAGE - Keiko Matsui. 8:30 p.m. Jazz. $30-$65.

- A.M. Nice (album release party) with New Third Worlds, Red Skylark and Worthmores. 9 p.m. Indie/ Rock/Punk/Various. Free.

|

BROMWELL’S HÄRTH LOUNGE - Todd Hepburn and Friends. 8 p.m. Various.

Free.

MOTR PUB - Bassel & the Supernaturals. 10 p.m. Funk/ Soul. Free.

Free.

KNOTTY PINE - Bad Habit.

10 p.m. Rock. Cover.

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

BOGART’S - Trapt. 8 p.m.

Rock. $15.

- Project/Object: The Music of Frank Zappa featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock. 8 p.m. Zappa tribute. $20-$45.

29

PUZZLE AC R O S S

1. Bit of profanity 6. Bit of profanity 10. Slug it out

Just Patching Through

BY B R EN DA N E M M E T T Q U I G L E Y

16. Arm bone 17. Trail of trenches?

19. Welcome financial gift 20. He-Man’s colleague

25. Mall that can get you a date on Friday?

28. Long times 30. “Well ...?�

21. Its capital is Kampala 23. Test in a tube, briefly

14. With it 15. Good sign?

31. “There’s Really a Wolf� rapper 32. Running a bit behind 35. Wheel cheese 37. Porn connoisseurs?

43. Bubbly name 44. Grab quickly 45. Planted, as grass 48. Winter hrs. in the Twin Cities 50. Car freshener smell

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

| C I T Y B E AT. C O M

a while�

47. Joined together

1. Bummed

33. Insubstantial

49. Irritable

2. Conflict under Woodrow Wilson

34. Surgeon General’s org.

51. Goes underwater, maybe

3. Corrodes

36. Mornings: Abbr.

52. 100 beans

4. Eyebrow shape

38. Cut into metal

53. “Quit talking�

5. Fix, as a dress alteration

39. Power ___

54. Rockie’s range

40. Grave writings

58. Snack with salsa

6. “Well, fudge�

8. RN’s approach

45. Get to the plate

63. Shoe box letters

9. Blatherskite

46. Elaborately decorated

64. Group that’s not going back to sch.

55. Guy from Dallas

11. Puts (down)

56. Dave’s Single restaurant

12. Battery parts

60. Analog demos?

65. Silencing button 66. “But we should consider this�: initially 67. Orange-yellow 68. Floored it 69. Conservative in Chelsea 70. Beaks

61. “Who am ___ you?�

42. Eyewear, casually

10. Legacy builder

59. Product with an Apple Pencil

41. Hard to read letter

7. They can help you during a breakdown

51. Exam that checks your pliability?

57. Letter from Crete

30

DOWN

13. Attacked 18. Mindless singing babble 22. Maker of the vivosport activity tracker 23. One of the Spice Girls 24. Engine’s sound 26. Bumper sticker word made of many different religious symbols 27. TV personality Kotb 29. “This might take

62. Pointed peak

L AST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

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CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL

those individuals listed below at location indicated:

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal proper t y described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated:

2526 Ritchie Avenue, K Y 41017 (859) 2063078 On May 15th, 2018 at or af ter 11:30 am. Dustin A Evans, Unit # 534, household items; Lucas Pugh, Unit # 209B, couch, loveseat, other miscellaneous items.

525 W 35th St Covington, K Y 41015 (859) 250-9524 on May 15, 2018 on or af ter 12:00 pm.

Lucretia Dunaway, Unit 03357, Household Goods; Christina Purnell, Unit 03359, Household Goods; George Semple, Unit 05141, Household Goods; Amie Phillips, Unit 05132, Household Goods; Freddie Dixon, Unit 04326, Household Goods; Mar va Toliver, Unit 03328, Household Goods; Jacinto Acosta, Unit 07119, Household Goods; William Compton, Unit 2302, Household Goods; John Brashear, Unit 05140, Miscellaneous Items; Charles Centers, Unit 04301, Household Goods; Amanda Gault, Unit 07110, Household Goods; Leeroy Kirkpatrick, Unit 03310, Personal Items; Joseph Nevels, Unit 02232, Household Goods; Jaycee Scudder, Unit 03355, Household Goods; Takayla CommodoreSingh, Unit 02103, Household Goods; Brandy Dobson, Unit 02334, Household Goods.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal proper t y described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated: 8080 Steilen Dr. Florence, K Y 41042 on May 15, 2018 at or af ter 10 am. Barbara Gross, 2132, Household; Paul Plagge, 659, household items; April Huf f, 237, Household; Junelle Crouch, 2110, household, furniture; Elber t skip Eubank, 2122, Household; Kelly Feinauer, 806, boxes, furniture; Barbara Ross, 2717, household furniture, boxes; Julie Hancock, 1019, Household; Lisa Tharp, 2509,

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal proper t y described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated: 7 Sper ti Dr Ste 200, Edgewood, K Y 41017 859-795- 2771 on May15, 2018 on or af ter 11:45 am. Cr ystal Norris – misc. household items, Edwin King - Misc.

Household Goods, William Mullins Tools, misc. household items.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

HELP WANTED Restarant Counter Ser vice and PrepPar t-time days, M-F only, near OTR and downtown, FREE parking lot, Owneroperated small business. Take and assemble orders and

Senior Mechanical Engineer-Rotating Equipment. Co. HQ in Cincinnati, OH, but position reqs longterm assignments to client sites Y TBD thruout U.S. Design equipment, components, structures or systems. Detail client per f. reqs., specific component needs, design reqs., applicable design codes, & vendor drawing reqs. Prepare eng’g sketches, per form eng’g calcs & develop analysis models for proj. Review/approve vendor drawings

for compliance w/ proj. specs. Interested candidates may apply online with Advantage Technical Resourcing, Inc. at h t t p s : / / w w w. a d v a n t ageresourcing.com /.

Search for Job ID # 320180.

ADULT Ebony Beaut y Rela xing body rubs to relieve stress. Call Brenda. No tex ts, please. 513-290-9587 RELAXING BODY RUB Discreet. Experienced.

Mon - Fri, 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 12pm-5pm.

No blocked calls or text messages. (513) 4780278 by appt.

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Talk to sexy real singles in your area. Call now!

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All adult line ads must contain the exact phrase “Body Rubs” and/or “Adult Entertainment.” Illegal services may not be offered in any ad. CityBeat does not accept, condone or promote advertisements for illegal activity.

Every ad purchase includes ONE phone number or e-mail address listing. Additional phone numbers & e-mail addresses can be printed for $10 each.

Ad copy & payment must be received by FRIDAY AT NOON. for the Wednesday issue.

All ads must be PREPAID with a VALID credit card or in cash/ money order. If a credit card is declined for any reason, the ad will be pulled from the paper and online.

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

check for accuracy.

Process payments as well as light kitchen prep work. Call 4215888 or visit Dujours 615 Elsinore Place 7:30a-11a or 1p-2:30p

|

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal proper t y described below belonging to

5970 Centennial Circle, Florence, K Y 41042, 859-4085219, May 15th, 2018, 10:30 am.

David Bridgers, Unit 326, Trailer and equipment; Aaron Mahoney, Unit 426, Household items; Justin Louden, Unit 419, Items for yard sale; Rober t Gruen, Unit 1049, Household; Alber t Washington Jr, Unit 630, Household items, furniture; Charles Waller, Unit 903, Antiques, sewing machine, boxes.

2900 Crescent Springs Rd, Erlanger, K Y 41018 on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Renie Macaraniag, Unit 145, Dressers, mat tresses, washer, dr yer, boxes; Regina Ruth, Unit 228, Household; Marsann Bell, Unit 308, Household goods/ Furniture; Sonja Russell, Unit 349, Couch, misc. furniture; Kevin Dixon, Unit 571, Couch, Recliner, Queen Bed, Dresser, Chest, cof fee table 15 boxes; Sarah Burns, Unit 803, 3 bedroom house, all misc. household items and furniture; Travis Wood, Unit 917/918, Household goods; Daniel Vasquez, Unit 1143/1144, 1 bedroom apt, couch, bed, dressers and misc. household items.

cof fee table, end table, lamps, t v and stand, futon, washer and dr yer, boxes, table and chairs, grill, lawn mower, t win bed; Jack Smith, 2009, households goods; Alexis Haggard, 831, Household Goods; Emma Case, 2702, Household Goods; Ryan Welch, 320, Household Goods; Rust y Newcomb, 813, Household Goods; Terri Colemire, 1214, general Household goods.

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facilit y in order to complete the transaction.

Ex tra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal proper t y.

Notice is hereby given that E x tra Space Storage will sell at public auction, to satisf y the lien of the owner, personal proper t y described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated:

proper t y described below belonging to those individuals listed below at location indicated:

31

DELIVERY CONTRACTORS NEEDED

CityBeat needs contractors to deliver CityBeat every Wednesday between 9am and 3pm.

Qualified candidates must have appropriate vehicle, insurance for that vehicle and understand that they are contracted to deliver that route every Wednesday. CityBeat drivers are paid per stop and make $14.00 to $16.00 per hr. after fuel expense. Please reply by email and leave your day and evening phone numbers.

Please reply by email only. Phone calls will not be accepted. sferguson@citybeat.com

NIGHT GARDEN RECORDING STUDIO

Seamless integration of the best digital gear and classics from the analog era including 2” 24 track. Wide variety of classic microphones, mic pre-amps, hardware effects and dynamics, many popular plug-ins and accurate synchronization between DAW and 2” 24 track. Large live room and 3 isolation rooms. All for an unbelievable rate. Event/Show sound, lighting and video production services available as well. Call or email Steve for additional info and gear list; (513) 368-7770 or (513) 729-2786 or sferguson. productions@gmail.com.

DISSOLVE YOUR MARRIAGE

Dissolution: An amicable end to marriage. Easier on your heart.

Easier on your wallet.

Starting at $500 plus court costs.

12 Hour Turnaround.

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513.651.9666

C I T Y B E AT. C O M

|

M A Y 2 – 8 , 2 0 18

Voted Best Smoke Shop

32

Hemp, Vape & Smoke H aber d a s her y NORTHSIDE 4179 Hamilton Ave. 513-569-0420

O’BRYON VILLE 2034 Madison Rd. 513-871-HEMP

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DaYTON 548 Wilmington Ave. 937-991-1015