Cincinnati Music Festival 2022 by Cincinnati Magazine

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WELCOME BACK!

As Hamilton County Commissioners, we are incredibly excited to welcome you back for the 2022 Cincinnati Music Festival! Thank you for coming together and supporting our local restaurants, retailers, and hotels. As one of the top tourist events in the region, your collective impact makes a big difference to our local economy’s recovery. While you’re here, join us Saturday, July 23 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Andrew J Brady Music Center for the Induction & Dedication Ceremony of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Learn more at www.cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org. So sit back, relax and experience the Cincinnati Music Festival! We’re glad you’re here. Sincerely, The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners

Stephanie Summerow Dumas

Alicia Reece

Vice President

President

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Denise Driehaus Commissioner

AMERICA’S

#1 DISH SOAP

Dear Friends, Welcome to the Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G! We are excited to welcome you back to celebrate the return of live music in style. The buzz and anticipation around this year’s festival has been building. With MSN naming Cincinnati as a “Top U.S. Destination to Vacation in 2022,” you’re in the right spot. You’ve helped create one of the top music festivals in the U.S., and the stage is set for another unforgettable weekend. For years, Cincinnati has been singing and celebrating with some of music’s biggest acts. More than great music, this festival celebrates the power of diversity – people of all backgrounds coming together in harmony. Our commitment to this celebration resonates in Visit Cincy’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and through our Vibe platform we’ve lined up a variety of extra events to elevate your experience: -

Cincy Soul, the Black Taste - Fountain Square – Thur.-Sun., July 21-24 Connect with Cincinnati’s multicultural flair through art, food, free concerts and more at Fountain Square in the heart of downtown.

Vibe Un-told Speaker Series Empowered by Fifth Third Bank - Fri.-Sat., July, 22-23 Hear stories of inspiration from speakers such as the Hon. Ambassador Andrew J. Young Jr.; Victoria Early Butler, master blender of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey; Dr. Gina Paige, cofounder of AfricanAncestry.com; Raekwon, Cofounder of Wu-Tang; and others as they share insights and experiences on personal and professional development.

Vibe Queen City 5K – The Banks Entertainment District - Sat., July 23 – 8 a.m. Take in the sights of the Ohio Riverfront and run (or walk) for a cause. Proceeds from the race contribute to scholarship funds and opportunities for local youth of diverse backgrounds.

Go to VisitCincy.com to find more information about these events and other experiences around the region. Take advantage of all the Cincy region has to offer, from our world-class restaurants and museums to our vibrant mix of boutiques and attractions – including the brand-new Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center. See for yourself why Cincinnati is the place where culture reigns! This year’s Cincinnati Music Festival is sure to be one for the books, and we’re grateful you chose to spend your weekend with us. We wish you the best time during your stay in Cincinnati and would love to welcome you and your friends back again soon. Sincerely, Julie Calvert President and CEO Visit Cincy

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Jason Dunn GVP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Visit Cincy

SCHEDULE THURSDAY

Ari Lennox

BJ the Chicago Kid Arin Ray

FRIDAY

Charlie Wilson Fantasia Anthony Hamilton Tony! Toni! Toné! Jonathan Butler

SATURDAY

23 Janet Jackson The O’Jays Tank After 7 Kirk Whalum 8

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

COLLEGE IS ABOUT

stepping forward and preparing for your future, whether that means completing your degree with less debt, getting a promotion to increase your earning potential, or ﬁnally pursuing your dream career. At Cincinnati State, you can. CONTACT US: 513.861.7700 adm@cincinnatistate.edu www.cincinnatistate.edu

MEET THE BOARD BRIDGET PATTON

Bridget Patton is currently the Director of Community Affairs and Policy Initiatives for Councilman Meeka Owens. Bridget’s background includes 30 years of community collaboration, fundraising, and business development; and a number of community leadership roles in the public non-profit, private non-profit, business and political sectors. Bridget received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. She and her husband have two adult children and they reside in Pleasant Ridge. #FEELSLIKECMF “Summer, summer, summertime…..ooooooh summertime! Time to sit back and unwind and turn up for Music Fest weekend! #feelslikeCMF to me!”

ÌÃÐ«ÏËÅÊÇÎÇ ÎÇÏÑÐ ÍÇÃÔÐÇÛ Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney was born in Cincinnati and is a proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools. She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College and earned a master’s degree in counseling and Consulting Psychology from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a law degree from Harvard Law School. She is an entrepreneur who owns a multi-media publishing company, Sesh Communications, that includes ownership of the award-winning Cincinnati Herald newspaper. She is married to former Ohio State Senator Eric H. Kearney, and they are blessed with two children, Celeste, and Asher. Jan-Michele is honored to serve the residents of the city she loves as Vice Mayor. #FEELSLIKECMF “CMF feels like family! No matter where you’re from, we make sure that you feel at home in Cincinnati where you can enjoy the best music, food, entertainment, arts, and culture that the óëîèà äÝï ðë ëĞ áî Åëéåêã ðëãáðäáî âëî ÅÏÈ âááèï èåçá ðäá óëîèàĊï Þåããáïð Ýêà Þáïð âÝéåèõ îáñêåëê č

ÃÐÃÕÖÃÕËÃ ÏËÎÇÊÃÏ

Anastasia Mileham has decades of senior leadership experience. She currently serves as executive director of Cincinnati Experience (CX), a civic-corporate coalition focused on raising the region’s reputation through stories placed in national media outlets. Mileham served as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated (DCI)for seven years, and later became Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC). Mileham grew up in Cincinnati and earned a communications degree from Miami University. She lives in Anderson Township with her husband and two sons. #FEELSLIKECMF ČÅåêßåêêÝðå ãèåððáîï óåðä Ý òåáó Ýêà òåÞá ñêéåïðÝçÝÞèõ åðï ëóê Ý òåÞîÝêð éåô ëâ ßñèðñîáï Ýêà ßëêðîÝïðï óá ßëéá ðëãáðäáî Ýßîëïï Þîåàãáï îáãåëêï Ýêà ÞÝßçãîëñêàï ðë ßîáÝðá Ý ßëééñêåðõ óáĊîá ìîëñà ðë ßÝèè äëéá âááèïèåçáÅÏÈ îåßä åê ðîÝàåðåëê Ýêà Ýèåòá åê ðäá ðåéáï č

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

W E M U S T S AV E U S The past two and half years of the pandemic have shined a light on racial and ethnic health disparities. The Center for Closing the Health Gap continues to serve the Greater Cincinnati region, with evidence and community based interventions focusing on activating individual’s agency in their own health. Partner with us to build a culture of health in this region! Get started at ClosingTheHealthGap.org

Engage. Empower. Advocate.

MEET THE BOARD MARK MALLORY

Former Mayor Mark Mallory was Cincinnati’s first directly elected black mayor. Prior to holding that office, Mallory served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives where he succeeded his father, Majority Floor Leader William L. Mallory, Sr. He also served two terms in the Ohio Senate. Since leaving public office, Mallory founded the consulting firm Mark Mallory & Associates and serves the community as a member of several boards and commissions. #FEELSLIKECMF “The Cincinnati Music Festival is a long-standing tradition for people from across the country. Our city is so vibrant and the atmosphere is amazing. That is what #feelslikeCMF to me!

JULIE KIRKPATRICK

Julie Kirkpatrick is the President & CEO of meetNKY | Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau. meetNKY drives quality of life and economic growth for Northern Kentucky through tourism marketing and destination development. Kirkpatrick is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University. She sits on many boards throughout the region and is a past President of the Kentucky Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. #FEELSLIKECMF “This weekend always feels like a homecoming to me for so many visitors that love this event and our city. The energy is contagious and that #feelslikeCMF to me!”

JASON DUNN Õ åêßá æëåêåêã ðäá ÅØÄ åê ÌÝïëê Æñêê äÝï èáà áĞ ëîðï ðë àáèåòáî ïåãêåğ ßÝêð êáó ßëêòáêðåëê Þñïåêáïï Æñîåêã äåï ðáêñîá ðäá êñéÞáî of multicultural /diverse meetings in Cincinnati has represented more than one-third of all CVB new business from 2008 to 2018, with a direct visitor spend of $200 million. Dunn is also the chair of Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, the largest African American chamber in the Midwest. #FEELSLIKECMF “CMF weekend is a glaring proof point that tourism empowers communities. Through innovative programming, conscious conversations, unique culinary experiences, and music that soothes the soul, empowerment is truly at the root of the experience.”

ANDREA WILKERSON

Andrea Wilkerson, Vice President– Analytics & Insights, has spent her 25-year career at Procter & Gamble. Her consumer expertise has influenced marketing and merchandising strategies for Herbal Essences, Pampers, and P&G’s largest grocery customers. She is currently leading the Global Skin & Personal Care Analytics and Insights organization for a global portfolio of brands. #FEELSLIKECMF #feelslikeCMF to me…summer in Cincinnati isn’t summer without the Cincinnati Music Festival, and we’re thrilled to be back together again!

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Inspiring a more equitable future.

freedomcenter.org

(513) 333-7500

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL

Photo: Louis Rideout

WELCOME TO THE CINCY REGION — WHERE CULTURE REIGNS. Cincinnati may be known as the Queen City, but King Records truly crowned the city as a notable nuturer of the original rock ‘n’ roll sound. The legacy lives on in the region where, on any given night, you can catch live music of all genres at a number of venues. Immerse yourself in extraordinarily diverse, deep cultural experiences at the one of our Vibe events. See the new Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center or even grab a bite during Cincy Soul: The Black Taste food festival. See for yourself why culture reigns in Cincy.

THURSDAY LINEUP

ARI LENNOX There’s something undeniably profound about great voices. From the beginning, talented singers and their melodic gifts have served as soundtracks to our lives. Dreamville’s Ari Lennox is no different. The D.C.-born singer-songwriter experienced an incredible 2019, complete with her debut album, Shea Butter Baby. The video for the platinum single, “Shea Butter Baby” alongside label head and marquee artist, J. Cole, has surpassed 50 million views on YouTube alone. Surpassing 1 billion global streams, Shea Butter Baby also spawned the singles “Up Late” and “BMO” which Lennox performed on Jimmy Fallon in June 2019. The intimate video for “Up Late” received nods from several major outlets, including ESSENCE, Noisey, Pitchfork, and Billboard. Lennox supported the album by headlining her sold-out Shea Butter Baby Tour before joining Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You Too Tour. Lennox has been a frequent name on the awards circuit, receiving a Grammy nomination for her contribution on Dreamville’s album, Revenge of the Dreamers III. Ari was nominated for three 2019 Soul Train Awards, two 2020 NAACP Awards. The singer/songwriter returned with her fresh new single, “Pressure” produced by an all-star cast of Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox, and Johnta Austin. The Chandler Lass-directed video reached over 1 million views within 24 hours and is Lennox’s ﬁrst Billboard Hot 100 entry (currently at No. 66), No. 1 record at Adult R&B Radio, top 10 at Urban Radio accumulating over 74 million streams.

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

BJ THE CHICAGO KID It’s been a long time coming for BJ the Chicago Kid, and not just because, after four mixtapes and one indie classic, he’s now dropping his major-label debut on Motown, the modern yet deeply soulful In My Mind. You’ve been hearing his voice everywhere though, on the songs by some of the greatest artists of our era (punctuating tracks by Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Kehlani and ScHoolboy Q’s Grammy Award-nominated smash “Studio.”). Notable Collaborations include Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs, Ty Dolla $ign, Xzibit and, most recently, OG Maco, Joey Bada$$ and Hannibal Burress. But go back even farther and you’ll find BJ was fated for this life.

ARIN RAY The Cincinnati native released Phases II in December 2019 following his critically acclaimed major-label debut, Platinum Fire. Arin Ray is an accomplished writer whose craftsmanship can be heard in various contemporary works from Chris Brown to Nicki Minaj. Showcasing his powerful vocal range over a medley of hip-hop, jazz, and neo-soul instrumentals, he’s proven to be a subtle blend of new and old school sound. Phases II is a seamless continuation of the 25-year-old crooner’s audacious chronicle from boy to man. The Phases series is a cavalcade of his more recent body of work, including “Change” with Kehlani, “A Seat,” and “The Get Down.” Following his Phases II, Arin went on a features binge, supplying hearty material for Cordae, Kiana Lede, Earthgang, Terrace Martin, and most recently, Steelo on the silky single “Uncle Elroy.” He also returned to live performing, teaming up with Martin and Smino for a warm rendition of “This Morning” this past January.

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

COME VIBE WITH AARP Visit AARP on the concourse level, near section 140 by Sideline Concessions for fun, FREE activities for everyone and experience a different side of AARP!

Download the AARP Now App and create an account today. Stop by the AARP booth for a chance to upgrade your seats!* (*Upgraded seats are for the winner plus one and only good for one day)

The deﬁnitive guide to living well in Greater Cincinnati The city’s most respected and award-winning magazine, highlighting the region’s most interesting people, cultural issues, food, arts, fashion, and history.

@CINCINNATIMAGAZINE

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FIND YOUR SIPPING POINT

IMAGINE THIS… an experience centered around ﬁve Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® Distilleries: New Riﬀ Distilling, Boone County Distilling Co., Neeley Family Distillery, The Old Pogue Distillery, and Second Sight Spirits. Add eight bourbon-centric bars, all with a culture of their own, and all named to The Bourbon Review’s list of The Best Bourbon Bars in America. Finally, mix in six amazing restaurants cultivating the freshest tastes in bourbon culinary delights and you’re on the The B Line.

The Start of a Great Bourbon Adventure

B .B e re k ng a li a G ve ati ’s he o inn o T c r n g & Ci nd l t a e o v a Mo ! ch K o ds n d e n br u K i ng an ri f st e ay b r d you un S e t f avori

A monthly live music series by

With

Leroy ellington band

,WTTĜJ \ĻŌ :X july 31, 11 am-1 pm cincinnati Club Your ticket includes Full Brunch buffet and 2 drink tickets good for the Mimosa/Bellini Bar, and/or the Outrageous Garnish-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar

Find out more information at www.cincinnatimagazine.com/musicalbrunch

Join us in August for

FRIDAY LINEUP

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Charlie Wilson

Very few artists can lay claim to Charlie Wilson’s hitmaker status. Twice named Billboard’s Top Adult Male R&B Artist, Wilson kick-started the new decade with not one but two No. 1 Adult R&B Songs hits: “Forever Valentine” and “One I Got.” Then he wrapped the year by also breaking that chart’s record as the Top Adult Male Artist with the most No. 1’s in three decades. Sidelined from touring by the pandemic, Wilson has spent the last 18 months re-energizing by writing and recording the follow-up to his seventh solo album, 2017’s In It to Win It. Hinting that fans will be surprised at the who’s who of guests he has on deck, Wilson is returning full circle to the independent roots that fostered his solo career. It was in 2000 that he and longtime manager Michael Paran released the singer-songwriter’s breakthrough solo album Bridging the Gap. Wilson earned his first No. 1 R&B hit that same year with the set’s lead single, “Without You.” Meanwhile, Wilson continues to cement his reputation as everyone’s favorite uncle and guest collaborator. “I have a very young spirit that likes to play with music,” says Wilson of his versatility. “I’m always paying attention and listening to everything that’s going on—and also thanking God that my voice keeps people calling.” Two such calls, involving Bruno Mars and Smokey Robinson, spawned Wilson’s most recent hits. Mars co-wrote/co-produced and provided backing vocals on the romantic romp “Forever Valentine.” Lightning struck once more when Wilson and Motown icon Robinson’s awesome vocal melding yielded “All of My Love.” Prior to becoming a solo star, Wilson and the Gap Band amassed fans with high-energy stage shows and a slew of hits over a 10-year span A BET Lifetime Achievement honoree, Wilson is also a New York Times and Washington Post best-selling author. His frank, inspirational memoir, I Am Charlie Wilson, chronicles his fight against addiction. Wilson is now 26 years sober and a 12-year prostate cancer survivor: wins that he is most proud of beyond any professional accolades. But Wilson is ever mindful of what else continues to inspire and propel him. “I promised God that if he got me off the streets and gave me back what I love—making music and singing—that I’d promise to shout him out every single night. And I do because I’m the guy who went down in flames…but was allowed to rise from the ashes.”

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

FRIDAY LINEUP FANTASIA North Carolina native Fantasia broke on to the scene in 2004 as the season three winner of Fox’s American Idol. In 2010, Fantasia earned her first ever Grammy Award for the hit single “Bittersweet,” off her critically acclaimed third album Back to Me.

ANTHONY HAMILTON Anthony Hamilton’s voice just keeps getting better with time. Fans began paying attention to the Grammy award winner in 2002, when he sang the infectious hook on the Nappy Roots’ “Po’ Folks.” Hamilton continues to spread warmth to the hearts of audiences with powerful music. His most recent album was the Grammy Nominated What I’m Feelin’.

TONY! TONI! TONÉ! From fun, upbeat, smash hits like “Feels Good,” to blues-leaning classics like “The Blues” to their signature love ballads like “Anniversary,” the sound of Tony! Toni! Toné! is soulful, organic, classic, and instantly recognizable. Their ability to create songs that perfectly married the stylings of the soul and funk gods of the 70’s with the technology and hip-hop infused R&B of the 90s made them icons of their generation.

JONATHAN BUTLER Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. His commitment to his craft came to fruition with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy® nomination for the pop hit “Lies.”

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We’ll take

you there Metro is a proud sponsor of the Cincinnati Music Festival, and our 24-hour service, expanded frequency & service improvements make it even easier to live, work and play in Hamilton County.

www.go-metro.com

SATURDAY LINEUP

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is one of the most inﬂuential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 5 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well, including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of the biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest selling debut tour in history and is the ﬁrst woman to debut in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 charts. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a #1 album for four successive decades alongside Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Even today she continues to make an undeniable impact. In 2018, her single, “Made for Now” 30

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with Daddy Yankee, released by her own Rhythm Nation Records, hit #1 on the Dance Clubs Songs chart making it her 20th single on the chart in the span of her career. In 2019, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside her brothers and in that same year her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis” closed out to record breaking ticket sales with only 18 dates at the Park MGM’s Park Theater. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, the legendary singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, and actress is among the biggest Vegas performers of this decade, ahead of Celine Dion (2011), Britney Spears (2013) and the Backstreet Boys (2017). On February 4, 2021, Janet Jackson’s iconic mega platinum-selling third album Control turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts, hitting #1 on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. Led by five chart-busting hit singles — “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think Of You,” —with their complementary, tightly choreographed music videos — and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” Control became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album. The album also made Billboard chart history for having the longest continuous run on the Hot 100 with singles from one album, ultimately tallying a remarkable 65 consecutive weeks from that perch. To date, Control has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. On, January 28, 2022, Janet Jackson’s self-titled documentary event averaged 3.1 million total viewers across its premiere airings on Lifetime and A&E. Janet Jackson. is cable’s best non-fiction debut in three years. The doc also accrued 3.7 million video views across Lifetime and A&E TV Everywhere On-Domain platforms. With the all the airings on linear and video views on digital, the documentary has now reached over 30 million total viewers worldwide. On social media, #JanetJacksonDoc ranked #1 across all broadcast and cable television on during its premiere nights. The program garnered 1.1 million interactions throughout airings over the weekend, according to Talkwalker*. #JanetJacksondoc was the top social program over the last year for Lifetime and A&E, and the most social program for Lifetime and A&E, and the most social program for Lifetime since Surviving R. Kelly. #JanetJacksonDoc was also the #1 trending hashtag on Twitter on 1/28. As a testament to Janet Jackson’s legacy, her album Control rose to #1 on the iTunes US pop chart following the premiere of the doc. Currently, three of her albums – Control, Design of a Decade and Rhythm Nation – have entered the Top 10 on the iTunes US Chart. Eight albums in the Top 20 iTunes US Pop Chart belong to Janet with Control #1, Design of a Decade ranking as #2, The Velvet Rope as #5, Best of Number Ones as #5, Unbreakable as #7 and Damita Jo #10 in the top 10 alone. Additionally, on the US R&B and Soul chart, Rhythm Nation and self-titled Janet albums took the top two positions. Janet Jackson’s music videos filled all slots of the top 10 US pop videos on the iTunes downloads following the airing of the documentary with That’s the Way Love Goes, All for You, Rhythm Nation, If, You Want This, Again, Control, Miss You Much, Escapade and The Pleasure Principle. Janet Jackson also debuted the new song Luv I Luv, at the conclusion of the documentary. CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

SATURDAY LINEUP THE O’JAYS Last Stop On The Love Train! After more than 60 years electrifying people all over the world, the mighty, legendary, R&B/Soul kings The O’Jays are set to embark on their final tour, featuring original members Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr., who have been singing together for over 70 years! The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005, and honored with BET’s LifeTime Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.

TANK åðä òëßÝè ğ îáóëîçï èåð áêëñãä ðë äáÝð ñì Ýêõ Þáàîëëé Ù and an instantly recognizable presence, nine-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum singer, producer, actor, comedian, and R&B Money label founder Tank has àáğ êáà ðóë àáßÝàáï ëâ ðäá ãáêîá óåðä ëêá ïáéåêÝè îáßëîà after another. He leaves the game with one more magnum ëìñï àáèåòáîåêã äåï ðä Ýêà ğ êÝè âñèè èáêãðä ëĞ áîåêã R&B Money (R&B Money/Atlantic Records), in 2022. “For me, I’ve adjusted and lived through the changes with R&B,” he explains. “R&B is back in an amazing place.”

AFTER 7 In 1988, Melvin Edmonds, Kevon Edmonds, and Keith Mitchell were brought to Virgin Records by hit-making duo Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds—Kevon and Melvin’s younger brother. Their self-titled debut album went Platinum. In May 2019, the group mourned the sudden loss of Melvin Edmonds. Vocalist Danny ‘SkyHigh’ McClain then joined Edmonds and Mitchell to create a masterful woven tapestry of music.

KIRK WHALUM Soulful, passionate, stirring...these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music. After moving to Los Angeles, Whalum became an in demand session player for top artists like Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones, and most notably, Whitney Houston, amongst many others. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.”

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

BY THE NUMBERS

STAGES

100+

$ ECONOMIC IMPACT $

• $107.4 million (recorded from 2017) • Around 80,000 attendees come to CMF • 64,000 of those attendees come from out of town

SPEAKERS

80+

MOVING LIGHTS

HISTORY

1962

Guest speaker - Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali)

1972

Ike & Tina Turner performed together

1982

Îåëêáè Ôåßäåá ğ êÝè ïäëó óåðä Commodores

1997

Alliyah performed before her death in 2001

2005

ÍÝêõá Ùáïð ìáîâëîéáà óåðä a full orchestra

2017

Usher brought surprise guest Lil Wayne as his DJ

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

BACKSTAGE FACTS:

1. 1,000+ towels used between the stage and dressing rooms 2. 300 black hand towels for the stage (white towels tend to show lint on the performers under the lights) 3. $ àåĞ áîáêð ÞîÝêàï ëâ óÝðáî preferred by our artists this year

CMF PAST LINEUPS

Duke Ellington Big Band Errol Garner Trio Bobby Hacket Dave Brubeck Gene Krupa Quartet Gerry Mulligan Chris Conners Stan Kenton w Four Freshman Dizzy Gillespie Sextet

1958

1950s

1960s 1964 Louis Armstrong Chet Baker Count Basie Lou Rawls Aretha Franklin Duke Ellington Gloria Lynn Dizzy Gillespie Dave Brubeck John Coltrane Bunny Briggs Woody Herman Jimmy Smith Ethel Ennis Thelonius Monk Bud Freeman Ruby Braff Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto

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Ray Charles BB King Ike & Tina Turner Les McCann Jimmy Smith w/ Roy Haynes, Kenny Burrell, Illinois Jacquet, Zoot Sims, Joe Newman, Jimmy Owens, and Clark Terry Dizzy Gillespie Thelonious Monk Lou Rawls Sonny Stitt Art Blakely Cannonball & Nat Adderly Kal Winding Nina Simone That Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band

1970s

1972

1980s

1988 Stevie Wonder Aretha Franklin Freddie Jackson Mike Howard Alexander O’Neal Luther Vandross Levert The O’Jays The Whispers Regina Bell

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CMF PAST LINEUPS

2009

1990s 1994 Frankie Beverly R Kelly Salt-N-Peppa SWV Zhane Patti LaBelle New Edition The Whispers Alex Bugnon Lalah Hathaway Al Jarreau George Benson David Sanborn Jazz Explosion with Najee & Stanley Clark

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John Legend Charlie WIlson Fantasia The Whispers Eric Benet 2nd Wind Anita Baker Robin Thicke Joe The O’Jays Jazmine Sullivan Wilbert Longmire

2000s

Rob Bass Kid Capri and Doug E Fresh En Vogue Bel Biv Devoe SWV Kem Mary J Blige Confunkshun Anthony Hamilton Fantasia Usher

2010s

2017

2018 MC Lyte DJ Jazzy Jeff Charlie Wilson Xscape Boyz II Men Fantasia After 7 Jill Scott The Roots Common Keith Sweat The O’Jays Bootsy Collins

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

DISCOVER BOURBON CITY’S BLACK HERITAGE

Frazier History Museum

Take a step back in time and explore Louisville’s Black Heritage with the Unﬁltered Truth Collection. These eight immersive experiences feature perspectives and stories that you may have never heard before at some of the city’s most unique and iconic attractions. Learn more at UnﬁlteredTruthCollection.com

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Congratulations & Best Wishes to

Cincinnati Music Festival for 55 Years of Entertainment a7KH

The Honorable Aftab Pureval (left), Mayor of Cincinnati, leads a delegation from the City in honoring Dr. Steven Reece, Sr. (3rd from left) for his many years of devoted service and involvement in bettering the community.

Dr. Steven Reece, Sr., and his wife, Mrs. Michelle Reece.

WE’LL MISS YOU!

JAMES M. WASHINGTON ØÊÕÙÊÒÇÊ× % !® ÆÚÌÚØÙ °ÆÌÊ # ±

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6/6/22 11:43 AM

2022 CMF STAFF The Santangelo Group Inc

Joe Santangelo Promoter/Executive Producer Çî÷ ÔĢâä Òàíàæäñ Lois Santangelo Õñîãôâóèîí Òàíàæäñ Fran Santangelo DiBattista Çàâêòóàæä Òàíàæäñ Chris DiBattista Éèñäâóîñ îå Øîâèàë Òäãèà Òàíàæäìäíó Kayla Abbitt Éèñäâóîñ îå Ìñîôï Øàëäò Thomas Knott Ùäâçíèâàë Éèñäâóîñ Mark Santangelo Øóàæä Òàíàæäñ Otto Wellborn Æñóèòó Èîîñãèíàóîñ Ron Dumas Òäñâçàíãèòä Òàíàæäñ Bomani Tyehimba Ùñàíòïîñóàóèîí Èîîñãèíàóîñ Jenny Jones Çàâêòóàæä Øäâôñèóø David Arnold Éèñäâóîñ îå Æñóèòó ×äëàóèîíò Amber Payne Æñóèòó ×äëàóèîíò ÖåĞÝêõ Ãîêëèà

Many Thanks to our Santangelo Group Inc Partners Çîá Çäãèíæçàôò - Director of Business Development - Cincinnati Bengals Øóàæä Éäòèæí Wurzelbacher Staging Òäãèà Õ× Gameday Communications

Èîìïëäóä Õñîãôâóèîí Øäñõèâäò Anthony Stabile Èñäàóèõä Éèñäâóîñ Harrison Group - Bobby Harrison Ëäòóèõàë ! Bomani Tyehimba Ïîíàò Õñîãôâóèîíò Damian Simmons Ïîòçôà Õàñóíäñò Ùîôñèíæ ÔÝéëê Äîëëéğáèà

ÑġßåÝè ÆÌĊï ÏÅĊï

Ëàèóç Éàíèäëò WROU Dayton Éîí Ïôàí Radio One Cincinnati Ñèíâîëí Üàñä Radio One Cincinnati ÉÏ Êëëäñø Øìèóç Main Stage DJ ÉÏ Ûàãäñ Main Stage DJ ÉÏ Çàáø ×îìä ÑġßåÝè ÅèñÞ Îëñêãá ÆÌ

Èîëé ðäá ÒñÞèåïäáîï ëâ Õôáëèòçäñ Ivy Bayer Cincinnatimagazine.com

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

BEHIND THE SCENES JOE SANTANGELO °Õ×ÔÒÔÙÊ×±

THOMAS KNOTT °ÉÎ×ÊÈÙÔ× ÔË Ì×ÔÚÕ ØÆÑÊØ±

My favorite moment backstage was when I was finishing up with a personal appearance that KEM was doing and he asked if we could just sit and talk for a while. We did and we talked like two friends catching up, sharing our life stories and testimonies.

RON DUMAS °Æ×ÙÎØÙ ×ÊÑÆÙÎÔÓØ±

After driving Jennifer Hudson to the stage, she told me how surprised she was that I didn’t ask for her autograph! I told her I was there to work and keep her safe! We talked about my youth programs—Reaching out for Kids—and I got to spend some time with her son while she was on stage. She was such a sweet lady!

CINCINNATI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022

Years ago I was catching up with KEM and we were talking about how music plays a huge role in our lives. I happened to mention to him during our conversation that I was a church organist. I can’t explain my surprise when his road manager stopped by the office to drop off a generous check from KEM himself made out to my church. What an amazing man on and off the stage.

OTTO WELLBORN °ØÙÆÌÊ ÒÆÓÆÌÊ×±

A few years back I was looking forward to Eric Benet performing and I kept wondering if his wife would be there to support him as I’m a huge fan! As he took the stage, I saw her standing on the side, casual as can be... Halle Berry in the flesh! All I could do was offer her a bottle of water which she politely accepted—but WOW!