CityBeat | December 14-27, 2022

West Chester State Rep. Jennifer Gross Asks Pastor to Banish ‘Witchcraft’ at Ohio Statehouse

West Chester State Rep. Jennifer Gross Asks Pastor to Banish

‘Witchcraft’ at Ohio Statehouse

BY ALLISON BABKA AND MADELINE FENING

e pastor also rallied House members against the “rulers of darkness.”

BY ALLISON BABKA AND MADELINE FENING

Halloween is long over, but House Rep. Jennifer Gross from West Chester still is focused on casting “witchcraft” out of the Ohio Statehouse.

Halloween is long over, but House Rep. Jennifer Gross from West Chester still is focused on casting “witchcraft” out of the Ohio Statehouse.

At the start of a chamber session on Dec. 1, Gross introduced Curtis Hill, an associate pastor at LifeChurch in West Chester, to lead the assembly in prayer. Prayer – frequently Christian –typically kicks o sessions at the Ohio House of Representatives and is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, but this invocation had a twist.

At the start of a chamber session on Dec. 1, Gross introduced Curtis Hill, an associate pastor at LifeChurch in West Chester, to lead the assembly in prayer. Prayer – frequently Christian –typically kicks o sessions at the Ohio House of Representatives and is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, but this invocation had a twist.

“Curtis is an emerging prophetic voice in his generation. He empowers believers to think di erently and consider the spiritual implications of world events as the heavenly realm in uences them,” Gross, a Republican, told the assembly as she welcomed her guest to the lectern.

“I thank you for every member of this House who has made the necessary sacri ces in order to follow the holy calling of creating laws that protect the freedom that was given by you, Jesus. For where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” Hill said, possibly pointing only to (Christian) religious freedom but not to the freedom to have agency over one’s own body or the freedom to feel reasonably safe from a deadly communicable virus or guns.

“I thank you for every member of this House who has made the necessary sacri ces in order to follow the holy calling of creating laws that protect the freedom that was given by you, Jesus. For where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” Hill said, possibly pointing only to (Christian) religious freedom but not to the freedom to have agency over one’s own body or the freedom to feel reasonably safe from a deadly communicable virus or guns.

Hill then rallied the House members against the “rulers of darkness.”

within a space for public governance. “God, I pray that you keep us from engaging in battle with each other, but that we would only battle against these principalities and rulers of darkness.”

within a space for public governance. “God, I pray that you keep us from engaging in battle with each other, but that we would only battle against these principalities and rulers of darkness.”

And that’s the moment when Hill renounced witchcraft on behalf of all House members, regardless if they asked for it or not.

And that’s the moment when Hill renounced witchcraft on behalf of all House members, regardless if they asked for it or not.

“Curtis is an emerging prophetic voice in his generation. He empowers believers to think di erently and consider the spiritual implications of world events as the heavenly realm in uences them,” Gross, a Republican, told the assembly as she welcomed her guest to the lectern.

Hill proceeded to pray over the Ohio House.

Hill proceeded to pray over the Ohio House.

“We dedicate this House to you and your righteousness and your holiness and we come against every principality, power, ideology and doctrine that attempts to raise itself above the knowledge of you, Jesus, and we cast them down,” Hill said, seemingly placing non-Christian religions and spiritual traditions on a lower plane

Hill then rallied the House members against the “rulers of darkness.”

“We dedicate this House to you and your righteousness and your holiness and we come against every principality, power, ideology and doctrine that attempts to raise itself above the knowledge of you, Jesus, and we cast them down,” Hill said, seemingly placing non-Christian religions and spiritual traditions on a lower plane

“According to the authority of those who have been given Christ Jesus, I bind every foul spirit that is attempting to in uence anyone who works in this space, speci cally any spirit of control, manipulation, fear, apathy, harassment, prejudice, malice, perversion, any and all witchcraft, divisiveness, deceit, corruption,” Hill said in a long list of things he wanted to cast out.

“According to the authority of those who have been given Christ Jesus, I bind every foul spirit that is attempting to in uence anyone who works in this space, speci cally any spirit of control, manipulation, fear, apathy, harassment, prejudice, malice, perversion, any and all witchcraft, divisiveness, deceit, corruption,” Hill said in a long list of things he wanted to cast out.

Naturally, Twitter users reacted to the sermon – particularly women, a group that over centuries had been burned, stoned or locked up for being

Naturally, Twitter users reacted to the sermon – particularly women, a group that over centuries had been burned, stoned or locked up for being

“witches.”

“Ladies, put your brooms away! @ ohiogop @jenniferforrep have decided they’re nally going to tackle the big issues here in Ohio: ‘witchcraft,’” one Twitter user said.

“witches.”

“Ladies, put your brooms away! @ ohiogop @jenniferforrep have decided they’re nally going to tackle the big issues here in Ohio: ‘witchcraft,’” one Twitter user said.

“Tackling issues of ‘witchcraft” by invoking a binding spell?… interesting choice…,” another remarked.

“Tackling issues of ‘witchcraft” by invoking a binding spell?… interesting choice…,” another remarked.

this performative nonsense, spreading anti-vaccine and Covid misinformation, and spreading

“Between this performative nonsense, spreading anti-vaccine and Covid misinformation, and spreading

"God, I pray that you keep us from engaging in battle with each other, but that we would only battle against these principalities and rulers of darkness."

Some fear this may happen at the Ohio Statehouse.

PHOTO: JOSEPH E. BAKER, PUBLIC DOMAIN, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

e pastor also rallied House members against the “rulers of darkness.”

“Between

"God, I pray that you keep us from engaging in battle with each other, but that we would only battle against these principalities and rulers of darkness."

2020 election conspiracies, I am very embarrassed to have her as my state rep,” someone else chimed in.

CityBeat reached out to Gross for comment but did not hear back by press time.

Statehouse Quackery

Gross has a history of questionable or performative episodes in the House chamber.

House Health Committee chairman Scott Lipps, a Republican, previously has said that Gross had personally requested that Dr. Sherri Tenpenny of Cleveland testify in 2021 supporting Gross’ bill, the “Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act.” e sub bill for HB 248 would “prohibit mandatory vaccinations, vaccination status disclosures, and certain other actions regarding vaccinations” if passed

Public health experts were against Gross’ bill, saying that the legislation would suppress Ohio’s vaccination rates against a number of diseases and would increase the likelihood of outbreaks of infectious disease.

At Gross’ behest, Tenpenny famously and falsely testi ed to the Ohio House Health Committee in 2021 that COVID-19 vaccines magnetize their recipients and “interface” with 5G towers. Tenpenny received national attention for her claims, which had been swirling and amplied through far-right channels, despite being debunked repeatedly by epidemiologists and other doctors.

Tenpenny is a prominent anti-vaccination advocate deemed “unreliable” by a special master in federal court, who forbade her testimony as an expert witness in an alleged vaccine injury case. She is among the 12 most proli c disseminators of COVID-19 misinformation on social media, according to research from the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

e state medical board launched an investigation into Tenpenny in November.

Relatedly, at the height of the pandemic, Gross loudly opposed COVID19 public health protocols, such as mask and vaccination requirements, despite then-emerging science supporting such measures.

In one 2021 demonstration, Gross brought a large group of supporters to Holtman’s Donuts allegedly to knowingly ignore the state and local public health policies that were in place at the time, even as local o cials pleaded for the public to act and doctors were overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients at medical facilities.

Gross did not respond to CityBeat’s repeated requests for comment after the incident.

Cincinnati Adopts ‘Complete Streets’ Policy to Prioritize Pedestrian Safety, Accessibility

BY MADELINE FENING

Pedestrian-friendly “Complete Streets” are coming to Cincinnati, thanks to a new law passed by city council on Nov. 30.

e council unanimously passed the measure, which requires the Cincinnati Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) to better consider non-vehicle travelers by adhering to the Complete Streets model, which designs and operates streets with a focus on accessibility and safety.

Council member Mark Je reys, the measure’s co-author, said Complete Streets represents a historic shift in city transportation.

“For 75 years, we designed streets and thought rst about cars; how fast we can get cars through, speed was more important, and this ips it,” Je reys said. “When you build mini highways through neighborhoods, it destroys a sense of community. When you have Complete Streets, it builds community.”

e Complete Streets model comes from the Complete Streets Coalition, a national nonpro t, non-partisan alliance of organizations and transportation professionals. According to the coalition’s website, more than 1,600

Complete Streets policies have been passed in the United States.

Complete Streets requires DOTE to consider ve categories when working on roads and sidewalks in the city. If an improvement can’t be made, DOTE must document why. e categories include bike facilities, sidewalk and curb ramps, tra c calming measures, overall safety improvements and comfort enhancements

A matter of public health

During a Nov. 22 climate, environment and infrastructure committee meeting, Dustin Hol nger from the American Heart Association said that

Complete Streets is a matter of public health.

“ ese kinds of safety improvements to our streets will help provide more opportunities to our people to be physically active as a part of their daily routines,” Hol nger said. “Living in walkable communities lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and some types of cancer.”

Hol nger urged the council to “make up for years of lost opportunities” in low-income communities by prioritizing Complete Streets in neighborhoods that have been historically overlooked for improvements.

“We would suggest the city’s formal departmental guidance state that projects equitably prioritize projects in underserved neighborhoods and communities with lower household incomes, and communities of color that have lacked well-maintained routes to parks and schools — roads, bike lanes, sidewalks — for some decades,” Hol nger said. “In many cases they do not have safe transportation options at all, and these same neighborhoods often experience higher rates of chronic diseases.”

Complete Streets went into e ect immediately after the council’s vote.

“These kinds of safety improvements to our streets will help provide more opportunities to our people to be physically active as a part of their daily routines,”

Officials in Cincinnati are using a Complete Streets project in Brooklyn as a guide.

PHOTO: NYCDOT

Scott Satterfield, New UC Bearcats Football Coach: ‘I Want to Be Part of That’

BY ALLISON BABKA

The deal for the University of Cincinnati’s 43rd head football coach came together quickly, and Scott Satter eld just wanted to enjoy the whirlwind.

“Man, what an honor it is for me to be here. It truly is. I mean, I’m honored to be a football coach, to be able to help mentor young men, and there’s not a better place to do it than right here at the University of Cincinnati,” the Bearcats’ new head coach told media on Dec. 5.

Just hours after UC announced that Satter eld would take over for Luke Fickell, who departed for the University of Wisconsin about a week prior, the coach shared his vision for his new team.

“I come to Cincinnati with a program that is used to winning, that wins championships. I want to be a part of that,” Satter eld said. “Twelve bowls in 16 years. at’s tremendous. We want to continue that.”

Satter eld, now UC’s 43rd head coach, had been leading the University of Louisville Cardinals since the 2019 season, posting a 25-24 record with three bowl games over four seasons. Before that, Satter eld compiled a 51-24 record over six seasons at Appalachian State University, his alma mater where he’d also earned rst-team all-conference honors as a quarterback.

Louisville ended 2022 with a 7-5 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Previous reports claimed that Satter eld’s deal with Cincy came together quickly, and the new coach con rmed that during the brie ng. Satter eld said that UC’s leadership, athletics department and a looming conference move in uenced his decision to leave Louisville.

“Once I had an opportunity to meet with the leadership here, I knew, ‘Man, this is the place I want to be.’ And then it was up to them to see if they wanted me,” Satter eld said. “When that happened, it was go time.”

He added that the city of Cincinnati’s reputation for being a sports haven contributed to his decision.

“I know this city is an outstanding city for football and for sports,” Satter eld said. “I was driving in, I was watching the Bengals play [on Dec. 4], and it was awesome. To be able to live right here and be able to go there [to an NFL game], I’ve never had that opportunity.”

Satter eld joins Cincinnati after Fickell had built up UC’s football

program and became the winningest coach in the school’s history. Fickell signed with Cincinnati after the season’s end in 2016, compiling a 57-18 record over six years. e team went undefeated in the regular 2021 season and became the rst non-Power Five conference team to go to the College Football Playo .

Satter eld said he’s not worried about comparing his legacy with that of Fickell, who departed on Nov. 27.

“I’ve done that before. Coach [Jerry] Moore was the winningest head coach at Appalachian State. It’s a challenge, right? Everybody expects you to come in and pick up where they left o ,” Satter eld said. “But I’m not Luke Fickell. I’m going to be Scott Satter eld, and I’m going to do the things that I think we need to do to be successful.I have a ton of respect for Luke; what he did here was tremendous. Unbelievable job.”

A coaching investment

Pending university board approval, Satter eld has a six-year deal with UC that will pay him $3.4 million the rst year; he’ll also receive an annual $100,000 raise. at total compensation is less than Fickell’s most recent contract before he left Cincinnati, which netted Fickell $5 million per year. Fickell now has a seven-year deal

with Wisconsin that starts at $7.5 million per year with room for additional compensation for hitting performance and postseason milestones.

As of press time, Satter eld hasn’t had a chance to size up the team’s current commitments and roster because his rst priority is putting together his coaching sta . But players still have been dropping by.

“ e one thing I told them we were going to do is surround them with some coaches and men who are going to help mentor them, that are going to pour into them, that are going to love them, that are going to hold them accountable every day,” Satter eld said.

is year, Cincinnati raised the assistant coach salary pool to $7.25 million – the university’s highest investment in football. Satter eld said that he’d asked for a large pool, “but quite frankly, I didn’t have to ask for it. As I’ve said before, the administration here wants to be good at football, and they know you have to invest in it. For me, that’s one of the big reasons I wanted to be here.”

e Bearcats are 9-3 this season with a 6-2 conference record, good for third in the American Athletic Conference. e team is gearing up to move to the Big 12, a hefty change that Satter eld will lead. e new investment

in the coaching sta will help with that, Satter eld said.

“We certainly have to continue to invest in our program. We have to. Now we’re going to the Power 5 level in the Big 12, and we’re going to have to continue to get some of the top coaches in the country,” the new head coach said. “It’s a very competitive landscape, and if we want to continue to try to get those kinds of coaches, guys [have got to] be compensated.”

Satter eld said that in addition to sizing up the coaching sta , he’s focused on recruiting new players and rming up commitments with current ones. He plans to use Greater Cincinnati as his farm system, he said.

“Cincinnati high school football is unbelievable, and so is the state of Ohio; it’s one of the best states in the whole country [for football],” Sattereld said. “We’ve got to stake down this area right here, we’ve got to call on these high schools, we’ve got to hire people on this sta that will go out who already have those relationships. at’s going to be a top priority for us.”

e Wasabi Fenway Bowl

Cincinnati and Louisville will square o in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in Boston on Dec. 17, so Satter eld’s sudden move to rival UC came as a surprise to many college football experts. Satter eld said that he would not participate in any bowl programming.

“ is is kind of a weird situation, right? I mean, Louisville’s playing Cincinnati in a bowl game,” Satter eld said. “I told both teams that I’m removing myself from [the bowl game]. I won’t be there. I’m not going to be in that situation. My whole focus right now is putting together a sta and recruiting.” He added that he wanted to “surround [players] with the best coaching sta in the country.”

Satter eld said the Wasabi Fenway Bowl game will be led by Kerry Coombs, UC’s cornerback and special teams coordinator who has served as interim coach since Fickell’s departure.

For years, Cincinnati and Louisville had faced each other across di erent conferences in a rivalry called “Keg of Nails.” e teams haven’t battled since before Louisville began playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2014.

e Wasabi Fenway Bowl will be the rst college football game ever played at Fenway, according to media materials.

New University of Cincinnati head football coach Scott Satter eld accepts a Bearcats jersey from athletics director John Cunningham.

PHOTO: youtube.com/cincinnatibearcats

Cincinnati Bengals Waive, Re-Sign Kevin Huber, Team’s Longtime Heart

BY ALLISON BABKA

Cincinnati’s hometown hero is still here.

e Cincinnati Bengals signed veteran punter Kevin Huber to its practice squad on Dec. 7, just two days after waiving him.

After Huber’s slow start to the season, the Bengals had released the longtimer, opting instead to keep newbie Drue Chrisman at the punter position. Other teams had the opportunity to scoop Huber up before the Bengals re-signed him to what essentially was Chrisman’s practice squad spot.

Huber has spent 14 seasons with the Bengals and is a Cincinnati lifer in every sense of the word.

“Kevin was our punter for a very long time,” Bengals president Mike Brown had said upon waiving Huber. “We appreciated every moment he was here. He has been a steadying force for us, an excellent player and a good person. Any football team would be blessed to have him for the length of time we did.”

Huber owns the team record for games played at 216, including 38 consecutive games from 2014 to 2022, the Bengals said. He also leads the franchise in total punts (1011), punting yards (45,766), gross average (45.27), net average (40.34) and punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line (346).

Longtime Bengals fans know Huber for his dogged support of Cincinnati, both the region and the football team. He’s as homegrown as they come, having been raised in Anderson and attending the University of Cincinnati, where he became a erce punter as well as rst-team All American in 2007 and 2008. e Bengals drafted Huber in 2009 in the fth round, and he hadn’t let the team – or the city –down since.

Just days before the Bengals went to the AFC divisional battle that led them to a remarkable run at Super Bowl LVI, Huber published a rstperson piece in e Players’ Tribune Huber’s extensive description of his love for Cincinnati and what it was like to experience his rst playo win (and the team’s rst playo win in 31 years) was deeply personal. A veteran Bengals player as well as a longtime fan who had su ered through so many losses, Huber gave the city hope that this team was the one that would go all the way. He wrote:

“

When Germaine picked that ball o to end the game last week, I started looking into the crowd. e noise was incredible. e excitement was contagious. I’d never seen Paul Brown Stadium like that — I’d never heard it like that. It was just so pure. And as I looked around, I saw fans throwing their arms in the air, jumping up and down and screaming their heads o . But for every one of them, there was a fan with their hands on their head, staring into the distance with just a smile on their face.

And I knew exactly what they were feeling. Relief.

Huber ended his tale in the Tribune with even more hope, tying together the decades of loss with the newfound optimism and pointing out the fans who have been along for the long, long ride:

And that win against the Raiders? at was just the rst step. If you’re from here, if you bleed orange and black — you know what that win really meant. You felt it deep in your soul. Because you’ve been here for the heartbreak, same as I have. When Germaine ran back to the sideline after the pick last Saturday, I looked at Coach Simmons, who’s been with us since 2003, and he looked at me…. And there was only one thing to say: “Finally.”

e Bengals delighted the city with its miraculous Super Bowl journey, coming mere minutes away from winning it all in February but ultimately losing 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams.

“

Bengals punter Kevin Huber

PHOTO: ALL PRO REELS, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

BY MEG BOLTE

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY WALNUT HILLS REDEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Above: Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation has one of the region’s many community gardens.

Cincinnatians love their meat. ere seems to be a Skyline Chili on nearly every street corner, there’s an entire festival dedicated to goetta, and residents celebrate Wing Week and Burger Week every year.

But more than just carnivores roam the concrete jungle. Nestled among the barbecue joints and fried-chicken dives, there’s a strongly-rooted community of plant-based eateries that’s thriving. From Essen Kitchen to Melt Revival to Allyn’s Café, more and more restaurants are whipping up meals suitable for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores.

And it’s nothing new. For decades, Cincinnati’s plant-based food scene has been nurtured into its current popularity, thanks to a cross-cultural focus on plant-based living.

But veganism or even basic healthy foods aren’t necessarily accessible to everyone in the Queen City, especially when entire neighborhoods are without grocery stores. And for many people who have been marginalized systemically, leaning into veganism has become a movement of resistance and reclamation.

A FOOD REVOLUTION

Valerie Williams is the owner of Foodies Vegan, a Winton Hills family-run business that specializes in at-home vegan fare. But Williams was feeding Cincinnati plant-based fare long before that. In 1980, Williams opened Christos & Dravakis, a vegan eatery in Spring Grove Village.

“It’s not a fad, it’s not going away. This is a way of life, it’s here to stay,” Williams tells CityBeat . “And the thing that’s so cool is that it crosses

all boundaries. It’s old people, young people, men, women, white people, Black people, Asian and Mexican people. There’s just a huge vegan and vegetarian movement and culture.”

In the United States, veganism as a concept largely has been whitewashed and often is linked to a “wellness” industry that promotes “mindfulness” and “healthy eating” through a white lens. e diet gained signi cant traction throughout the 2010s and beyond thanks to celebrities like Woody Harrelson and Billie Eilish.

But well before celebs made the decision to go plant-based, cultures with roots in Asia and Africa were centering their meals around vegetables, legumes, grains and herbs. Countries and communities have embraced the practice for centuries because of culture, ethics, conservation, politics or deeply held spirituality.

Dr. Francoise Knox Kazimierczuk, an assistant professor in the department of rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition sciences at the University of Cincinnati, is the co-professor of a class on Africana foodways.

“Meat [in African diets] is used sparingly [in Africa] so it’s a seasoning. It’s not something you’re basing your whole entire meal o of,” Kazimierczuk says.

Williams, 62, says she began her plant-based journey at 14 years old after getting her hands on a copy of Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat: Cookin’ with Mother Nature, a popular 1974 guide by actor Dick Gregory. Gregory – a prominent Black activist from the mid-1950s up until his death in 2017 – believed that civil rights and animal rights go hand in hand, explaining in

his 2000 memoir Callus on My Soul that humans and animals su er and die in the same way.

“It was a perfect time,” says Williams about stumbling across Gregory’s book. “[Teenagers] get passionate. ey’re like rebels without a cause.”

Williams says that after she nished Gregory’s book, she grabbed a garbage bag and trashed any food in her house that contained meat, dairy, food dyes or arti cial avorings.

Even as a teenager, Williams was struck by the health bene ts of plantbased eating, she says, adding that later, she became very aware that cutting out meat was “the single most important thing” she could do for the environment.

Cementing her position as a pioneering vegan in Cincinnati, Williams later opened Christos & Dravakis during a time when she says most people didn’t know what the word vegan meant. Even vegetarian menu options were hard to come by in the ‘80s, let alone an entirely plant-based restaurant, she says.

Taking over an old Greek ice cream parlor’s space, Williams kept the original family name on the building – partly because it was etched in multiple places, but also because she didn’t want to bring a lot of attention to the fact that it was a vegan restaurant.

“We just thought that would maybe –especially in 1987 – that would scare a lot of people away,” Williams says.

Although Williams’ restaurant Christos & Dravakis is no longer open, it certainly made a name for itself back then. Williams tells CityBeat that jam band e Grateful Dead, Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and others passed through the doors of Christos & Dravakis, and a 1987 article from the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Vegetarian Times magazine highlighted Williams’ establishment as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country. Christos & Dravakis “created a small revolution in the look and taste of meatless cooking,” the article said.

Unfortunately, Williams may have been too far ahead of what eventually would become a food trend in Cincinnati. She closed the restaurant in 1987 before vegetarianism and veganism reached their current popularity, moving to other pursuits. She continued to dabble in the plant-based food world, though, inviting herself into people’s kitchens in a di erent way by opening Foodies Vegan almost 20 years later.

rough Foodies Vegan, Williams has created a line of protein-rich vegan foods that she distributes locally through retailers such as Clifton Market and Rooted

Above: The team at Like Mom’s Only Vegan sells vegan cookies in Over-the-Rhine and at Findlay Market like the ones shown at left.

PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY LIKE MOM’S ONLY VEGAN

Juicery + Kitchen and nationally through larger stores, noting that the state of California and cities like Chicago and Boston are big fans.

e company’s most notable creation is a tofu-esque meat alternative called Pumfu. e original recipe is made from just pumpkin seeds and water, compressed into a loaf that can be fried, baked and used like meat would. Pumfu has a mild avor that soaks up the spices, herbs and sauces that it’s cooked with, making it a tastier animal alternative than some other options. ere are even avored variations like Chorizo Crumble, Sloppy Joe and Sausage Crumble.

Meat substitutes like those can make gathering with others easier, especially when going meatless is an act of resistance. Naimah Sams, the communications and branding manager of Like Mom’s Only Vegan — a Black- and woman-owned vegan cookie shop in Over-the-Rhine — was brought up alongside her ve siblings on a plantbased diet in Bond Hill.

Sams, 26, says that for her parents Lamont and Naomi Sams, Black nationalism played a big role in their decision to go meatless and raise their family that way.

“It’s kind of revolutionary,” Sams says about being a Black vegan. “I kind of came up in a time where it was not normal to be a vegan person, especially not in the Black community.”

Growing up in the 1990s, Sams’ mother homeschooled her six children while keeping the refrigerator stocked with plant-based meals and food options – and she was just as skilled at whipping up desserts as she was ovenfried tofu, Sams says. Just because it’s vegan doesn’t automatically make it healthy, she points out.

ose years cooking paid o . Sams’ mother and grandmother launched Like Mom’s Only Vegan in 2017 before proudly opening at Findlay Market on Juneteenth of 2020.

By using their decades of experience and plant-based recipe testing, Like Mom’s Only Vegan creates vegan cookies that fans say are just as good as the traditional ones. e shop carries cookie classics such as oatmeal raisin and peanut butter chocolate chip as well as memorable avors like lemon cran-poppyseed and s’mores, which are packed with vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips and pecans.

Sams says that even though she wasn’t eating the same recipes as her peers and extended family while growing up, she didn’t feel like she was missing out.

“We had soul food,” Sams recalls. “We had cookouts – my family grilled vegan options. I had mac and cheese, potato salad and barbecue ‘chicken.’”

Soul food typically is comforting and packed with avor, but traditional

preparation often is not vegan friendly. But Sams believes that the notion of soul food is more about culture than simply the ingredients that go into it – it’s also about gathering together.

“[Soul food] is something that has brought together Black people for such a long time, that has connected Black people to their early roots in this country – even early roots in the continent of origin,” Sams says. “ ose connections, I think, is what makes it ‘soul.’”

“Food is communal. So if you went to the cookout, my mom would prepare something for us. And it may not be what [other people] were eating, but it was something vegan,” Sams continues. “And we were there, and we were all eating. [We] still felt that togetherness. All of that stu still matters.”

Danielle DeLaine agrees. A seasoned entrepreneur, DeLaine launched her eatery Herban Vegans in 2017, adapting traditional soul food recipes that were cobbled together from discarded bits of food that slave owners didn’t view as nutritious or delicious.

“We’ve made delicacies out of scraps,” DeLaine tells CityBeat ose recipes have persisted for generations, passed from family member to family member, kitchen to kitchen, DeLaine says.

But DeLaine, 45, acknowledges that food scraps back in the day – which also often included pig intestines and knuckles – were in the garbage for many reasons, including sanitary and nutrition issues that can lead to health problems. at concern continues today with fast food, with such restaurants found in low-income neighborhoods much more frequently than stores with fresh produce are. Due to decades of redlining and systemic racist practices, those neighborhoods often include large numbers of Black Americans, who in turn su er higher rates of heart failure, diabetes and high blood pressure than their white counterparts, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“It is detrimental to our health and also the generations thereafter,” DeLaine says. A lack of quality food options among the Black community is one of the many issues that propelled DeLaine into starting Herban Vegans, she says. It’s why DeLaine tries to make vegan eating more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

DeLaine has been fully vegan for six years, but her transition to the lifestyle didn’t happen overnight – it actually took 13 years. At age 20, DeLaine was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Despite what her doctors said, something inside DeLaine told her that food was the underlying cause, she says. rough researching, food journaling and eliminating certain foods, DeLaine’s health began to rebound, and she felt compelled to extend that knowledge to her family and to her community.

Above: Danielle DeLaine of Herban Vegan says a vegan diet can help with ailments. Below: African Peanut Stew is on the menu at Herban Vegan.

“I know the ailments that the Black community su ers from,” Delaine says, referencing the lack of resources and the nancial barriers that prevent many people from being able to a ord vegan or healthier fare.

Herban Vegans began as a foodservice program. DeLaine says that when brainstorming names for her business, she was inspired by the plant-centric African diets that don’t use meat as the star of the show. DeLaine replaces those meats with enriched vegetables that are avored with herbs and spices, using her expertise to craft vegan, pan-cultural dishes like po’ boy sandwiches and “gumbolaya,” an innovative marriage of gumbo and jambalaya.

DeLaine says that while concocting dishes like southern cabbage and sweet potato deep-dish pie, she works to invalidate the stereotype that soul food requires heavy, fatty foods. By putting a vegan spin on traditional soul food dishes, DeLaine hopes that she can convince others to “shift to a healthier way of eating and still not lose the taste, still not lose the tradition, still not lose the value of what we’re eating.”

Her community was receptive, she says. Soon after launching the Herban Vegans food service, DeLaine began receiving calls and questions about whether she could help people with certain health issues and diseases.

“I felt like people were crying out for help,” DeLaine says.

Completing the Findlay Launch storefront accelerator program in November, Herban Vegans is pivoting from a brickand-mortar presence to catering, meal planning and cooking classes, along with community-based events and a monthly vegan supper club.

No matter the format, DeLaine says she continues to meet customers wherever they are in their plant-based journey, including crafting dishes for those on a speci c vegan diet — like raw or alkaline vegans — as well as meals for those who are incorporating more plants into their omnivore diets.

CONQUERING FOOD APARTHEID

For many people of a certain income level, the national, Amazon-owned Whole Foods is the place to go for plantbased and vegan groceries. e shelves there are crowded with things like vegan jerky, plant-based food coloring, nut milks, vegan cheese and fresh produce.

But not every community has a Whole Foods, or even a standard grocery store with budget-friendly vegan options.

Depending on one’s location and access to transportation, stores with healthy foods can be hard to get to, especially when they’re in the Cincinnati suburbs.

Sams, the communications rep at Like

Mom’s Only Vegan, says that as long as she’s lived in Bond Hill, there has never been a grocery store in the area.

“ ere are corner stores and gas stations. And we know what are in corner stores and gas stations,” Sams noted in her Cincy VegFest talk in June. “It’s not anything you can build a meal out of.”

For Sams and other residents of Bond Hill, there are three Kroger stores in areas surrounding the neighborhood. But by bus – which many Bond Hill residents rely upon – it can take up to two hours of travel and transfers to get there in addition to the time spent doing the actual shopping. For those working full-time jobs, raising kids or attending to other aspects of life, the task can be daunting.

A lack of big-box grocery stores isn’t just a Bond Hill issue – 270,000 households within Cincinnati su er from food insecurity, according to Freestore Foodbank. For example, Avondale hasn’t seen a grocery store since the neighborhood Aldi closed its doors in 2008, and Walnut Hills’ CVS – which was a pharmacy that carried a few food items – closed in the fall.

e residents in these and other communities are in food deserts, which the Merriam-Webster dictionary de nes as “an area in which little fresh produce is available for sale.” However, in Cincinnati, “food apartheid” may be much more tting.

e word “desert” has the association of being naturally occurring, while the term “food apartheid” – a term that now is frequently used by activists – recognizes the systemic racism, oppression and discriminatory practices that play a role in creating the lack of grocery stores and fresh produce available in places such as Bond Hill. Like that neighborhood, Roselawn, Avondale, North Avondale and Walnut Hills are predominantly Black.

“If you know a Black vegan or a Black vegan business owner, it is likely that they’ve had to overcome [systemic food disparity, disproportionate health issues and cultural connections] to become Black and vegan,” Sams said in her Cincy VegFest talk.

Without easy access to fruits and vegetables, making the transition to a vegan diet – and sticking to it – is a much harder task.

“Veganism and that lifestyle choice perhaps is not a lifestyle choice a orded to low-income individuals if access to healthy foods is so challenging and unavailable from an a ordability perspective,” Tevis Foreman, executive director of Produce Perks Midwest, tells CityBeat

Produce Perks is a non-pro t that works to bring local, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income families. A ordable access to produce is

Meiser’s Fresh Grocery & Deli regularly provides Lower Price Hill with fresh produce.

PHOTO: AIDAN MAHONEY

something that falls under the umbrella of basic human rights, Foreman says.

Produce Perks is available to those receiving SNAP and Pandemic EBT bene ts, essentially doubling the purchasing power of those bene ts through a $1-for$1 match and allowing people to get fresh foods that they otherwise might not have the chance to buy. Bene ts can be redeemed at various markets throughout the city. In 2021, Produce Perks served 28,140 households and provided more than 1.5 million servings of fruits and vegetables, according to the nonpro t’s 2021 impact report.

But residents also are taking matters into their own hands by getting down and dirty in community gardens and opening smaller grocery stores that o er produce, canned goods and other pantry staples.

Cincinnati is home to many community gardens scattered across the city. e Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati’s website touts that its 75 community gardens and 50 school programs provide “neighborhood residents the opportunity to have direct access to the fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables we all need.”

Gary Dangel, a longtime resident of Walnut Hills, says he made the decision to use his retirement to – along with neighbors – redevelop vacant lots into the neighborhood’s rst community gardens.

In addition to being gathering hubs, the gardens also aid in the ght against food inaccessibility, he says.

“Community gardens demonstrate our ability to provide for ourselves when retailers are absent in our

neighborhood,” Dangel tells CityBeat.

Dangel is now the food access coordinator of the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation. As of press time, Walnut Hills is home to eight community gardens.

Dangel says residents are becoming more comfortable harvesting their own produce and herbs and that neighborhood schools like Frederick Douglass Elementary incorporate aspects of the garden into their classrooms.

But with constrictive growing seasons, unpredictable weather and pesky critters that hinder food production, the gardens can’t replace a neighborhood grocery

store. And that means that veganism can be hard to adhere to.

at’s where a resurgence of mini markets comes in.

e Healthy Harvest Mobile Market is a grocery store on wheels that travels to food-insecure communities within Cincinnati. Each week, the Healthy Harvest Mobile Market makes stops in areas such as Avondale, Price Hill, Lincoln Heights and Bond Hill, providing fresh produce and other staples that otherwise would be hard to get without a big-box grocery store in the neighborhood.

Meanwhile, in Lower Price Hill, Meiser’s opened in the 1940s as a family-owned

grocery store. A longtime neighborhood staple and the go-to place for an afterschool snack, the community was shaken when Meiser’s announced that the store would be closing in 2017. But through a community-fueled e ort and resources from nonpro ts and from the city itself, the store perseveres today as Meiser’s Fresh Grocery & Deli and provides the neighborhood with fresh produce as well as pantry and household staples.

In Avondale, the owners of e Country Meat Company, Tennel and Chanel Bryant, soon will open a grocery store within Avondale Town Center. eir plans call for fresh meats, local produce, wine tastings and meals to go. In a 2021 interview with WCPO-TV, Chanel Bryant noted the lack of places to get fresh items in Avondale.

“We want to break that cycle,” Chanel Bryant told WCPO.

And in Bond Hill, minority-owned organization Community Economic Advancement Initiatives recently broke ground on a project to revitalize the Bond Hill Market in April. e market will provide the neighborhood with fresh produce, meats and cheeses, along with hot meals prepared by culinary students.

Communication and collaboration can make meaningful veganism accessible to more communities, DeLaine says.

“I believe that veganism [and] food consumption is a bridge,” DeLaine says. “Whenever you break bread with somebody and you sit down at the table, it spurs conversation. And I believe that the way that the world is right now that we need that communication more than ever.”

PHOTOS: AIDAN MAHONEY

Top: Bond Hill Market soon will serve its namesake neighborhood again. Above: Meiser’s often shares free fresh produce with customers.

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

soundtrack and liverwurst sandwiches.

FIRST PERSON

‘White hrist as’ in o in ton

‘White hrist as’ in o in ton

An exhibit at the Behringer-Crawford Museum celebrating the iconic holiday lm cements one CityBeat writer’s embrace of the musical.

BY MAIJA ZUMMO

BY MAIJA ZUMMO

To say I dislike musicals is an understatement. I hate them; I don’t understand why anyone needs to break into a song-and-dance routine to describe where they’re going or what they’re doing. So it’s shocking, to no one more so than myself, that White Christmas — which is basically two hours of campy caroling — is one of my favorite lms of all time.

To say I dislike musicals is an understatement. I hate them; I don’t understand why anyone needs to break into a song-and-dance routine to describe where they’re going or what they’re doing. So it’s shocking, to no one more so than myself, that White Christmas — which is basically two hours of campy caroling — is one of my favorite lms of all time.

e 1954 holiday classic stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two musical

e 1954 holiday classic stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two musical

World War II veterans who attempt to save their former commanding general’s Vermont inn from nancial ruin and pay tribute to the “Old Man” with a stage show featuring spirited singing sister duo Rosemary Clooney and VeraEllen. ere’s wintertime romance, physical comedy and pithy dialogue set against a quaint backdrop with stunning costuming, elaborate choreography and lots (and lots) of singing, all complemented by an Irving Berlin

World War II veterans who attempt to save their former commanding general’s Vermont inn from nancial ruin and pay tribute to the “Old Man” with a stage show featuring spirited singing sister duo Rosemary Clooney and VeraEllen. ere’s wintertime romance, physical comedy and pithy dialogue set against a quaint backdrop with stunning costuming, elaborate choreography and lots (and lots) of singing, all complemented by an Irving Berlin

In short, it’s a big Old Hollywood vehicle that taps into a romanticized nostalgia for bygone times — albeit through a very white, cisgender lens — and encapsulates the Platonic ideal of the “Christmas spirit.”

soundtrack and liverwurst sandwiches.

In short, it’s a big Old Hollywood vehicle that taps into a romanticized nostalgia for bygone times — albeit through a very white, cisgender lens — and encapsulates the Platonic ideal of the “Christmas spirit.”

And all of it is on display in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: e Exhibit, a collection at Covington’s BehringerCrawford Museum of movie memorabilia and costumes on loan from the Rosemary Clooney House museum in Augusta, Kentucky.

And all of it is on display in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: e Exhibit, a collection at Covington’s BehringerCrawford Museum of movie memorabilia and costumes on loan from the Rosemary Clooney House museum in Augusta, Kentucky.

“ e White Christmas exhibit has a tradition of traveling over the last several years. It’s booked for, I think, the next 10 years,” says Jason French, curator of collections at the BCM. “And it just so happened that this year where it was planned to go wasn’t going to be able to work out and [the Rosemary Clooney House] wanted to do something close.”

“ e White Christmas exhibit has a tradition of traveling over the last several years. It’s booked for, I think, the next 10 years,” says Jason French, curator of collections at the BCM. “And it just so happened that this year where it was planned to go wasn’t going to be able to work out and [the Rosemary Clooney House] wanted to do something close.”

As much as White Christmas is a beloved holiday tale, it’s also a local one. Not only was Clooney from the area — she was born in Maysville, Kentucky and went to high school in Cincinnati — but so were co-stars

As much as White Christmas is a beloved holiday tale, it’s also a local one. Not only was Clooney from the area — she was born in Maysville, Kentucky and went to high school in Cincinnati — but so were co-stars

Vera-Ellen and dancer George Chakiris, who later went on to win an Oscar for his role in West Side Story

e Rosemary Clooney House – which is located in Clooney’s former historic riverside residence in Augusta, where she lived from 1980 until her death in 2002 – was turned into a museum in 2005 by new owners Dr. Steve Henry, a former lieutenant governor of Kentucky, and his wife, Heather French Henry, a former Miss America. French Henry (no relation to the BCM’s French) was born in Augusta and studied fashion and design at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, which spurred her interest in garment restoration and preservation. She was friends with Clooney, who acted as something of a mentor in dealing with celebrity after French Henry won her Miss America title in 1999.

e Rosemary Clooney House – which is located in Clooney’s former historic riverside residence in Augusta, where she lived from 1980 until her death in 2002 – was turned into a museum in 2005 by new owners Dr. Steve Henry, a former lieutenant governor of Kentucky, and his wife, Heather French Henry, a former Miss America. French Henry (no relation to the BCM’s French) was born in Augusta and studied fashion and design at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, which spurred her interest in garment restoration and preservation. She was friends with Clooney, who acted as something of a mentor in dealing with celebrity after French Henry won her Miss America title in 1999.

“In return, this Rosemary Clooney museum, and building her collections, has been a way to give back to her — to create this wonderful legacy of her life and career,” French Henry said during a recent NKY History Hour presentation with the BCM.

“In return, this Rosemary Clooney museum, and building her collections, has been a way to give back to her — to create this wonderful legacy of her life and career,” French Henry said during a recent NKY History Hour presentation with the BCM.

Out ts from the cast party scene in White Christmas PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

60th anniversary movie poster PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

Vintage White Christmas movie posters

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

The original Columbia Inn sign from the lm and Heather French Henry’s replica red dress

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO FIRST

An exhibit at the Behringer-Crawford Museum celebrating the iconic holiday lm cements one CityBeat writer’s embrace of the musical.

Vera-Ellen and dancer George Chakiris, who later went on to win an Oscar for his role in West Side Story.

Out ts from the cast party scene in White Christmas PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

60th anniversary movie poster PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

Vintage White Christmas movie posters PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

French Henry has spearheaded the accumulation of items for the Rosemary Clooney House, which is now home to more than can even be displayed, including Clooney’s movie costumes and ephemera, architectural salvage from her former Beverly Hills mansion, vintage cars and the self-described “largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia in the world.”

French Henry has spearheaded the accumulation of items for the Rosemary Clooney House, which is now home to more than can even be displayed, including Clooney’s movie costumes and ephemera, architectural salvage from her former Beverly Hills mansion, vintage cars and the self-described “largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia in the world.”

“We have traveled the collection to a wide variety of museums over the past decade,” French Henry tells CityBeat “Some of the museums include the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina and the Oshkosh Public Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It’s always so great to see how other museums reimagine the collection based on the space they have [for] the exhibition. e Rosemary Clooney House museum is quite limited in space as we are a ‘house’ museum. erefore, the larger museums are able to showcase more of the complete collection.”

“We have traveled the collection to a wide variety of museums over the past decade,” French Henry tells CityBeat. “Some of the museums include the Upcountry History Museum in Greenville, South Carolina and the Oshkosh Public Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It’s always so great to see how other museums reimagine the collection based on the space they have [for] the exhibition. e Rosemary Clooney House museum is quite limited in space as we are a ‘house’ museum. erefore, the larger museums are able to showcase more of the complete collection.”

At the Behringer-Crawford Museum, the White Christmas exhibit spans multiple rooms. ere are roughly 20 costumes in Plexiglas display cases, organized by scene or song, including Vera-Ellen’s elaborately bejeweled dance out t from “Mandy,” Clooney’s rhinestone gloves from “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and the blue dresses and a fan from “Sisters.”

At the Behringer-Crawford Museum, the White Christmas exhibit spans multiple rooms. ere are roughly 20 costumes in Plexiglas display cases, organized by scene or song, including Vera-Ellen’s elaborately bejeweled dance out t from “Mandy,” Clooney’s rhinestone gloves from “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me” and the blue dresses and a fan from “Sisters.”

“Vera and George Chakiris were both from Norwood, right in the center of Cincinnati, so you had not only Vera and George, but Rosemary graduated from Western Hills in Cincinnati. e Tri-State area did an amazing job of producing stars for this movie,” French Henry says. “ e connection of the cast to the TriState area makes exhibiting this collection at BCM a natural choice for us.”

“Vera and George Chakiris were both from Norwood, right in the center of Cincinnati, so you had not only Vera and George, but Rosemary graduated from Western Hills in Cincinnati. e Tri-State area did an amazing job of producing stars for this movie,” French Henry says. “ e connection of the cast to the TriState area makes exhibiting this collection at BCM a natural choice for us.”

“Most visitors have shared stories of their memories watching [White Christmas] as a tradition during the holiday season,” French Henry adds. “ e music and the costumes are so iconic, which is unlike most movies of

“Most visitors have shared stories of their memories watching [White Christmas] as a tradition during the holiday season,” French Henry adds. “ e music and the costumes are so iconic, which is unlike most movies of

that age, where generally the actresses and actors are the only stars. However, in White Christmas, the costumes and songs are equally celebrated and remembered.”

that age, where generally the actresses and actors are the only stars. However, in White Christmas, the costumes and songs are equally celebrated and remembered.”

e BCM also has vintage White Christmas movie posters on the wall, vignettes featuring chairs and a sign from the Columbia Inn set and bits of unique ephemera, including recently acquired mementos from choreographer Robert Alton and out t spec sheets from costume designer Edith Head. Head created all of the costumes for the White Christmas, as well as one on display from Irving Berlin’s 1942 precursor, Holiday Inn, which rst featured Crosby crooning the song “White Christmas.” at costume — a starspangled chorus girl out t — makes several Easter-egg appearances in the background of the later lm.

e BCM also has vintage White Christmas movie posters on the wall, vignettes featuring chairs and a sign from the Columbia Inn set and bits of unique ephemera, including recently acquired mementos from choreographer Robert Alton and out t spec sheets from costume designer Edith Head. Head created all of the costumes for the White Christmas, as well as one on display from Irving Berlin’s 1942 precursor, Holiday Inn, which rst featured Crosby crooning the song “White Christmas.” at costume — a starspangled chorus girl out t — makes several Easter-egg appearances in the background of the later lm.

“Edith Head is arguably the most important and in uential costume designer in cinematic history,” French Henry says. “She won eight Academy Awards and had a career that spanned nearly 60 years in Hollywood. Her work with both Paramount Studios [which distributed White Christmas] and Universal Studios is regarded as the gold standard in costume design.”

“Edith Head is arguably the most important and in uential costume designer in cinematic history,” French Henry says. “She won eight Academy Awards and had a career that spanned nearly 60 years in Hollywood. Her work with both Paramount Studios [which distributed White Christmas] and Universal Studios is regarded as the gold standard in costume design.”

Head didn’t win an Oscar for White Christmas,but that doesn’t make the garments any less memorable to see in person for their detail, design and deference to Vera-Ellen’s 18-inch waist – and for their unique history.

Head didn’t win an Oscar for White Christmas,but that doesn’t make the garments any less memorable to see in person for their detail, design and deference to Vera-Ellen’s 18-inch waist – and for their unique history.

“A majority of the costumes that we’ve been able to nd around the world — because some of them have come from as far away as Scotland or London, some

“A majority of the costumes that we’ve been able to nd around the world — because some of them have come from as far away as Scotland or London, some

here in the United States, from the state of Washington, from cities like Las Vegas — most of them we’ve been able to restore back to somewhat of their former glory,” French Henry says.

here in the United States, from the state of Washington, from cities like Las Vegas — most of them we’ve been able to restore back to somewhat of their former glory,” French Henry says.

She says they found Clooney’s “Sisters” dress on eBay, listed under “vintage ’50s party dress,” and VeraEllen’s dress with a collector in Texas. It took three years to restore both dresses to their current condition.

She says they found Clooney’s “Sisters” dress on eBay, listed under “vintage ’50s party dress,” and VeraEllen’s dress with a collector in Texas. It took three years to restore both dresses to their current condition.

“ e ‘Sisters’ number seems to be that huge iconic [song] — outside of the ‘White Christmas’ song — that people have an emotional tie to, so when they see those ‘Sisters’ dresses, that’s like the ‘wow,’” French Henry says.

“ e ‘Sisters’ number seems to be that huge iconic [song] — outside of the ‘White Christmas’ song — that people have an emotional tie to, so when they see those ‘Sisters’ dresses, that’s like the ‘wow,’” French Henry says.

e “Sisters” fan came from Paramount itself. French Henry says she initially contacted the studio, with whom she had worked as Miss America, after she was asked to make a holiday appearance in a red, fur-trimmed dress resembling the one worn by Clooney in the nal scene of White Christmas “ at was sort of their big uh-oh moment — they really didn’t know where anything was,” French Henry says.

e “Sisters” fan came from Paramount itself. French Henry says she initially contacted the studio, with whom she had worked as Miss America, after she was asked to make a holiday appearance in a red, fur-trimmed dress resembling the one worn by Clooney in the nal scene of White Christmas “ at was sort of their big uh-oh moment — they really didn’t know where anything was,” French Henry says.

Eventually, French Henry, a designer and her mother – a savvy seamstress –made a replica of the garment, which is on display at the BCM and is the item that launched the Clooney collection.

Eventually, French Henry, a designer and her mother – a savvy seamstress –made a replica of the garment, which is on display at the BCM and is the item that launched the Clooney collection.

French Henry says that aAfter her call, Paramount began scouring “every crevice, corner and closet” and found the “Sisters” fan, which the studio loaned to the Rosemary Clooney House as its rst o cial piece of memorabilia ( e studio actually found both fans, but one was broken, reportedly because either Danny Kaye or Bing Crosby kept

French Henry says that aAfter her call, Paramount began scouring “every crevice, corner and closet” and found the “Sisters” fan, which the studio loaned to the Rosemary Clooney House as its rst o cial piece of memorabilia ( e studio actually found both fans, but one was broken, reportedly because either Danny Kaye or Bing Crosby kept

playfully slapping one another with it during the lming of the scene).

playfully slapping one another with it during the lming of the scene).

“We really still thought, ‘Oh we’ll just have Rosemary’s house, we’ll preserve it and we’ll have it open during festivals and we’ll be able to show a couple of things,’” French Henry says. “Well one thing led to the next and Paramount found a few more items and we privately purchased a few items, and now the museum is chock full.”

“We really still thought, ‘Oh we’ll just have Rosemary’s house, we’ll preserve it and we’ll have it open during festivals and we’ll be able to show a couple of things,’” French Henry says. “Well one thing led to the next and Paramount found a few more items and we privately purchased a few items, and now the museum is chock full.”

But even if visitors don’t care about the costumes, the Behringer-Crawford Museum’s French says the White Christmas exhibit has multiple stories to interest museumgoers.

But even if visitors don’t care about the costumes, the Behringer-Crawford Museum’s French says the White Christmas exhibit has multiple stories to interest museumgoers.

“ ere’s the holiday tradition of it. ere’s the story of Edith Head, the design, the design elements of it, the individual stories of the actors and the actresses, and the people involved in it,” he says. “ e fact that it’s really one of those post-World War II movies that’s addressing veteran’s issues — it’s really the only Christmas movie that does that at all. ‘What do you do with a general? What do you do when people are coming back from the con ict broken?’ You can pull this lm apart and there’s so many layers of fascinating history to it.”

“ ere’s the holiday tradition of it. ere’s the story of Edith Head, the design, the design elements of it, the individual stories of the actors and the actresses, and the people involved in it,” he says. “ e fact that it’s really one of those post-World War II movies that’s addressing veteran’s issues — it’s really the only Christmas movie that does that at all. ‘What do you do with a general? What do you do when people are coming back from the con ict broken?’ You can pull this lm apart and there’s so many layers of fascinating history to it.”

French Henry has even set up a philanthropic arm of the traveling exhibit called Operation Waverly, named after the lm’s General Waverly (owner of the failing Columbia Inn), which bene ts veterans. And the Behringer-Crawford Museum is collecting items for the Ohio Valley Goodwill veterans transition program.

French Henry has even set up a philanthropic arm of the traveling exhibit called Operation Waverly, named after the lm’s General Waverly (owner of the failing Columbia Inn), which bene ts veterans. And the Behringer-Crawford Museum is collecting items for the Ohio Valley Goodwill veterans transition program.

In addition to all of that, the lm also has “this really great local connection,” French says. “ ere’s a lot of talent from our region, and we like telling those stories.”

In addition to all of that, the lm also has “this really great local connection,” French says. “ ere’s a lot of talent from our region, and we like telling those stories.”

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Exhibit runs through Jan. 8 at the Behringer-Crawford Museum (1600 Montague Road, Covington) as part of its Holly Jolly Days exhibit. Info and tickets: bcmuseum.org.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Exhibit runs through Jan. 8 at the Behringer-Crawford Museum (1600 Montague Road, Covington) as part of its Holly Jolly Days exhibit. Info and tickets: bcmuseum.org.

“The music and the costumes are so iconic, which is unlike most movies of that age, where generally the actresses and actors are the only stars. However, in White Christmas, the costumes and songs are equally celebrated and remembered.”

Costumes from the “Mandy” dance sequence

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

Holiday Inn dress

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

The fan and dresses from “Sisters”

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

“The music and the costumes are so iconic, which is unlike most movies of that age, where generally the actresses and actors are the only stars. However, in White Christmas, the costumes and songs are equally celebrated and remembered.”

Costumes from the “Mandy” dance sequence

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

Holiday Inn dress

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

The fan and dresses from “Sisters”

PHOTO: MAIJA ZUMMO

CULTURE

Irreverent Every Christmas Story Ever Told Is Back for Year 16

Irreverent Every Christmas Story Ever Told Is Back for Year 16

BY RICK PENDER

BY RICK PENDER

It’s a bit of an irony that the biggest long-term hit for the city’s classic stage, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, is a show that pokes fun at “beloved holiday classics” (aka “BHCs”) —Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And en Some!) by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez.

It’s a bit of an irony that the biggest long-term hit for the city’s classic stage, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, is a show that pokes fun at “beloved holiday classics” (aka “BHCs”) —Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And en Some!) by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez.

It begins as another iteration of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol but quickly goes o the rails when two actors rebel against a colleague intent on staging yet another iteration of the holiday staple that’s been produced by countless theater companies across America (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has taken a break from producing its version of A Christmas Carol this year with a promise of a new adaptation for 2023, and Cincinnati Landmark Productions is o ering a revival of its musicalized version of the show at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts).

It begins as another iteration of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol but quickly goes o the rails when two actors rebel against a colleague intent on staging yet another iteration of the holiday staple that’s been produced by countless theater companies across America (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has taken a break from producing its version of A Christmas Carol this year with a promise of a new adaptation for 2023, and Cincinnati Landmark Productions is o ering a revival of its musicalized version of the show at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts).

Every Christmas Story goes o on a merry jaunt through pop culture favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas and more. e theater annually ramps up the frivolity and keeps this annual production fresh and fun with send-ups of everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of hijinks and ad-libbed, topical humor. In advance

Every Christmas Story goes o on a merry jaunt through pop culture favorites such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas and more. e theater annually ramps up the frivolity and keeps this annual production fresh and fun with send-ups of everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of hijinks and ad-libbed, topical humor. In advance

publicity, Cincy Shakes gently warns that this is “a show best enjoyed by adults and older teens; it is not recommended for any theatergoers young enough to believe in Santa Claus.”

publicity, Cincy Shakes gently warns that this is “a show best enjoyed by adults and older teens; it is not recommended for any theatergoers young enough to believe in Santa Claus.”

“ is show is predicated on a familiarity with pop culture. We look at the recent iteration and back at the original script as well,” says Cincy Shakes veteran Jeremy Dubin, who has been the show’s director for 15 of its 16 years (the show did not premiere in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). “But over the years we’ll take some time at rehearsals and add some things. e actors absolutely contribute to the process.”

“ is show is predicated on a familiarity with pop culture. We look at the recent iteration and back at the original script as well,” says Cincy Shakes veteran Jeremy Dubin, who has been the show’s director for 15 of its 16 years (the show did not premiere in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). “But over the years we’ll take some time at rehearsals and add some things. e actors absolutely contribute to the process.”

Justin McCombs, a rubbery comedic veteran, has been in the show every year from the beginning. Dubin praises McCombs’s ability to “exercise his inner child.”

Justin McCombs, a rubbery comedic veteran, has been in the show every year from the beginning. Dubin praises McCombs’s ability to “exercise his inner child.”

Recent additions to the show Geoffrey Warren Barnes II and Candice Handy bring their own senses of humor to the staging, coming up with personal bits that hit the audience’s funny bones night after night.

Recent additions to the show Geoffrey Warren Barnes II and Candice Handy bring their own senses of humor to the staging, coming up with personal bits that hit the audience’s funny bones night after night.

Cincy Shakes has its own particular take on one aspect of the show: Drunk Santa.

Cincy Shakes has its own particular take on one aspect of the show: Drunk Santa.

“[ e character] was a creation when we started the show in the courtyard at Arnold’s Bar & Grill back in the day,” Dubin says. “It was a creation of necessity — a kind of stage manager, crowd

“[ e character] was a creation when we started the show in the courtyard at Arnold’s Bar & Grill back in the day,” Dubin says. “It was a creation of necessity — a kind of stage manager, crowd

wrangler who played a boom-box with sound cues. It was fun interacting with the crowd, and it became more and more a beloved part of the show.”

in Wales, misunderstood here as A Child’s Christmas with Whales. He comes onstage in a silly pirate’s out t.

in Wales, misunderstood here as A Child’s Christmas with Whales. He comes onstage in a silly pirate’s out t.

“And every year, we add a new element. After 16 years, he’s really loaded down — parrot on one shoulder, an octopus on another, eye patch, three swords, a peg leg,” Dubin says.

“And every year, we add a new element. After 16 years, he’s really loaded down — parrot on one shoulder, an octopus on another, eye patch, three swords, a peg leg,” Dubin says.

Dubin also cherishes McCombs’s portrait of Mr. Gower in the second act’s mashup of It’s a Wonderful Life with A Christmas Carol

Dubin also cherishes McCombs’s portrait of Mr. Gower in the second act’s mashup of It’s a Wonderful Life with A Christmas Carol

“He plays him with this big cigar.” Just describing it, Dubin begins to laugh. “I have tears in my eyes every time I watch him do this.”

“He plays him with this big cigar.” Just describing it, Dubin begins to laugh. “I have tears in my eyes every time I watch him do this.”

e show continues to break Cincy Shakes audience records annually, and its run has been expanded to meet the demand.

e show continues to break Cincy Shakes audience records annually, and its run has been expanded to meet the demand.

“We had to add more and more chairs to that courtyard,” Dubin recalls about the early years at Arnold’s. “We outgrew that and moved it to our old theater. We were still selling out the weeks before Christmas, so we kept pushing back and back.”

“We had to add more and more chairs to that courtyard,” Dubin recalls about the early years at Arnold’s. “We outgrew that and moved it to our old theater. We were still selling out the weeks before Christmas, so we kept pushing back and back.”

at’s possible now at the company’s new theater in Over-the-Rhine.

at’s possible now at the company’s new theater in Over-the-Rhine.

wrangler who played a boom-box with sound cues. It was fun interacting with the crowd, and it became more and more a beloved part of the show.” After several years, the show outgrew Arnold’s and moved to the company’s former Race Street theater. By that time, Drunk Santa had become rmly installed as his own “BHC,” a presence on the side to throw in snarky comments.

After several years, the show outgrew Arnold’s and moved to the company’s former Race Street theater. By that time, Drunk Santa had become rmly installed as his own “BHC,” a presence on the side to throw in snarky comments.

is year, the completely improvised role is being undertaken for the rst time by Colleen Dougherty, a threeyear veteran with the company.

is year, the completely improvised role is being undertaken for the rst time by Colleen Dougherty, a threeyear veteran with the company.

“She will nd her way. It’s out of the brain of the actor and in reaction to the crowd. Colleen is the youngest member of the cast, the rst Gen-Z actor to perform in the show,” Dubin says.

“She will nd her way. It’s out of the brain of the actor and in reaction to the crowd. Colleen is the youngest member of the cast, the rst Gen-Z actor to perform in the show,” Dubin says.

Since moving to the new Otto M. Budig eater, the show has more space.

Since moving to the new Otto M. Budig eater, the show has more space.

“We’ve expanded the set,” Dubin says. “We have this big reveal moment. When the audience comes in, it’s traditionally Dickensian. en the entire set ips around to an over-the-top scene. Our designer says, ‘Christmas is thrown up.’ It usually garners applause from the audience.”

“We’ve expanded the set,” Dubin says. “We have this big reveal moment. When the audience comes in, it’s traditionally Dickensian. en the entire set ips around to an over-the-top scene. Our designer says, ‘Christmas is thrown up.’ It usually garners applause from the audience.”

Asked to pick his favorite moment, Dubin cites McCombs’s demented and silly performance in a ri on Dylan omas’s reverie on A Child’s Christmas

Asked to pick his favorite moment, Dubin cites McCombs’s demented and silly performance in a ri on Dylan omas’s reverie on A Child’s Christmas

For 2022, performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday-Sunday, with a Monday performance on Dec. 19 and two Wednesday performances on Dec. 21 and 28. Matinees at 2 p.m. are available on Dec. 17, 18 and 31. An audiodescribed performance is set for Dec. 16, and a sign-language-interpreted rendition will be o ered on Dec. 31.

For 2022, performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday-Sunday, with a Monday performance on Dec. 19 and two Wednesday performances on Dec. 21 and 28. Matinees at 2 p.m. are available on Dec. 17, 18 and 31. An audiodescribed performance is set for Dec. 16, and a sign-language-interpreted rendition will be o ered on Dec. 31.

“ ose actors are working hard,” Dubin points out in reference to their packed performance schedule.

“ ose actors are working hard,” Dubin points out in reference to their packed performance schedule.

After a decade and a half, Dubin says he still has great fun staging the show.

After a decade and a half, Dubin says he still has great fun staging the show.

“It’s a joy and I love it. I love the people. I pop in numerous times during the run, stick my head in from the lobby when a bit’s coming up that I want to watch,” Dubin says.

“It’s a joy and I love it. I love the people. I pop in numerous times during the run, stick my head in from the lobby when a bit’s coming up that I want to watch,” Dubin says.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told is perfect for date nights, families with older children and teens, and company holiday outings. eatergoers are encouraged to arrive with Christmas sweaters and Santa hats and enjoy festive drinks at the lobby bar before (and during) the show! Attending the show has become its own “beloved holiday tradition.”

Every Christmas Story Ever Told is perfect for date nights, families with older children and teens, and company holiday outings. eatergoers are encouraged to arrive with Christmas sweaters and Santa hats and enjoy festive drinks at the lobby bar before (and during) the show! Attending the show has become its own “beloved holiday tradition.”

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), produced by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, continues through Dec. 31 at the Otto M. Budig eater, Over-the-Rhine.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), produced by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, continues through Dec. 31 at the Otto M. Budig eater, Over-the-Rhine.

Info: cincyshakes.com.

Info: cincyshakes.com.

L-R: Justin McCombs, Candice Handy and Geoffrey Warren Barnes III star in Every Christmas Story Ever Told at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY

L-R: Justin McCombs, Candice Handy and Geoffrey Warren Barnes III star in Every Christmas Story Ever Told at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Newly Opened Luca Bistro Showcases French

Cuisine in a

Newly Opened Luca Bistro Showcases French Cuisine in a New Light

New Light

Frédéric Maniet is committed to dishing up French food for everyone in Mt. Adams.

BY KELSEY GRAHAM

BY KELSEY GRAHAM

Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at the newly opened Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams. Many times in the United States, French cuisine is considered a fancy option, but chef Frédéric Maniet is on a mission to change that in Cincinnati.

Simple and French cuisine make up the unlikely duo at the newly opened Luca Bistro in Mt. Adams. Many times in the United States, French cuisine is considered a fancy option, but chef Frédéric Maniet is on a mission to change that in Cincinnati.

Maniet grew up in the south of France and always wanted to become a chef.

Maniet grew up in the south of France and always wanted to become a chef.

“ at’s what I did my whole life,” he tells CityBeat. “It’s a passion of mine.”

“ at’s what I did my whole life,” he tells CityBeat. “It’s a passion of mine.”

At 16 years old, he started tagging along and helping his brother on weekends at his restaurant job, Maniet says. Years later, he graduated from culinary school in Avignon, France.

At 16 years old, he started tagging along and helping his brother on weekends at his restaurant job, Maniet says. Years later, he graduated from culinary school in Avignon, France.

Maniet says he came to Cincinnati more than 20 years ago on what started out as an extended, adventurous trip to America.

Maniet says he came to Cincinnati more than 20 years ago on what started out as an extended, adventurous trip to America.

“I traveled with my backpack and just wanted to visit America,” Maniet says, adding that during this trip, he met his wife, and they eventually married and had children. “One thing led to another, and I stayed in America.”

“I traveled with my backpack and just wanted to visit America,” Maniet says, adding that during this trip, he met his wife, and they eventually married and had children. “One thing led to another, and I stayed in America.”

e family moved back to France in 2007, eventually returning to Cincinnati three years later.

greatest moves I’ve ever done,” Maniet says.

greatest moves I’ve ever done,” Maniet says.

roughout his time in Cincinnati, Maniet worked as a chef for private clubs, including the Queen City Club and the University Club of Cincinnati, often making what he describes as “fancy” French food. But this wasn’t his end goal.

roughout his time in Cincinnati, Maniet worked as a chef for private clubs, including the Queen City Club and the University Club of Cincinnati, often making what he describes as “fancy” French food. But this wasn’t his end goal.

“It always was a dream of mine to open a restaurant,” Maniet says.

“It always was a dream of mine to open a restaurant,” Maniet says.

Around 2021, things in Maniet’s world started shifting, allowing him to switch gears in his professional life. His children were becoming more independent, with one starting college and the other a year away from graduating high school, and his wife was recently promoted at work. With all of this, he knew it was the right time to start the next phase of his life: opening his own restaurant. anks to a friend of a friend, Maniet found Luca’s home in the former Daveed’s restaurant space in the hills of Mt. Adams.

Around 2021, things in Maniet’s world started shifting, allowing him to switch gears in his professional life. His children were becoming more independent, with one starting college and the other a year away from graduating high school, and his wife was recently promoted at work. With all of this, he knew it was the right time to start the next phase of his life: opening his own restaurant. anks to a friend of a friend, Maniet found Luca’s home in the former Daveed’s restaurant space in the hills of Mt. Adams.

renovations and decorating of the space with help from family and friends. “I wanted to make sure the space represents what I was looking for; that’s why I did everything — construction and decoration,” says Maniet. After almost a year of renovating, painting and decorating the space, Maniet o cially opened Luca Bistro on Oct. 14.

renovations and decorating of the space with help from family and friends. “I wanted to make sure the space represents what I was looking for; that’s why I did everything — construction and decoration,” says Maniet. After almost a year of renovating, painting and decorating the space, Maniet o cially opened Luca Bistro on Oct. 14.

“My motto is French food for everybody,” Maniet says.

“My motto is French food for everybody,” Maniet says.

Luca Bistro is a casual space where patrons are meant to come often instead of annually, Maniet says.

Luca Bistro is a casual space where patrons are meant to come often instead of annually, Maniet says.

“I want to see you come three times a week here rather than once a year on your anniversary,” he says.

“I want to see you come three times a week here rather than once a year on your anniversary,” he says.

Maniet says he always knew he wanted to show the simplicity of French food and let the avors speak for themselves.

Maniet says he always knew he wanted to show the simplicity of French food and let the avors speak for themselves.

“When I did the country clubs, I was doing the fancy French foods and all those little things,” he says. “In today’s society, you can go to a food truck and, for $5, get one of the best tacos you’ve ever had. It’s a simple French bistro like we have back home in France.”

“When I did the country clubs, I was doing the fancy French foods and all those little things,” he says. “In today’s society, you can go to a food truck and, for $5, get one of the best tacos you’ve ever had. It’s a simple French bistro like we have back home in France.”

are common in French foods.

are common in French foods.

“I love America; it’s one of the

e family moved back to France in 2007, eventually returning to Cincinnati three years later.

“I love America; it’s one of the

With over 30 years in the restaurant industry as a chef and 15 of those being an executive chef, Maniet was ready to become a restaurant owner. After nding the right spot for Luca, he spent the next 11 months managing the

With over 30 years in the restaurant industry as a chef and 15 of those being an executive chef, Maniet was ready to become a restaurant owner. After nding the right spot for Luca, he spent the next 11 months managing the

Luca Bistro o ers a set menu for diners for brunch, lunch and dinner at a price that is more modest than what often is expected at French restaurants.

“If you go to France, it’s not fancy,” Maniet says. “It’s chicken and fries, you know. It’s always very simple, and that’s exactly what this is here.”

“If you go to France, it’s not fancy,” Maniet says. “It’s chicken and fries, you know. It’s always very simple, and that’s exactly what this is here.”

e menu is lled with cozy, avorful and laid-back dishes that Maniet says

Luca Bistro o ers a set menu for diners for brunch, lunch and dinner at a price that is more modest than what often is expected at French restaurants. e menu is lled with cozy, avorful and laid-back dishes that Maniet says

Maniet says he has been in the United States long enough to know he can’t always make food precisely as they do in France, since American palettes are di erent. He bases all of

Maniet says he has been in the United States long enough to know he can’t always make food precisely as they do in France, since American palettes are di erent. He bases all of

Frédéric Maniet opened Luca Bistro in October.

PHOTO: ASHLEY MOOR

Luca Bistro serves up an assortment of French table wines.

PHOTO:COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Maniet did most of the renovating and decorating of the space himself.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Frédéric Maniet is committed to dishing up French food for everyone in Mt. Adams.

Frédéric Maniet opened Luca Bistro in October.

PHOTO: ASHLEY MOOR

Luca Bistro serves up an assortment of French table wines.

PHOTO:COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Maniet did most of the renovating and decorating of the space himself.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

his dishes on French recipes with slight alterations when needed.

his dishes on French recipes with slight alterations when needed.

“I’ve been here for so long, so I kinda know the taste and tweak a little bit,” he says. “Everything is French I put on [the menu].”

“I’ve been here for so long, so I kinda know the taste and tweak a little bit,” he says. “Everything is French I put on [the menu].”

e breakfast menu o ers familiar favorites like cheese, meat and vegetable omelets along with eggs benedict and pain au chocolat. Diners also can

e breakfast menu o ers familiar favorites like cheese, meat and vegetable omelets along with eggs benedict and pain au chocolat. Diners also can

enjoy sipping on café drinks, including a regular café or café au lait, or even an Americano or orange juice.

enjoy sipping on café drinks, including a regular café or café au lait, or even an Americano or orange juice.

For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad topped with tuna steak and Dijon dressing and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious gruyère and béchamel cheeses. e lunch menu also features

For lunch, the menu changes to include salads and sandwiches, like a classic Niçoise salad topped with tuna steak and Dijon dressing and a mouthwatering croque monsieur layered with delicious gruyère and béchamel cheeses. e lunch menu also features

a pan-seared salmon with an herb cream sauce. For those who are fans of mussels, there are the moules-frites that combine savory steamed mussels, white wine and frites for a robust dish.

experienced from Mt. Adams.

e dinner menu is similar to the lunch o erings with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board lled with French cheeses and tasty meats and basil Boursin crostinis piled high with irresistible Boursin cheese spread. And then there are the sides, with frites, ratatouille and cauli ower gratin waiting to complement the main dish, plus decadent dessert options such as chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée that can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner.

a pan-seared salmon with an herb cream sauce. For those who are fans of mussels, there are the moules-frites that combine savory steamed mussels, white wine and frites for a robust dish. e dinner menu is similar to the lunch o erings with a few more options, including starters like a charcuterie board lled with French cheeses and tasty meats and basil Boursin crostinis piled high with irresistible Boursin cheese spread. And then there are the sides, with frites, ratatouille and cauli ower gratin waiting to complement the main dish, plus decadent dessert options such as chocolate mousse and orange crème brûlée that can be enjoyed during lunch or dinner.

Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, including various reds, whites and rose choices, along with beers and cocktails.

Diners also can order an assortment of French table wines, including various reds, whites and rose choices, along with beers and cocktails.

Maniet says that so far, he has been overwhelmed by the warm welcoming and excitement Luca Bistro has

Maniet says that so far, he has been overwhelmed by the warm welcoming and excitement Luca Bistro has

“ e support of the Mt. Adams community is unbelievable,” Maniet says. “What Mt Adams went through the past two to ve years was really hard on them. A lot of the restaurants closed, and college kids went to Over-theRhine… Most of the locals say, ‘ ank you so much for opening a restaurant here.’”

experienced from Mt. Adams.

“ e support of the Mt. Adams community is unbelievable,” Maniet says. “What Mt Adams went through the past two to ve years was really hard on them. A lot of the restaurants closed, and college kids went to Over-theRhine… Most of the locals say, ‘ ank you so much for opening a restaurant here.’”

As Luca Bistro grows its sta , Maniet hopes to keep expanding the menu and adding fresh, daily specials. For now, he’s excited to be part of Mt. Adams, introducing the Cincinnati area to a new way to dine French.

As Luca Bistro grows its sta , Maniet hopes to keep expanding the menu and adding fresh, daily specials. For now, he’s excited to be part of Mt. Adams, introducing the Cincinnati area to a new way to dine French.

“ e best advice, I always said: keep it simple,” Maniet says. “If you keep it simple, it’s going to be good, and that’s what this is. I keep it simple and straightforward, and the response has been extremely overwhelming.”

“ e best advice, I always said: keep it simple,” Maniet says. “If you keep it simple, it’s going to be good, and that’s what this is. I keep it simple and straightforward, and the response has been extremely overwhelming.”

Luca Bistro, 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams. Info: lucabistro.com.

Luca Bistro, 934 Hatch St., Mt. Adams.

Info: lucabistro.com.

Luca Bistro’s menu features French recipes with an American twist.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Maniet hopes to give Cincinnatians a new way to enjoy French food.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Luca Bistro’s menu features French recipes with an American twist.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

Maniet hopes to give Cincinnatians a new way to enjoy French food.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF LUCA BISTRO

25 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Breweries With Immaculate Holiday Vibes

25 Greater Cincinnati Bars and Breweries With Immaculate Holiday Vibes

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

BY CITYBEAT STAFF EATS

Bars and breweries across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. For those in the mood to have a drink or two underneath a mistletoe, try a Yuletide-themed cocktail or check out some holiday events and activities — or for those just trying to get away from the family for some peace — these 25 Tri-State drinking establishments have the vibes to put anyone into the holiday spirit.

Bars and breweries across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are breaking out the tinsel and holly for some festive fun. For those in the mood to have a drink or two underneath a mistletoe, try a Yuletide-themed cocktail or check out some holiday events and activities — or for those just trying to get away from the family for some peace — these 25 Tri-State drinking establishments have the vibes to put anyone into the holiday spirit.

Covington Yard

401 Greenup St., Covington

Covington Yard

401 Greenup St., Covington

Covington’s only food container park and entertainment venue got a winter wonderland makeover: Along with new winter cocktails, it also now has heated spaces where patrons can stay warm while sampling beers and cocktails and o erings from Mr. Bulgogi, Angry Omar’s Slider Shack, Nacho Average Taco Cart and Talons Cincy Fried. Patrons can also watch Christmas movies on an outdoor screen.

Covington’s only food container park and entertainment venue got a winter wonderland makeover: Along with new winter cocktails, it also now has heated spaces where patrons can stay warm while sampling beers and cocktails and o erings from Mr. Bulgogi, Angry Omar’s Slider Shack, Nacho Average Taco Cart and Talons Cincy Fried. Patrons can also watch Christmas movies on an outdoor screen.

Arnold’s Bar & Grill

210 E. Eighth St., Downtown

Arnold’s Bar & Grill

e cozy Christmas and winter decorations at Cincinnati’s oldest, continuously operating bar will make customers feel merry and bright while catching up with friends and family this holiday season. Bar-goers can also catch e Naughty List, Cincinnati’s longest-running improv comedy show, here Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22.

210 E. Eighth St., Downtown e cozy Christmas and winter decorations at Cincinnati’s oldest, continuously operating bar will make customers feel merry and bright while catching up with friends and family this holiday season. Bar-goers can also catch e Naughty List, Cincinnati’s longest-running improv comedy show, here Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 20-22.

Bridgeview

Box Park

1 Levee Way, Newport

Bridgeview Box Park

It’s also bringing back the Dickens Brunch on Sundays in December, which features a seafood bar, carvery and a chocolate fountain, along with live music and carolers.

the holiday season. It’s also bringing back the Dickens Brunch on Sundays in December, which features a seafood bar, carvery and a chocolate fountain, along with live music and carolers.

MadTree Brewing 3301 Madison Road, Oakley

MadTree

Brewing

3301 Madison Road, Oakley

1 Levee Way, Newport

Head to Bridgeview Box Park to admire Newport on the Levee’s Christmas tree and other festive trimmings from the cozy comfort of a heated igloo. Each igloo is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. It’s the perfect place to stop and warm up after a walk across the Purple People Bridge, which is also lit up for the holidays.

Head to Bridgeview Box Park to admire Newport on the Levee’s Christmas tree and other festive trimmings from the cozy comfort of a heated igloo. Each igloo is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. It’s the perfect place to stop and warm up after a walk across the Purple People Bridge, which is also lit up for the holidays.

Vista at Lytle Park

311 Pike St., Downtown

Vista at Lytle Park

e rooftop at Vista at Lytle Park will be decked out with heated “snow globes” aka igloos, full of themed winter decor, r trees, ornaments and woodsy ephemera like cute critters and pinecones. Get hot chocolate, food and cocktails delivered.

311 Pike St., Downtown e rooftop at Vista at Lytle Park will be decked out with heated “snow globes” aka igloos, full of themed winter decor, r trees, ornaments and woodsy ephemera like cute critters and pinecones. Get hot chocolate, food and cocktails delivered.

e Bar at Palm Court

In addition to the taproom being dressed up for the holidays, MadTree has a heated winter tent up for the season. e taproom also is hosting a variety of holiday-themed activities, including the winter market, where patrons can shop for gifts from local vendors, and holiday craft nights.

Bring a dog to Santa Paws to get Fido’s photo with Santa and shop local pet businesses on Dec. 10. And on Dec. 17, MadTree will throw an ugly sweater party with live music and a Grinchthemed cocktail.

In addition to the taproom being dressed up for the holidays, MadTree has a heated winter tent up for the season. e taproom also is hosting a variety of holiday-themed activities, including the winter market, where patrons can shop for gifts from local vendors, and holiday craft nights. Bring a dog to Santa Paws to get Fido’s photo with Santa and shop local pet businesses on Dec. 10. And on Dec. 17, MadTree will throw an ugly sweater party with live music and a Grinchthemed cocktail.

13 Below Brewery

7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park

13 Below Brewery 7391 Forbes Road, Sayler Park

13 Below Brewery is hosting several holiday-themed activities throughout the month, including the Frisch Marionettes Christmas Show on Dec. 10, a cookie decorating night on Dec. 14 and holiday movie trivia night on Dec. 15.

13 Below Brewery is hosting several holiday-themed activities throughout the month, including the Frisch Marionettes Christmas Show on Dec. 10, a cookie decorating night on Dec. 14 and holiday movie trivia night on Dec. 15.

HomeMakers Bar has decked the halls patrons into the holiday spirit. On ursdays, it brings out smoked cocktails, and theTiki Tuesday menu has holiday twists on classic tiki drinks.

HomeMakers Bar has decked the halls patrons into the holiday spirit. On ursdays, it brings out smoked cocktails, and theTiki Tuesday menu has holiday twists on classic tiki drinks.

Pennifold’s Pub 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine

35 W. Fifth St. #2801, Downtown is beautiful art deco lounge inside

e Bar at Palm Court

35 W. Fifth St. #2801, Downtown is beautiful art deco lounge inside

HomeMakers Bar 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine

HomeMakers Bar 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine

Pennifold’s Pub 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine

O ering a little bit of Hogwarts in Over-the-Rhine, Pennifold’s Pub

O ering a little bit of Hogwarts in Over-the-Rhine, Pennifold’s Pub

turned the bar in the back of the Cosmic Gorilla comic book shop into a haven for Harry Potter fans this summer; now it’s gotten a Christmas makeover. e bar has been decorated in striped scarves for every house, with owls and fantastic beasts mixed in with garlands, ornaments and oating candles. Cocktails (and mocktails) include a warm butterscotch ale, like

turned the bar in the back of the Cosmic Gorilla comic book shop into a haven for Harry Potter fans this summer; now it’s gotten a Christmas makeover. e bar has been decorated in striped scarves for every house, with owls and fantastic beasts mixed in with garlands, ornaments and oating candles. Cocktails (and mocktails) include a warm butterscotch ale, like

the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel in Downtown is decorated in reds and greens for

Dining igloos have come to Bridgeview Box Park.

PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/NEWPORTONTHELEVEE

Arnold’s Bar and Grill has a “Naughty List” for the holidays.

PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/ARNOLDSBAR

the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel in Downtown is decorated in reds and greens for the holiday season.

Dining igloos have come to Bridgeview Box Park.

PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/NEWPORTONTHELEVEE

Arnold’s Bar and Grill has a “Naughty List” for the holidays. PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM/ARNOLDSBAR

AC Upper Deck

135 Joe Nuxhall Way, e Banks

Get a birds-eye view of e Banks from the igloos at the AC Upper Deck. e igloos’ colorful lights will make Deck-goers feel like they’re inside a Christmas tree bulb. Stop by on Dec. 10 for Cincinnati SantaCon or on Dec. 17 for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.

Miracle at the Overlook Lodge

6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge

is immersive Christmas bar is back for another year. Buy a ticket to experience Miracle at the Overlook Lodge and get an hour and 15 minutes in the bar. e experience includes a welcome shot and two festive-themed cocktails, a holiday clip show and “over-the-top decor,” according to the bar.

e View at Shires’ Garden 309 Vine St., 10th Floor, Downtown

e rooftop deck at Shires’ Garden has brought back its igloos and special garden greenhouses for the winter in addition to its colorful holiday lights to help patrons live out Hallmark movie fantasies. e menu also has some cozy cocktails and hot drinks to keep booze appreciators warm throughout the season.

Tiki Tiki Bang Bang

965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills

Gorilla Cinema is hosting Sippin’ Santa, a tropical holiday pop-up, at their Walnut Hills bar, Tiki Tiki Bang Bang, until Dec. 31. Enjoy the immersive tropical decor while sipping on an all-new cocktail menu with drinks like the Kris Kringle Colada and Island of Mis t Toys. e bar also will have theme nights, including a Star Wars Christmas PJ party on Dec. 14 and holiday carolers on Dec. 22.

Fifty West Brewing Company

7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township

Fifty West has once again transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, re pits, large heated tents and hot beverages (boozy and otherwise) to help chase away the winter blues. Santa Claus will be making pre-Christmas pit stops here on Dec. 10 and Dec. 18 for photo ops with the whole family, pups included. Dec. 18 also brings goat yoga, with the goats arriving in their most festive holiday sweaters.

Fishbowl at e Banks

141 E. Freedom Way, e Banks

For a bar that feels like Christmas at the beach, Fishbowl at e Banks is the place to be. With tropical and holiday decor, signature spiked hot chocolate and a Christmas Cookie

Shot, patrons will feel like partying with Santa into the new year. e bar is also an o cial stop for the Dec. 10 Cincinnati SantaCon.

Frosthaus

115 Park Place, Covington

Frosthaus is getting cozy for the season with outdoor igloos and holiday movie-themed trivia nights throughout December. ose who have wondered what Buddy the Elf’s breakfast of chocolate syrup and spaghetti tastes

like can nd out by ordering an Elf Spaghetti Eis, courtesy of Eishaus, from now until Dec. 30.

West Side Brewing

3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood

West Side Brewing has its Christmas decorations up and holiday-themed beers on tap, including the Holiday Ale and their vanilla Baltic porter, Krampus Coal. e bar also will host a holiday market on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Harry Potter’s favorite Butterbeer, and a Pumpkin Delight with Irish whiskey.

Igloos and holiday decor abound at The View at Shires’ Garden.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/SHIRESGARDEN

AC Upper Deck’s igloos and holiday decor are on display now.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/ACUPPERDECK

Moerlein Lager House

115 Joe Nuxhall Way, e Banks

Moerlein Lager House is helping to host the Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt throughout December, which o ers gifts from local vendors. Afterward, warm up in one the igloos, featuring high-top cocktail tables and electric replaces. Order Moerlein’s reception package, which includes two hot and two cold options from the small bites menu. Santa Claus will also stop by the restaurant for brunch on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.

Somerset

139 E McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine

If you’re tired of “Jingle Bells”-this and “All I Want for Christmas Is You”-that, Somerset’s Lounge Bar with its dark academia vibes and cozy replace is a great place to brood with a delicious cocktail during the holidays. It will host a Winter Solstice party on the darkest evening of the year – Dec. 21.

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

629 Main St., Covington

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar’s bottle shop is stocked up with gifts galore and will help bourbon connaisseurs get into the spirit of the season with its annual holiday party starting at 2 p.m. Dec. 17. e shop will have plenty of holiday drinks and snacks, a Secret Santa pour exchange “(shots for shots, baby)” and a surprise rye barrel release, as well as cozy res inside and out.

Urban Artifact

1660 Blue Rock St., Northside

Urban Artifact is celebrating the season with its holiday-themed brews,

including the Sugar Plum American fruit tart and the Xmas Pickle gose.

Jerry’s Jug House

414 E. Seventh St., Newport is Newport bar has the “holidaze” decor out and Great Lakes’ Christmas Ale on tap. It also has a special “Jerry’s Jug House” hat for sale during the holiday season.

Queen

City Radio

222 W 12th St., Over-the-Rhine Each year, dogs in their best holiday

wear stroll through Over-the-Rhine as part of the OTR Raildog Parade, which kicks o at Queen City Radio on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. Queen City Radio says there will be plenty of treats, hot cocoa and cider to go around. e bar also will host an ornament-making session on Dec. 9, and afterward, patrons can enjoy a drink around one of the outdoor re pits.

Hofbräuhaus

200 ird St., Newport is German bier hall is decked out in its holiday nery and now has its

Christmas Lager on tap. Santa also will make a stop here for Family Night on Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m.

Northside Yacht Club

4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside is rock-and-roll bar and gastropub gets a bit of a naughty holiday makeover as the mermaid mascot dons a pair of sparkling red pasties and a Santa-beard merkin. Keep an eye out for colored lights, a giant mounted sh in St. Nick cosplay and Santa beards on almost every item in the establishment.

Covington Yard shows holiday movies on an outdoor screen during the holiday season.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/COVINGTONYARD

Tiki Tiki Bang Bang’s Kris Kringle Colada

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/TIKITIKIBANGBANG

A festive cocktail from Miracle at the Overlook Lodge

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/OVERLOOKLODGE

MUSIC

MUSIC

A Damn Good Time

A Damn Good Time

e Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band delivers uplifting roots music with latest album, Dance Songs For Hard Times and a New Year’s Eve show in Newport.

BY ALAN SCULLEY

BY ALAN SCULLEY

The pandemic proved to be a difcult time for Reverend Peyton. First and foremost, there was quite a scare when his wife (and washboard player in e Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band) Breezy Peyton fell ill soon after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic proved to be a difcult time for Reverend Peyton. First and foremost, there was quite a scare when his wife (and washboard player in e Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band) Breezy Peyton fell ill soon after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peyton says he doesn’t know for sure if Breezy had COVID-19 or pneumonia. But she had it bad.

Peyton says he doesn’t know for sure if Breezy had COVID-19 or pneumonia. But she had it bad.

“She had a 10° temperature for over a month. It was unbelievable. And her lungs will be permanently scarred,” Peyton says in a phone interview. “We had a doctor at the hospital who told me when he sent us home, ‘I’ve never sent anybody home as sick as your wife is.’ He’s like, ‘I just don’t think you want

“She had a 10° temperature for over a month. It was unbelievable. And her lungs will be permanently scarred,” Peyton says in a phone interview. “We had a doctor at the hospital who told me when he sent us home, ‘I’ve never sent anybody home as sick as your wife is.’ He’s like, ‘I just don’t think you want

to be here. We think we’re going to be inundated with elderly people. We don’t know what we’re going to do. So you just go home, and if she gets any worse, you’ll need to bring her back or call 911.’”

to be here. We think we’re going to be inundated with elderly people. We don’t know what we’re going to do. So you just go home, and if she gets any worse, you’ll need to bring her back or call 911.’”

Peyton was aghast, he says.

describe it is like this fog on my brain for six months,” he says. “It just made me, well it’s kind of like when you rst wake up in the morning and your brain is not all the way awake. at’s what it felt like.”

describe it is like this fog on my brain for six months,” he says. “It just made me, well it’s kind of like when you rst wake up in the morning and your brain is not all the way awake. at’s what it felt like.”

roots taking hold in another business or job situation.”

roots taking hold in another business or job situation.”

Peyton was aghast, he says.

“I was just like ‘Uh, what?’ So we went home and I thought ‘Well, she’ll be better in a few days.’ en a few days turned into a few weeks,” Peyton says. “It was just like ‘Oh my God, what are we doing? What’s going to happen here?’ at was the scariest thing for me.”

“I was just like ‘Uh, what?’ So we went home and I thought ‘Well, she’ll be better in a few days.’ en a few days turned into a few weeks,” Peyton says. “It was just like ‘Oh my God, what are we doing? What’s going to happen here?’ at was the scariest thing for me.”

Breezy did eventually recover. Peyton didn’t get so sick, but he had a health issue for a time that left him ba ed.

Another unsettling issue was whether Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, which also includes drummer Max Senteney, would survive the pandemic.

Another unsettling issue was whether Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, which also includes drummer Max Senteney, would survive the pandemic.

Peyton, though, gured out ways to generate enough income to pay the group’s crew and keep the organization intact until touring could resume. He set up a Patreon account in which fans donated money for a variety of special band items, and the group played monthly livestream shows that also generated funds.

Breezy did eventually recover. Peyton didn’t get so sick, but he had a health issue for a time that left him ba ed.

“I had this weird – the best way I can

“I had this weird – the best way I can

“I told Breezy at the beginning, I said, man, if everybody goes and gets a different job, they’re going to start getting back to landscaping or whatever they’re going to do, then we’re not going to have a band,” he says. “We’re going to lose our crew and our band, and when it comes time to actually doing something again, everyone’s going to have

“I told Breezy at the beginning, I said, man, if everybody goes and gets a different job, they’re going to start getting back to landscaping or whatever they’re going to do, then we’re not going to have a band,” he says. “We’re going to lose our crew and our band, and when it comes time to actually doing something again, everyone’s going to have

Peyton, though, gured out ways to generate enough income to pay the group’s crew and keep the organization intact until touring could resume. He set up a Patreon account in which fans donated money for a variety of special band items, and the group played monthly livestream shows that also generated funds.

If serious health issues and career uncertainty made life hard during the pandemic, one thing that came easily was new music in the form of the studio album, Dance Songs For Hard Times, released April 2021.

If serious health issues and career uncertainty made life hard during the pandemic, one thing that came easily was new music in the form of the studio album, Dance Songs For Hard Times, released April 2021.

Peyton says he had returned home from touring before the pandemic hit,

Peyton says he had returned home from touring before the pandemic hit,

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s latest album nds the joy in difficult times.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND

e Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band delivers uplifting roots music with latest album, Dance Songs For Hard Times and a New Year’s Eve show in Newport.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s latest album nds the joy in difficult times.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND

and as usually happens when he’s on tour, he had amassed a collection of song ideas that were in various stages of completion. He planned to nish those ideas and make a new album in what he thought would be a normal year of 2020.

But the pandemic prompted him to set aside the vast majority of song ideas Peyton had cataloged on tour. During March and April of that year, he split much of his time between caring for Breezy and writing the songs that would go on Dance Songs For Hard Times

“When everything got shut down, everything changed. It just felt like none of this stu [I had been working on] made sense. So I would say it’s at least 80% [of the album] was just written in a two- or three-week period,” Peyton says. “It just felt like I had all this emotion inside of me and the world had changed, and I just felt like I needed to express that.

Later in the year, the Peytons and Senteney got together with producer Vance Powell and recorded Dance

Songs in a lightning-quick ve days.

Peyton says Dance Songs For Hard Times, the group’s 10th full-length album, was the easiest recording project of the Big Damn Band’s career. It was recorded live in the studio to eight-track analog tape, although Peyton says he and Powell took advantage of recording technology if a certain song needed an additional part or an overdub, and they also put a good deal of thought into the tones and song arrangements before hitting record.

e result – perhaps surprisingly, given the di cult times in which the songs were created – is a lively and decidedly upbeat album. Yes, there are some serious lyrics, like those in “Ways and Means” (about nancial struggles) and “No Tellin’ When” (about the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic), but much of the album provides an emotional lift. With their sound still rmly rooted in the classic earthy blues style that’s characterized all of the bands’ albums and centered around Peyton’s highly accomplished playing, which moves easily between nger-picked and slide guitar parts, the Big Damn Band comes out rocking on the boogying “Ways And Means” and the frenetically fun “Rattle Can.” e energy only occasionally wanes from there, as “Too Cool To Dance,” “Til I Die” and “Sad Songs” o er more gritty high points on the Dance Songs For Hard Times album.

“It’s the best record we’ve ever done,” Peyton says. “It’s not just me saying it. Literally every review that mentioned it said that.

“I think the hardest thing to do in music is to craft a good song. at’s the thing on this record I think I’m most proud of is the actual songs,” Peyton says.

Peyton and his bandmates plan to showcase a number of the new songs on the current tour, which will make a stop at Newport’s Southgate House Revival, but the show may come with a few surprises, too.

“It de nitely is going to be pulling from the new record for certain, but at the same time, there’s enough time in the set that we can sprinkle stu in from a lot of other records, too,” Peyton says. “I like to put stu in the set that you can only see if you come to the show, things that aren’t on any record. I think that’s sort of a bonus for the people that are coming out and paying that full ticket price to see the show.”

e Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band performs on Dec. 31 at the Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Joe’s Truck Stop and the Hammer and the Hatchet open the show. Info: southgatehouse.com.

SOUND ADVICE

FAIRMOUNT GIRLS

FAIRMOUNT GIRLS

Dec. 16 • Northside Tavern

a new album with Todd Utley, expected to be released sometime in 2023.

If you’re searching for the ultimate punk-rock experience, look no further than the Fairmount Girls. is Cincinnati-based, all-girl band shines with quirky, melodic, noise guitar hooks, trade-o vocal harmonies and signature Far sa organ drones. Accompanied by eye-catching props, dress themes and even cupcakes, it all guarantees an epic show.

Dec. 16 • Northside Tavern

If you’re searching for the ultimate punk-rock experience, look no further than the Fairmount Girls. is Cincinnati-based, all-girl band shines with quirky, melodic, noise guitar hooks, trade-o vocal harmonies and signature Far sa organ drones. Accompanied by eye-catching props, dress themes and even cupcakes, it all guarantees an epic show.

Since 1996, Fairmount Girls (Diana Vakharia on bass, Melissa Fairmount on organ, Jane Lane on guitar, Dana Hamblen on drums, joined occasionally by Chris Schadler on guitar) have been at the center of Cincinnati’s indie music scene, playing countless shows throughout the Queen City and beyond. Drawing inspiration from artists like the Breeders, Stereolab, Scrawl and Wolverton Brothers, Fairmount Girls have spent over a decade crafting and honing a truly unique sound and persona all their own.

Since 1996, Fairmount Girls (Diana Vakharia on bass, Melissa Fairmount on organ, Jane Lane on guitar, Dana Hamblen on drums, joined occasionally by Chris Schadler on guitar) have been at the center of Cincinnati’s indie music scene, playing countless shows throughout the Queen City and beyond. Drawing inspiration from artists like the Breeders, Stereolab, Scrawl and Wolverton Brothers, Fairmount Girls have spent over a decade crafting and honing a truly unique sound and persona all their own.

Fairmount Girls recorded an album called Carnival on the Inside with John Ho man at e Lodge KY in Dayton, Kentucky just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and will soon be releasing it on vinyl. e band is working on

Fairmount Girls recorded an album called Carnival on the Inside with John Ho man at e Lodge KY in Dayton, Kentucky just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and will soon be releasing it on vinyl. e band is working on

Shows in Cincinnati are planned throughout the winter months as well as appearances out of state. “We’d love to do some out of town shows next year.” Hamblen tells CityBeat. “We’re big in Hamtramck, Detroit! Ha Ha!”

a new album with Todd Utley, expected to be released sometime in 2023. Shows in Cincinnati are planned throughout the winter months as well as appearances out of state. “We’d love to do some out of town shows next year.” Hamblen tells CityBeat. “We’re big in Hamtramck, Detroit! Ha Ha!”

From headlining their own shows to opening for the likes of Jack White and Guided by Voices, Fairmount Girls – through dedication, and years spent creating a stunning catalog of punk masterpieces – have deservedly earned the title of Local Rock Royalty.

From headlining their own shows to opening for the likes of Jack White and Guided by Voices, Fairmount Girls – through dedication, and years spent creating a stunning catalog of punk masterpieces – have deservedly earned the title of Local Rock Royalty.

Fairmount Girls play Northside Tavern on Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Plush Machine also is on the bill. Info: northsidetav.com. (Eric Bates)

Fairmount Girls play Northside Tavern on Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Plush Machine also is on the bill. Info: northsidetav.com. (Eric Bates)

PAM TILLIS

Dec.

PAM TILLIS

17 • Ludlow Garage

If at rst you don’t succeed, try again. at’s what “Maybe It Was Memphis” singer Pam Tillis did back in the late 1980s, and country fans everywhere thank her for it.

Dec. 17 • Ludlow Garage If at rst you don’t succeed, try again. at’s what “Maybe It Was Memphis” singer Pam Tillis did back in the late 1980s, and country fans everywhere thank her for it.

Tillis’s music career launched with a disco song, “Every Home Should Have One.” It’s a catchy bop that could very well get your hips swinging. But Tillis wasn’t nding commercial success with

Tillis’s music career launched with a disco song, “Every Home Should Have One.” It’s a catchy bop that could very well get your hips swinging. But Tillis wasn’t nding commercial success with

her pop career. After a few tries in the pop industry, the singer-songwriter returned to her roots. With legendary outlaw country artist Mel Tillis as her father, country music may have been Pam Tillis’s destiny.

her pop career. After a few tries in the pop industry, the singer-songwriter returned to her roots. With legendary outlaw country artist Mel Tillis as her father, country music may have been Pam Tillis’s destiny.

But Tillis claims it wasn’t her father’s career that inspired her to give country music her all. In a 2014 interview with Anchorage Daily News she names three

But Tillis claims it wasn’t her father’s career that inspired her to give country music her all. In a 2014 interview with Anchorage Daily News she names three

female country icons: Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.

female country icons: Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.

ese country queens wrote their own music and played their own instruments; that sounded like the kind of country career Tillis could get behind.

ese country queens wrote their own music and played their own instruments; that sounded like the kind of country career Tillis could get behind.

In 1991, she released her debut country record, Put Yourself in My Place on Arista Records. e album featured ve singles, including the hit “Don’t Tell Me

In 1991, she released her debut country record, Put Yourself in My Place on Arista Records. e album featured ve singles, including the hit “Don’t Tell Me

Fairmount Girls

PHOTO:DAVID GARZA

Pam Tillis

PHOTO: MATT SPICHER, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Fairmount Girls

PHOTO:DAVID GARZA

Pam Tillis

PHOTO: MATT SPICHER, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

What To Do.” In the following years, Tillis had three platinum albums, six number one songs, two Grammy awards and even received the 1994 CMA’s Female Vocalist Of e Year Award and became a member of e Grand Ole Opry, to boot.

Tillis continues to write, record, and tour in various out ts. is month, she’s bringing her holiday special, “Belles and Bows,” to the Queen City. e show will feature “country hits and Christmas favorites.”

Pam Tillis plays Ludlow Garage on Dec. 17. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Info: ludlowgaragecincinnati.com. (Katrina Eresman)

GOOSE

Dec. 30 and 31•

Music Center

eir latest shows with Anastasio have certainly cemented them as one of the fastest-rising acts in the scene, and they’ve put in the work. After forming in 2014, playing a whirlwind of shows at local bars and touring through college towns, Goose has emerged over the last several years as one of the most popular acts in the jam band circuit. With a sound that contains references to predecessors like Phish and the Grateful Dead, but whose trance and indie in uences also appeal to a younger scene (like their 21-minute cover of the Vampire Weekend song “2021” per request of Ezra Koenig, who is a fan), Goose is a band that appeals to multiple generations.

e Andrew J Brady

Fresh o an eight-date tour with jam band pioneer and Phish’s lead guitarist Trey Anastasio, Connecticut natives Goose will be playing a special New Year’s Eve show at the Andrew J Brady Center. A self-described “indie groove” band, Goose gently eschews the jam band label while acknowledging a penchant for improvisation – particularly at their live shows – and the in uence of bands such as Umphrey’s McGee and Phish.

Goose’s latest EP, Undecided, was released in November. Recorded during the same sessions in Woodstock, New York, that also resulted in the full-length e ort Drip eld in June, the four-track EP consists of songs written in years prior — some while still teenagers, guitarist Rick Mitarotonda told jambase. com — that have been reworked and perfected during the band’s live sets.

Goose plays the Andrew J Brady Music Center at 8 p.m. Dec. 30 and 9 p.m. 31. As of press time, the Dec. 31 show is sold out. Info: bradymusiccenter.com. (Derek Kalback)

Goose

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GOOSE

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY WWW.BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

Dissolution: An amicable end to marriage. Easier on your heart. Easier on your wallet. Starting at $500 plus court costs. 12 Hour Turnaround. 810 Sycamore St. 4th Fl, Cincinnati, OH 45202 513.651.9666