CityBeat | July 13-26, 2022 by Chava Communications

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VOL. 27 | ISSUE 14

PUBLISHER TONY FRANK

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NEWS NEWS

P.G. Sittenfeld. P H O T O : J E S S E F OX

P.G. Sittenfeld Found Guilty on Two Federal P.G. Sittenfeld Found Guilty on Two Federal Corruption Charges, Not Guilty on Four Others Corruption Not Guilty onanywhere Four Legal experts now say theCharges, former Cincinnati City Council member faces fromOthers a few years to a dozen years insay prison. Legal experts now the former Cincinnati City Council member faces anywhere from a few years BY L I S O N years BA B K Ain prison. to aA Ldozen BY A L L I S O N BA B K A

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he verdict is in. A jury found former Cincinhe verdict is in. nati City Council member P.G. A jury found former CincinSittenfeld guilty of two federal corrupnati City Council member P.G. tion-related charges on July 8. SittenSittenfeld guilty of two federal corrupfeld’s sentencing has not been set yet, tion-related charges on July 8. Sittenbut that likely will happen in several feld’s sentencing has not been set yet, weeks or months. but that likely will happen in several Previously, Sittenfeld had turned weeks or months. down a plea agreement that could Previously, Sittenfeld had turned have meant a maximum of two years down a plea agreement that could in prison; legal experts now say he’s have meant a maximum of two years facing anywhere from a few years to a in prison; legal experts now say he’s dozen years. facing anywhere from a few years to a Sittenfeld’s federal trial launched dozen years. June 21 with the start of the jury selecSittenfeld’s federal trial launched tion. In 2020, Sittenfeld was arrested June 21 with the start of the jury selecon a six-count indictment for a scheme tion. In 2020, Sittenfeld was arrested in which Sittenfeld allegedly traded on a six-count indictment for a scheme cash for votes relating to the developin which Sittenfeld allegedly traded ment of the former Convention Place cash for votes relating to the developMall. ment of the former Convention Place On July 8, the jury found SittenMall. feld guilty of bribery and attempted On July 8, the jury found Sittenextortion but acquitted him on two feld guilty of bribery and attempted counts of honest services wire fraud, extortion but acquitted him on two one count of bribery and one count of counts of honest services wire fraud, attempted extortion by a government one count of bribery and one count of attempted extortion by a government

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official. The jury began deliberating on July 6, taking about 12 working hours official. The jury began deliberating on to reach a decision. There were nine July 6, taking about 12 working hours women and three men on the jury, to reach a decision. There were nine and they were from several counties women and three men on the jury, throughout southern Ohio. Two jurors and they were from several counties were replaced by alternates as the trial throughout southern Ohio. Two jurors progressed. were replaced by alternates as the trial Prosecutors did not need to show progressed. express, direct quid pro quo – Latin Prosecutors did not need to show for “in exchange for” – for the jury to express, direct quid pro quo – Latin find Sittenfeld guilty. Jurors simply for “in exchange for” – for the jury to needed to see that Sittenfeld had an find Sittenfeld guilty. Jurors simply understanding to work in favor of the needed to see that Sittenfeld had an undercover FBI agents who posed as understanding to work in favor of the investors. Sittenfeld’s attorney argued undercover FBI agents who posed as that the defendant had been merely investors. Sittenfeld’s attorney argued pro-development. that the defendant had been merely Sittenfeld’s trial featured video, pro-development. audio and testimony from FBI agents, Sittenfeld’s trial featured video, former Cincinnati City Council memaudio and testimony from FBI agents, bers, current interim city manager former Cincinnati City Council memJohn Curp, and former Cincinnati bers, current interim city manager Bengal and real estate developer ChinJohn Curp, and former Cincinnati edum Ndukwe, among others. Bengal and real estate developer ChinThe two-and-a-half-week trial was edum Ndukwe, among others. held at Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse The two-and-a-half-week trial was downtown. During his testimony, held at Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse downtown. During his testimony,

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Sittenfeld said that no matter what the jury decided, he would “probably Sittenfeld said that no matter what never be in politics again.” the jury decided, he would “probably never be in politics again.” The background behind Sittenfeld’s federal corruption case The background behind Sittenfeld’s FBI agents arrested Sittenfeld at his federal corruption case home in November of 2020 on a sixFBI agents arrested Sittenfeld at his count federal indictment for bribery home in November of 2020 on a sixand extortion. Investigators said Sitcount federal indictment for bribery tenfeld had arranged what amounted and extortion. Investigators said Sitto campaign donations, though he tenfeld had arranged what amounted circumvented election law by directing to campaign donations, though he those payments to a Political Action circumvented election law by directing Committee which he secretly conthose payments to a Political Action trolled. Sittenfeld promised favorable Committee which he secretly condevelopment deals as he personally trolled. Sittenfeld promised favorable accepted 10 checks – for a total of development deals as he personally $40,000 – in exchange for votes, invesaccepted 10 checks – for a total of tigators said. $40,000 – in exchange for votes, invesSittenfeld was suspended from tigators said. Cincinnati City Council in December Sittenfeld was suspended from of that year. To replace him, HamCincinnati City Council in December ilton County Probate Judge Ralph of that year. To replace him, Ham“Ted” Winkler appointed Liz Keating, ilton County Probate Judge Ralph who retained her council seat in last “Ted” Winkler appointed Liz Keating, November’s election. who retained her council seat in last Before the indictment, Sittenfeld November’s election. Before the indictment, Sittenfeld

had been considered a frontrunner in the 2021 Cincinnati mayoral race, had been considered a frontrunner which former Hamilton County clerk in the 2021 Cincinnati mayoral race, of courts Aftab Pureval ultimately won. which former Hamilton County clerk Sittenfeld announced his withdrawal of courts Aftab Pureval ultimately won. from the race on Feb. 18 of that year, Sittenfeld announced his withdrawal the filing deadline for potential from the race on Feb. 18 of that year, candidates. the filing deadline for potential The charges against Sittenfeld candidates. were part of a larger scandal that has The charges against Sittenfeld enveloped the city in recent years. The were part of a larger scandal that has carousel of corruption cases began enveloped the city in recent years. The when council member Tamaya Dencarousel of corruption cases began nard was indicted on federal bribery when council member Tamaya Dencharges related to her solicitation of nard was indicted on federal bribery $15,000 from a local attorney. Dennard charges related to her solicitation of resigned in March 2020, pleaded guilty $15,000 from a local attorney. Dennard that June, and was sentenced to 18 resigned in March 2020, pleaded guilty months in prison. that June, and was sentenced to 18 Council member Jeff Pastor was months in prison. charged in November 2020 on 10 Council member Jeff Pastor was federal counts of bribery, extortion, charged in November 2020 on 10 money laundering and conspiracy to federal counts of bribery, extortion, commit wire fraud. That was the same money laundering and conspiracy to month that Sittenfeld was arrested. commit wire fraud. That was the same In 2018, Sittenfeld was part of the month that Sittenfeld was arrested. “Gang of Five” texting scandal that In 2018, Sittenfeld was part of the involved several council members. “Gang of Five” texting scandal that involved several council members.

Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine gives the State of the State address in March 2022. P H O T O : S C R E E N S H O T, T H E O H I O C H A N N E L

Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine gives the State of the State address in March 2022.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Has No Ohio Gov. on Mike DeWine Has No Comment Abortion Ban that Comment on Abortion thatto Forced Underage RapeBan Victim Forced Underage Travel for Care Rape Victim to BY M A RT Y for S C H LCare A D E N , O H I O CA P ITA L J O U R N A L Travel P H O T O : S C R E E N S H O T, T H E O H I O C H A N N E L

A A

BY M10-year-old A RT Y S rape C H Lvictim A D Ehad N , to O H I O CA ITA L such J O Uan R onerous N A L situation. likePher into leave Ohio for an abortion, but 10-year-old rape victim had to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine isn’t leave Ohio for an abortion, but commenting on the fact that a law he Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine isn’t signed made that necessary. commenting on the fact that a law he Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court signed made that necessary. overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24 and Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Ohio’s six-week overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24 and abortion ban to take effect, the child cleared the way for Ohio’s six-week was on her way to Indiana for an aborabortion ban to take effect, the child tion because she couldn’t get one in was on her way to Indiana for an aborOhio, an Indianapolis OB-GYN recently tion because she couldn’t get one in told the Indianapolis Star. The doctor, Ohio, an Indianapolis OB-GYN recently Caitlin Bernard, told the paper that an told the Indianapolis Star. The doctor, Ohio child-abuse doctor had called her, Caitlin Bernard, told the paper that an saying the child was six weeks and three Ohio child-abuse doctor had called her, days pregnant and needed help. saying the child was six weeks and three That was three days after DeWine days pregnant and needed help. signed a law dictating that no abortions That was three days after DeWine were permitted after six weeks gestasigned a law dictating that no abortions tion. The law makes no exceptions for were permitted after six weeks gestavictims of rape and incest. tion. The law makes no exceptions for The story made national news, but victims of rape and incest. DeWine seemed unprepared on June 6 The story made national news, but to discuss whether legislation he chamDeWine seemed unprepared on June 6 pioned is forcing children to travel out to discuss whether legislation he chamof state if they don’t want to have their pioned is forcing children to travel out rapists’ babies. of state if they don’t want to have their “Yeah, first of all, I have no more rapists’ babies. information than you do or anybody “Yeah, first of all, I have no more does. Reading in the paper, it came as, information than you do or anybody you know, from a story out of Indiana does. Reading in the paper, it came as, from a doctor over there,” he said as you know, from a story out of Indiana part of a rambling answer to a question from a doctor over there,” he said as from the Cincinnati Enquirer, according part of a rambling answer to a question to a transcript. from the Cincinnati Enquirer, according DeWine went on to say it was “gutto a transcript. wrenching” as a father and grandfather DeWine went on to say it was “gutto think about a 10-year-old being wrenching” as a father and grandfather raped, and that he hoped the doctors to think about a 10-year-old being caring for her reported the assault to raped, and that he hoped the doctors law enforcement. But he didn’t address caring for her reported the assault to the fact that a law he signed put girls law enforcement. But he didn’t address the fact that a law he signed put girls

In a follow-up on June 7, DeWine’s like her into such an onerous situation. press secretary Dan Tierney was asked In a follow-up on June 7, DeWine’s whether the governor thinks juvenile press secretary Dan Tierney was asked rape victims who become pregnant whether the governor thinks juvenile should be able to get abortions, or rape victims who become pregnant whether he believes they should be should be able to get abortions, or forced to carry their pregnancies to whether he believes they should be term. Tierney didn’t answer directly. forced to carry their pregnancies to “You have access to Governor DeWterm. Tierney didn’t answer directly. ine’s recent comments on these issues, “You have access to Governor DeWincluding that the only information ine’s recent comments on these issues, available on the Indiana matter was including that the only information from Indiana media reports,” Tierney available on the Indiana matter was said in an email. “I do not have further from Indiana media reports,” Tierney comment for you beyond yesterday’s said in an email. “I do not have further remarks and the Governor’s numercomment for you beyond yesterday’s ous and extensive comments since the remarks and the Governor’s numerSupreme Court decision overturning ous and extensive comments since the Roe v. Wade.” Supreme Court decision overturning While DeWine and his spokesman Roe v. Wade.” underscored that media reports were all While DeWine and his spokesman they knew about the incident involving underscored that media reports were all the Ohio 10-year-old, there have been they knew about the incident involving warnings that something like this was the Ohio 10-year-old, there have been likely to happen. warnings that something like this was Shortly after DeWine signed the likely to happen. original six-week ban in 2019, CBS News Shortly after DeWine signed the reported on an Ohio 11-year-old who original six-week ban in 2019, CBS News was repeatedly raped by a 26-year-old, reported on an Ohio 11-year-old who impregnating her. If the Ohio law was was repeatedly raped by a 26-year-old, cleared by the Supreme Court, the impregnating her. If the Ohio law was story said, the girl could be left with few cleared by the Supreme Court, the options after six weeks of pregnancy. story said, the girl could be left with few At six weeks, as many as a third of options after six weeks of pregnancy. women don’t know they’re pregnant, At six weeks, as many as a third of and it’s a safe bet that even fewer girls women don’t know they’re pregnant, do. And while statistics on pregnancies and it’s a safe bet that even fewer girls resulting from rape are sparse, it seems do. And while statistics on pregnancies likely that Ohio and other states that resulting from rape are sparse, it seems don’t allow abortions in cases of rape or likely that Ohio and other states that incest are going to force more children don’t allow abortions in cases of rape or into the most difficult of situations. incest are going to force more children into the most difficult of situations.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 18 million women experience vaginal rape in their lifetimes and that almost 3 million become pregnant from it. In 1996, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a paper based on a three-year survey of 4,008 women that sought to determine “the prevalence and incidence of rape and related physical and mental health outcomes.” “Among 34 cases of rape-related pregnancy, the majority occurred among adolescents and resulted from assault by a known, often related perpetrator,” an abstract of the study said. “Only 11.7% of these victims received immediate medical attention after the

assault, and 47.1% received no medical attention related to the rape.” It added that almost a third of adolescent rape victims didn’t know they were pregnant for 12 weeks — more than double the point at which their abortions would now be illegal in Ohio. “A total 32.4% of these victims did not discover they were pregnant until they had already entered the second trimester; 32.2% opted to keep the infant whereas 50% underwent abortion and 5.9% placed the infant for adoption; an additional 11.8% had spontaneous abortion,” the paper said. A version of this story was originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal and is republished here with permission.

Cincinnati Reds Minor-League Coach, Players Selected for 2022 All-Star Futures Game BY A L L I S O N BA B K A

he Cincinnati Reds may have failed to be voted into Major League Baseball’s 2022 All-Star Game, but several Reds-affiliated players and coaches in the minor leagues will head to Los Angeles as part of the All-Star Futures Game. Like the MLB All-Star Game, the All-Star Futures Game will be played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles as part of All-Star Weekend later this month. The Futures Game is a seven-inning affair – rather than the typical nine – that showcases talent from each MLB team’s farm system in the big-league game’s typical National League vs. American League setup. Career Dodgers catcher and longtime Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia will manage the NL team, while Jimmy Rollins – who had amassed multiple team records and awards during his many years as a shortstop with the Philadelphia Phillies – will lead the AL team. Both managers have contributed to World Series wins. Eric Davis, the Cincinnati Reds hall of famer and 1990 World Series winner who now helps to develop players in the minors, will serve as first-base coach for the NL. Davis had been the Reds’ centerfielder for multiple seasons and regularly posted 30 homers and 40 stolen bases per year. Two players from the Reds’ minorleague teams will be on the roster for the National League during the Futures game. Pitcher Andrew Abbot, who plays for the Chattanooga Lookouts in Double-A, has posted seven wins and a 4.09 ERA for 2022 as of press time. He

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was promoted from the High-A Dayton Dragons earlier this year. Meanwhile, Dragons shortstop Elly De La Cruz has knocked in 18 homers and has stolen 26 bases as of July 8. The switch-hitter nabbed three of those dingers during a double-header on July 7, shortly after he was named to the Futures team. As of press time, De La Cruz is the No. 2 prospect in the Reds organization, while Abbott is No. 12. In the big leagues, no Cincinnati Reds position players have been selected to play in the All-Star Game; fans voted their favorite players into each fielding position throughout June, and Reds players did not receive enough support to move into the finals. On July 10, MLB players voted Reds pitcher Luis Castillo into the rotation for the National League. The All-Star Futures Game will be played at 7 p.m. July 16 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It’s part of All-Star Week, which also will include the All-Star Game, the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, an MLB draft, fan fests, public baseball instruction and live music. The Los Angeles Dodgers originally were to host the All-Star Game in 2020, but that game was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 11, the Cincinnati Reds are 32-54 for the 2022 season, which puts the team in last place in the NL Central and third-from-last in the entire MLB. Earlier this year, baseball experts had said that the Reds were on pace for a 125-loss season, the lowest for any team since 1900.

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Clockwise from left: Arnold’s Bar & Grill; Bebo’s Artisan Burgers and Frappes; Essen Kitchen; Gordo’s Pub & Grill On the cover: Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

In theory, the hamburger is a simple sandwich — some type of protein patty nestled in a bun. It’s an American staple for backyard barbecues, fast food franchises and any number of restaurants, from upscale to hole-in-the-wall. And while basic burgers can definitely hit the spot when you’re hungry, sometimes you need to zhuzh up your dinner with some decadent toppings. This list of over-the-top burgers features local 15 favorites, smothered in indulgent ingredients ranging from peanut butter to macaroni and cheese and fried egg to lobster. Use this as a starting point to satisfy your most chaotic cravings. Need more recommendations? We’ve also included the top 20 reader-voted best burgers for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike from CityBeat’s 2022 Best Of Cincinnati issue. 10

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Arnold’s Bar & Grill

Sean Evans Hot Ones Burger

As Cincinnat’s oldest tavern, Arnold’s Bar & Grill has become a favorite haunt for ghost hunters (and, reportedly, apparitions themselves). But burger fans will find another type of ghost on premises: peppers. These fiery favorites make an appearance on the bar’s Sean Evans Hot Ones Burger, named after the YouTube talk show in which host Evans asks celebrities questions as they sample spicier and spicier hot sauce. Self-proclaimed Hot Ones superfan and Arnold’s owner Chris Breeden says the burger was inspired by a comment Evans made in an episode of the show. “Sean said that his ultimate professional

goal was to have a sandwich named after him at a restaurant, so I was like, ‘I am totally going to make that happen.’ And the very next day we put a burger on the menu,” Breeden says. The Evansapproved burger (he featured the bar in an episode and Arnold’s infamous bathtub is his Twitter background) comes three ways. The menu original is “spicy but still accessible,” Breeden says, and features a half-pound customblend burger from Avril-Bleh with ghost pepper cheese, fresh habanero and jalapeno, hot sauce aioli and Grippo’s Bar-B-Q chips on a Sixteen Bricks bun. Level up with the “lunatic style” option, which comes topped with bonus crushed Carolina reaper and ghost

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peppers and four drops of The Last Dab brand hot sauce (no refunds if you can’t take the heat). The third “ODB style” is an off-menu secret. It takes the above burgers and adds more crushed ghost peppers and Carolina reapers, plus four dabs each of Mad Dog 357, Da Bomb Beyond Insanity, Blair’s Mega Death and The Last Dab hot sauces. “It is hot enough to make a normal person regret their whole day,” Breeden says. Arnold’s has sold more than 8,000 of the Hot Ones burgers to date. “I know that is not McDonald’s numbers, but it is a lot of scorched tongues,” Breeden says. 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown, arnoldsbarandgrill.com.

Bebo’s Artisan Burgers and Frappes Latin Lover

Bebo’s Artisan Burgers and Frappes’ owner Jeysie E. Torres, also known as Chef Jey, has drawn upon his childhood and culinary training to create the menu at his Court Street burger shop. “All of the burgers and sandwiches that Bebo’s sells take a little section of my life and pour it into a product that is as recognizable as it is delicious,” he says. Torres grew up in Puerto Rico, cooking in a traditional wood-and-clay kitchen with his grandmother, so much of Bebo’s menu features a Latin American lean. “I think we kind of offer a crazy twist on different cuisines, even if we’re strong on the Latin American culture,” he says. “In reality, Latin food is a melting pot from many different parts of the world.” Torres says the shop’s most popular burger is probably the Drunken Master, with sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, bourbon barbecue sauce, onion straws, pickle and campfire aioli, but the most photographed is the Latin Lover. Offering a little bit of heat, this burger features a quarter-pound blend of chuck, short rib and brisket topped with pepper jack cheese, borracho sauce, beer-battered jalapeno slices, lettuce, tomato, onion and chipotle aioli on an onion bun, all speared with a blistered and fried chile pepper. “I think a lot of people take pictures of that burger because it doesn’t look like anything they’ve gotten before at another restaurant,” Torres says. 29 E. Court St., Downtown, bebosburger.com.

Blue Ash Chili Sunrise Burger

Blue Ash Chili is well-known for diner favorites — breakfast, double deckers, 3-Ways — but it also boasts a burger-centric section on its menu. With patties made from a special blend of locally sourced beef, Blue Ash Chili owner Nick Insco says the seasoning

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(L-R) Mid-City Restaurant; Keystone Bar & Grill

and cooking style help set his burgers apart. A repeat stop for food celebrity and Mayor of Flavortown Guy Fieri and his Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives TV show, Blue Ash Chili recently was featured on the show’s “Out of Bounds Burgers” episode. Fieri previously had made the trek to Blue Ash Chili to try a Cincinnati-style 6-Way, but this time — as the episode name suggests — he opted for a burger. DDD highlighted the restaurant’s chorizo burger, made with a chorizo-infused patty, chipotle mayo and guacamole. Fieri said it was the type of burger he would feature in one of his California restaurants. But if you want to keep it local, try Blue Ash Chili’s Sunrise Burger, a one-third-pound patty topped with a fried egg, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Glier’s Goetta. Insco says this option is “a fun way to incorporate breakfast and lunch into a single menu item.”

Farms wagyu beef comes topped with caramelized onion, pickles, American cheese, lettuce and housemade yuzu kosho mayonnaise on a soft, steamed hokkaido milk bun, made fresh daily by Townsend. The burger’s name references the bread, but is also “a little inside joke referring to a famous anime character,” Bentz says. While the bun is decadent on its own, the burger’s crispy, smashed patty is accentuated by the unique — at least for Cincinnati — mayo. “Yuzu kosho is a common Japanese condiment that has bright citrus notes, as well as fermented shishitos,” Bentz says. “It is quite salty; a little bit goes a long way.”

9525 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash;

Bacon Cheddar Burger

11711 Princeton Pike, Springdale,

Indulgent burger options aren’t just for omnivores, as evidenced by Essen Kitchen’s Bacon Cheddar Burger. The Findlay Market-adjacent vegan eatery has a focus on sustainability and a “mission to make plant-based food palatable to all kinds of eaters, and accessible,” says owner Patricia Bittner. The Bacon Cheddar Burger — an Essen best-seller — is a vehicle to showcase the restaurant’s housemade shitake mushroom bacon and fulfill its tagline of “crave-worthy plant-based food.” A quarter-pound Beyond Meat burger is topped with bacon, vegan cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo on a grilled Sixteen Bricks Cubano bun. “It’s just a really great-tasting sandwich,” Bittner says. The Beyond brand’s claim to fame is that its plant protein

blueashchili.com.

Cafe Mochiko

Hokkaido Smashburger

CityBeat has frequently praised East Walnut Hills’ Cafe Mochiko for its superb ramen and pastries (chef Elaine Townsend was a James Beard Award semi-finalist for “Outstanding Baker” this year). But the streamlined dinner menu also features a dish very much in line with the restaurant’s yoshoku — or Western-inspired Japanese cuisine — ethos. The Hokkaido Smashburger “is an Oklahoma onion smashburger at heart,” says chef and co-owner Erik Bentz, “but we add a few elements to make it our own.” Ohio’s Sakura

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1524 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, cafemochiko.com.

Essen Kitchen

cooks and tastes like beef, and with the addition of fresh produce and quality sauces, Bittner says Essen’s option rivals a standard burger. “A lot of our food, we’ve developed it so it’s just as satisfying as a meat or cheese meal,” she says. “We still try to fulfill that experience of it having that savory and sweet and all the elements of texture.” 1 Findlay St., Over-the-Rhine, essenkitchen.com.

Fifty West Brewing Company Burger Bar Virginia Burger

An homage to the 1950s roadside root beer stand, Fifty West Brewing Company’s Burger Bar serves up burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, housemade soda, milkshakes and, of course, Fifty West beer in retro-inspired environs. The brewery is located on U.S. Route 50 as its name indicates, and each protein — a single or double house-ground burger, chicken patty, flat-top dog or black bean burger — comes 12 different ways, named for the 12 different states the roadway travels through. There is a “classic” cheeseburger option, featuring the brewery’s addicting and tangy fry sauce, but the rest of the dozen combos all offer something unique. The Ohio variation comes topped with Cincinnati chili, while the West Virginia burger boasts apple butter and bacon and the Missouri has marinara and love-it-orhate-it Provel brand processed cheese. “From our ‘Kansas’ style with bacon, pickle, coleslaw, American cheese and smoky barbecue to our ‘Maryland’ style with Old Bay tartar sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, we have a burger for every palate,” says

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Paul says “always sell out.” A past favorite? The JaMarvelous Burger from the Bengals Super Bowl run, which featured two wagyu smash patties, sharp cheddar, Kansas City barbecue, burned brisket ends and onion rings. “It was great and got so much attention that the NFL Network actually showed up,” he says. 231 Main St., Milford, governordiner.com.

Keystone Bar & Grill B.B. King Burger

Mad Mike’s Burger & Fries

Fifty West Vice President Max Fram. The brewery recommends trying the Virginia, with its grilled ham, housemade pimento cheese and pickles, writing on social media, “This burger nods to the colonial times of Jamestown where ham was a serious staple.” 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, fiftywestbrew.com.

Gordo’s Pub & Grill

4328 Montgomery Road, Norwood,

Hangover Burger

gordospub.com.

The neighborhood-dive-style exterior of Gordo’s Pub & Grill in Norwood belies its chef-crafted selection of over-the-top burger options. With menu items ranging from a PBJ burger (fried banana, chunky peanut butter, cream cheese, jam and smoked bacon) to the Korean (kimchi, fried egg, pork belly, pepper jack cheese and Sriracha mayo), even the basic Gordo — with roasted poblano, onion, mushrooms, smoked bacon and Boursin cheese — is anything but. When asked how the team came up with its burgers, Gordo’s manager Ray Mond jokes, “You gotta smoke a lot of weed,” and adds, “but really we’re just trying to do something different and unique.” Using a base of a locally-sourced 81/19 burger blend (or a black bean patty), Mond says Gordo’s owner, Raymond Gordo, took menu inspiration from his time as chef de cuisine at a fine-dining restaurant downtown. “He started to incorporate different types of high-end product, different ingredients that we use in fine dining, and incorporated neighborhood pub-and-grill items and put it on the menu,” Mond says. Bridging that high-low concept is Gordo’s Hangover

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burger. Located near Xavier University, the pub is a popular spot for college kids after a night of drinking, Mond says, and the Hangover incorporates ingredients purported to help with its namesake: lots of protein and grease. The burger is stacked with smoked gouda, smoked bacon, sausage and Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese, American Cheese, onion strings and chipotle-barbecue mayo. “And it does help,” Mond says.

The Governor

The Governor Burger

Helmed by brothers Paul and Neil Barraco, Milford’s The Governor is a modern diner — complete with subway tile, industrial decor and a walk-up window — that serves everything from egg sandwiches and patty melts to boozy slushies. The restaurant’s menu-staple Governor Burger features a partnership with another neighborhood eatery, Pop’s Donut Shop. A prime brisket chuck blend is topped with melted American cheese, pickles, housemade maple thousand island sauce and “onions that are just grilled so they are sweet with some crunch still,” says chef Paul. This all comes on a Pop’s donut bun — not a literal donut, but a version of one. “I thought about how a donut before glazing is really just a yeasty, delicious, fluffy warm bun, and we asked Pops if we could try using one of theirs as a sample,” Paul says, “and after a little bit of trial and error, we nailed it.” In addition to this simple-yet-elevated option, the Governor offers burger specials on Mondays and some weekends, which

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Keystone Bar & Grill is renowned for its creatively-topped macaroni and cheese, featuring cheesy noodles infused with everything from smoked brisket to basil pesto and donning music themed-names (e.g. the Fleetwood Mac). While you could just eat their mac straight out of a skillet, why not try it on a burger? On Wednesdays, Keystone’s Covington location offers $5 build-your-own burger specials (including a vegetarian option), plus a menu of over-the-top options. Using a signature blend of brisket, steak trimmings and chuck from Lexington’s family-owned Critchfield Meats as a burger base — plus secret seasonings — Keystone’s inventions include the popular B.B. King Burger. A riff on the mac and cheese dish of the same name, the burger comes topped with cheddar cheese noodles, bacon and barbecue sauce on a challah bun. “The B.B. King is our most popular mac and cheese dish and menu item, so we wanted to find a way to incorporate this signature item into our burger selection,” says Keystone Marketing Manager Maureen Murray. Other Wednesday specials, like the Egg Man (fried egg, chipotle ranch, tomato and lettuce) and Tangled Up in Bleu (sauteed mushroom, caramelized onion and blue cheese dressing), “were designed by our chefs and showcase some great ways to get creative with all of our toppings,” Murray says. And all keep in line with the restaurant’s commitment to musical monikers. 313 Greenup St., Covington, keystonebar.com.

Mad Mike’s Burgers & Fries The Goliath

While burger toppings are truly only limited by the imagination, it’s hard to go above-and-beyond when it comes to a bun. You can do a pretzel bun, a wrap, a piece of lettuce... But Mad Mike’s upgrades its Goliath burger with something novel: two grilled cheese sandwiches. Yes, two quarter-pound Black Angus beef patties, three pieces of applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, barbecue sauce, tomato and grilled onions are bookended by

two literal grilled cheese sandwiches on Texas toast. Weighing in at nearly a pound, Mad Mike’s owner Sam Edaili says of the Goliath, “The traditional burger bun is great, but we wanted something to pack in a lot of extra cheese, but still be coated and toasted with butter. We didn’t want to just throw extra bacon, beef and cheese on a traditional burger, because it’s just like saying ‘I want a large pizza instead of a small,’ and this is when we had that lightbulb moment. We tried it with toast at first, but it didn’t quite fill the vision until we tried it with two grilled cheese sandwiches, and it was an ‘ahhhh’ moment.” Edaili says Mad Mike’s has spent more than two decades perfecting its creative burgers and up to seven months on each one to find “thoughtful ingredients that give a kick without being too bold.” 342 Monmouth St., Newport; 6420 Dixie Highway, Florence; 194 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton, madmikesburger.com.

Best Of Burgers These favorite dining destinations took home top-10 honors in CityBeat’s annual Best Of Cincinnati issue for Best Overall Burger (Non-Chain) and Best Veggie Burger. Best Overall Burger 1. Zip’s Cafe 2. Nation Kitchen & Bar 3. Tickle Pickle 4. Quatman Cafe 5. Roney’s 6. The Turf Club 7. Arthur’s 8. Stellar Street Eats 9. Bard’s Burgers & Chili 10. Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer Best Veggie Burger 1. Tickle Pickle 2. Krueger’s Tavern 3. Arthur’s 4. Nation Kitchen & Bar 5. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 6. Taste of Belgium 7. Nine Giant Brewing 8. Essen Kitchen 9. BrewRiver at Sonder Brewing 10. Dead Low Brewing

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Mid-City Restaurant The Skipper

In October, the team behind Longfellow in Over-the-Rhine opened a new bar and eatery called Mid-City Restaurant on the recently revamped Court Street Plaza. It’s an unassuming but geographically accurate name for one of downtown’s best new spots to grab a classic cocktail (the list includes a Gibson, Manhattan and Tom Collins) and small plates. The food menu adapts to the seasons, and you can follow along on social media (@ midcitycinti) to learn about specials. One recent invention is The Skipper, a special-turned-permanent secretmenu item, according to owner Mike Stankovich. Featuring a beef blend from neighboring Avril-Bleh, melted cheese and Skippy peanut butter on a “good, squishy bun,” the interpretation of a classic cheeseburger was inspired by a childhood viewing of Twilight Zone: The Movie, Stankovich says. “There is a scene in the movie where a kid wishes for (a peanut butter burger) at his family’s behest, and at 7-years-old it sounded delicious,” he says. Some people may be intimated by the peanut butter at first, despite the fact the flavor combo is seen in dishes across the globe. “We often remind people that in other cultures peanut butter is often used with grilled meats, like as in chicken satay,” Stankovich says, adding, “Once they try it, they love it. Not unusual to sell two to the same person.” And now there’s more space for those who want to indulge — MidCity added another wing to its dining room in April. 40 E. Court St., Downtown, midcitycinti.com.

sammyscbb.com.

burger adds sauerkraut — a Deutschland favorite — on top of a beef patty with thousand island dressing, Swiss cheese and bacon, all on a pretzel bun. Vegetarians and vegans can create their own Best Of Cincinnati award-winning veggie burger with a housemade black bean patty, Impossible Burger or mushroom cap.

a lump crab and lobster cake. “I don’t know that anybody in Cincinnati has an 8.5-ounce burger. They’re big. They’re juicy. We cook them to medium unless people specify otherwise. They’re just kind of over the top,” Kunkemoeller says. “I always tell people we put plenty of napkins on the table because you’re going to need them.”

4176 Hamilton Ave., Northside,

4618 Eastern Ave., Linwood,

ordertickle.com.

turfclubcincy.com.

Turf Club

Yuca

A Cincinnati staple, the quirky, neon-lit Turf Club on Eastern Avenue — formerly known as Terry’s Turf Club — got new owners in 2019. Now helmed by seasoned local culinary professionals Tom Kunkemoeller (former general manager for the Montgomery Inn Boathouse) and his brother, Marc (who also owns Deer Park’s Chicken on the Run with Tom), the ownership may have changed but the restaurant’s beloved menu staples haven’t. The Turf Club’s claim to fame is still its build-your-ownburger concept. Top your 8.5-ounce Angus chuck patty or half pound Lehr’s Prime Market filet mignon burger — seasoned with a secret spice blend and nestled on a Sixteen Bricks bun — with any combination of 13 international cheeses, 13 housemade sauces and 14 specialty toppings, ranging from Spanish Manchego to mango curry sauce and Nueske’s double-smoked bacon to

From chef Jeremy Faeth comes Bellevue brunch spot Yuca, a sister eatery to Cedar in Covington. Boasting a Latin American menu, inspired by his family’s love of global cuisine, Yuca’s Chilaquiles Burger puts the popular Mexican breakfast dish on a bun. A housemade 80/20-blend ground beef burger is topped with Monterey jack cheese, housemade salsa verde, chilaquiles, a sunny-side-up egg and chili lime mayonnaise on a Sixteen Bricks challah bun. Faeth says he uses housecut chips to make the chilaquiles, which are cooked in salsa verde before being sandwiched on top of the burger patty and under the egg. A side of fresh-cut fries — dotted with spiced cotija and cilantro and “tossed in our proprietary seasoning,” per Faeth — accompanies the burger.

Build-Your-Own

Jucy Lucy

Opened by former professional Mexican soccer player Sammy Flores, Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer in Blue Ash has been around since 2009. The focus here is on fresh: Ingredients from the meat to the bread to the greens are sourced from local purveyors and the team makes everything from the guacamole to the ranch dressing inhouse. Each hand-ground, steak-blend burger features an elevated topping — whether that’s a spicy maple glaze, sunny-side-up egg or local Fretboard Brewing beer cheese — on a bun emblazoned with a seared “S.” But Sammy’s takes the stuffed Minneapolisstyle Jucy Lucy to the next level by infusing the hand-pattied burger with bone marrow and then topping it with bacon, onion, sharp cheddar, jalapeno straws, Kentucky bourbon sauce and smoked barbecue sauce. “Some people

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put the cheddar cheese in the meat [of a Jucy Lucy]. We chose not to do that,” says Jimmy Rochetta, partner at Sammy’s. The burger is served with a side of chicken barbecue macaroni and cheese, nestled inside the marrow vessel. “It gives it that wow factor,” Rochetta says. “Everything that comes out of the kitchen is truly made with the decision to wow people.” Can’t decide on which burger to try? Opt for the you-pick Party of Three and sample a few. 4767 Creek Road, Blue Ash,

Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer

(L-R) The Governor; Yuca

Tickle Pickle Hammstein

Northside, the green-leaning enclave home to hippies, hip millennials and a handful of rock & roll bars, is the perfect location for Tickle Pickle. The burger restaurant’s menu features options for all types of eaters, from omnivores to vegetarians and vegans and even kids. Dish names riff off of classic rock favorites, like the straightforward Breadzeppelin cheeseburger or the spicy Red Hot Chili Peppers burger with pepper jack, grilled peppers and onions and jalapeno poppers. “All our burgers are amazing because a lot of time and effort went into taste-testing flavor combinations to make some killer burgers to rock your taste buds,” says Tickle Pickle owner Lea Dickman. Drawing inspiration from German industrial metal group Rammstein, the Hammstein

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Chilaquiles Burger

700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, yucabycedar.com.

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ARTS & ARTS & CULTURE CULTURE

C. Jacqueline Wood owns Manga Manga. P H OTO : S E A N M . P E T E RS

Manga Manga Is Cincinnati’s New One-Stop Manga Manga Is Cincinnati’s New One-Stop Shop for fans of Japanese comics Shop fans of Japanese comics With a focus for on art and community, the College Hill store fills a gap in Cincinnati’s fandom scene. BY M AC E N Z I Eon MA N L and EY With a Kfocus art

C C

BY M AC K E N Z I E M A N L E Y

community, the College Hill store fills a gap in Cincinnati’s fandom scene.

. Jacqueline Wood likes to say that manga found her––not the . Jacqueline Wood likes to say other way around. that manga found her––not the After years of working in the art other way around. nonprofit and freelance world, she was After years of working in the art searching for a career change. That nonprofit and freelance world, she was change came this spring in the form of searching for a career change. That Manga Manga. change came this spring in the form of Located in College Hill, the small Manga Manga. bookshop, which shelves manga, or Located in College Hill, the small Japanese comics, opened in April. bookshop, which shelves manga, or According to Wood, it is the first Japanese comics, opened in April. brick-and-mortar space in Cincinnati According to Wood, it is the first dedicated solely to manga and fills what brick-and-mortar space in Cincinnati she saw as a void in the city. Her OTRdedicated solely to manga and fills what based experimental film and video hub she saw as a void in the city. Her OTRThe Mini Microcinema, whose physical based experimental film and video hub location closed in late 2019, showcased The Mini Microcinema, whose physical local and independent filmmakers. location closed in late 2019, showcased And during the pandemic, she briefly local and independent filmmakers. worked at a chain bookstore, where she And during the pandemic, she briefly learned how dedicated manga’s fanbase worked at a chain bookstore, where she could be. learned how dedicated manga’s fanbase “Manga Manga is a celebration of could be. Japanese creators who have brought “Manga Manga is a celebration of universal stories to a global audience,” Japanese creators who have brought Wood tells CityBeat. “I am learning universal stories to a global audience,” every day about the culture from which Wood tells CityBeat. “I am learning these stories originate, and I have so every day about the culture from which these stories originate, and I have so

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much more to learn. I am not an expert, but I am endlessly fascinated by the art much more to learn. I am not an expert, form.” but I am endlessly fascinated by the art Wood, who has a master’s of fine arts, form.” says the shop carries nearly 5,000 books Wood, who has a master’s of fine arts, from an array of genres targeted toward says the shop carries nearly 5,000- books specific age groups, including shonen from an array of genres targeted toward (teen boys), seinen (men), sho-jo (teen specific age groups, including sho-nen girls), josei (women), and kodomomuke (teen boys), seinen (men), sho-jo (teen (young children) series. In slice-of-life girls), josei (women), and kodomomuke to science-fiction, LGBTQ+ issues, (young children) series. In slice-of-life horror, non-fiction and more, readers to science-fiction, LGBTQ+ issues, of all preferences can find titles. Manga horror, non-fiction and more, readers Manga also carries titles from the of all preferences can find titles. Manga book publishing arm of Japan’s weekly Manga also carries titles from the Sho-nen Jump magazine, including book publishing arm of Japan’s weekly One- Piece, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Shonen Jump magazine, including Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, ChainOne Piece, Naruto, My Hero Academia, saw Man and Bleach. Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, ChainAlong with manga, the shop carries saw Man and Bleach. a few manhwa (Korean) and manhua Along with manga, the shop carries (Chinese and Taiwanese) series. There a few manhwa (Korean) and manhua are also DIY or underground titles, like (Chinese and Taiwanese) series. There Bubbles, a fanzine devoted to alternaare also DIY or underground titles, like tive comics from both America and Bubbles, a fanzine devoted to alternaJapan. tive comics from both America and Wood says that having a variety of Japan. titles, artists and styles is vital. Wood says that having a variety of “In the shop, too, it’s not just the titles, artists and styles is vital. “In the shop, too, it’s not just the

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popular series,” Wood says. “It’s very, very important to me to have art books popular series,” Wood says. “It’s very, and theory books. You can find books very important to me to have art books about the history of manga and comics. and theory books. You can find books To me, as a person who studied art, it’s about the history of manga and comics. very interesting. It’s important to proTo me, as a person who studied art, it’s vide context for the art form that you’re very interesting. It’s important to proengaging in. Those books have been vide context for the art form that you’re quite popular.” engaging in. Those books have been Wood says that she considers Manga quite popular.” Manga much like The Mini MicroWood says that she considers Manga cinema and her home studio in that Manga much like The Mini Microeverything needs to make sense and be cinema and her home studio in that geared toward user experience. Though everything needs to make sense and be the store has a clean, airy feel, parts geared toward user experience. Though of Wood’s personal history are placed the store has a clean, airy feel, parts intentionally: the chalkboard from The of Wood’s personal history are placed Mini, on which customers can answer intentionally: the chalkboard from The questions or leave doodles; a floral vinMini, on which customers can answer tage couch from her studio perfect for questions or leave doodles; a floral vinreading or chatting; and a small section tage couch from her studio perfect for dedicated to Studio Ghibli, an animareading or chatting; and a small section tion house of which Wood has long dedicated to Studio Ghibli, an animabeen a fan. Walk into Manga Manga on tion house of which Wood has long any given day and you may meet the been a fan. Walk into Manga Manga on store’s unofficial mascot, Dottie the any given day and you may meet the shop dog, an adorable Shih Tzu. store’s unofficial mascot, Dottie the “[Opening the store] felt like a really, shop dog, an adorable Shih Tzu. really big risk in some ways because I “[Opening the store] felt like a really, really big risk in some ways because I

am so new to the industry,” Wood says. “But at the same time, there was great am so new to the industry,” Wood says. comfort in everything that I would read “But at the same time, there was great and the people that I would meet––I comfort in everything that I would read specifically have two friends I reached and the people that I would meet––I out to who are manga readers––thought specifically have two friends I reached it was the greatest idea.” out to who are manga readers––thought One of those friends was Chris it was the greatest idea.” Simmons, a longtime manga reader. One of those friends was Chris Woods sought Simmons’ advice about Simmons, a longtime manga reader. planning the initial inventory as well Woods sought Simmons’ advice about as getting a feel for what fans might planning the initial inventory as well expect. Having a physical store dedias getting a feel for what fans might cated to manga adds a level of comfort expect. Having a physical store dedifor fans, Simmons says, explaining that cated to manga adds a level of comfort it gives younger, newer readers a safe for fans, Simmons says, explaining that space to engage and explore the hobby. it gives younger, newer readers a safe Older, more established fans can walk space to engage and explore the hobby. in knowing what titles are available Older, more established fans can walk without the worry of feeling awkward, in knowing what titles are available he adds. without the worry of feeling awkward, “Basically, anyone on the spectrum he adds. of the fandom or the hobby is going to “Basically, anyone on the spectrum be embraced,” Simmons says. “That is of the fandom or the hobby is going to just a super meaningful, super big shift be embraced,” Simmons says. “That is for our city. A lot of cities have somejust a super meaningful, super big shift thing like this and we don’t specifically for our city. A lot of cities have somefor manga.” thing like this and we don’t specifically Simmons explains that the for manga.” Simmons explains that the

Manga Manga carries nearly 5,000 books in genres targeted to specific age groups. P H OTO : S E A N M . P E T E RS

perception of manga and anime has shifted over the past few years. He likperception of manga and anime has ens the change to that of Marvel Comics shifted over the past few years. He likand the film universe built around ens the change to that of Marvel Comics Spider-Man, Iron Man and Black and the film universe built around Widow: it’s now mainstream, not a Spider-Man, Iron Man and Black nerdy pastime as it had been perceived Widow: it’s now mainstream, not a in the past. nerdy pastime as it had been perceived There’s also a FOMO (fear of missin the past. ing out) factor at play, he says. People There’s also a FOMO (fear of misswho grew up with the genre are able ing out) factor at play, he says. People to convince others to try it out, leadwho grew up with the genre are able ing more folks to find deep, emotional to convince others to try it out, leadstories happening within the medium, ing more folks to find deep, emotional Simmons says. stories happening within the medium, Simmons notes that just a decade Simmons says. ago, a lot of manga simply wasn’t availSimmons notes that just a decade able, and Manga Manga’s customers ago, a lot of manga simply wasn’t availagree. able, and Manga Manga’s customers “I’ve always felt like it’s harder to find agree. other fans of anime/manga because “I’ve always felt like it’s harder to find there aren’t many places to convene or other fans of anime/manga because get together unless it’s smaller friend there aren’t many places to convene or groups,” frequent customer Jacob Cox get together unless it’s smaller friend tells CityBeat. “I look at Manga Manga groups,” frequent customer Jacob Cox as a chance for the community to come tells CityBeat. “I look at Manga Manga together in real-time and grow friendas a chance for the community to come ships and bonds that you can only get together in real-time and grow friendfrom inside a physical location.” ships and bonds that you can only get While bits of Wood’s personality are from inside a physical location.” found throughout the store’s design, While bits of Wood’s personality are she intentionally wanted its aesthetics found throughout the store’s design, to be open so that customers can insert she intentionally wanted its aesthetics their own preferences. In the future, to be open so that customers can insert she hopes to add programming like their own preferences. In the future, book clubs, an art gallery, meetups and she hopes to add programming like anime nights. In June, the store was a book clubs, an art gallery, meetups and vendor at Anime Ohio, a convention anime nights. In June, the store was a held in Sharonville. There are other vendor at Anime Ohio, a convention projects in the works, too, including held in Sharonville. There are other t-shirts and bookmarks designed by projects in the works, too, including artists. t-shirts and bookmarks designed by “I wanted people to come in here and artists. feel two things,” Wood says. “I wanted “I wanted people to come in here and them to feel at home, but I also want feel two things,” Wood says. “I wanted people to feel a little bit overwhelmed. them to feel at home, but I also want And, so, the sheer number of books we people to feel a little bit overwhelmed. have in this shop for the space and the And, so, the sheer number of books we number of series, I want people to feel have in this shop for the space and the like this is a candy store that they can number of series, I want people to feel explore and find new titles they have like this is a candy store that they can never even heard of before.” explore and find new titles they have never even heard of before.”

Manga Manga doesn’t have an average customer, Wood says. On any given Manga Manga doesn’t have an averday, she may meet tattoo artists looking age customer, Wood says. On any given for inspiration, curious neighbors, day, she may meet tattoo artists looking college professors or avid enthusiasts. for inspiration, curious neighbors, Plenty of families drop by, too. Megan college professors or avid enthusiasts. Strasser, who owns plant store Fern in Plenty of families drop by, too. Megan College Hill and East Walnut Hills, says Strasser, who owns plant store Fern in her kids love having Manga Manga in College Hill and East Walnut Hills, says their neighborhood. Her daughter is a her kids love having Manga Manga in fan of My Hero Academia and Toilettheir neighborhood. Her daughter is a Bound Hanako-kun, while her son is fan of My Hero Academia and Toiletinto video-game-to-manga titles like Bound Hanako-kun, while her son is The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and into video-game-to-manga titles like Splatoon. The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and “We try to limit visits to once a week, Splatoon. and they will ask all week which day “We try to limit visits to once a week, we’re going,” Strasser says. “I can’t tell and they will ask all week which day you how many times I picked them up we’re going,” Strasser says. “I can’t tell from school and heard, ‘Remember? you how many times I picked them up You promised we could go to Manga from school and heard, ‘Remember? today.’” You promised we could go to Manga As a business owner, Strasser says today.’” she has seen Manga Manga drawing As a business owner, Strasser says a diverse crowd from all over, helping she has seen Manga Manga drawing to bring people into College Hill who a diverse crowd from all over, helping otherwise may have not visited. to bring people into College Hill who Manga Manga also has introduced otherwise may have not visited. College Hill locals to manga and anime, Manga Manga also has introduced including new customer Mike JorCollege Hill locals to manga and anime, gensen, who lives just a few hundred including new customer Mike Jorfeet from the shop. Before the store’s gensen, who lives just a few hundred opening, Jorgensen had only read feet from the shop. Before the store’s American comics. Thanks to Manga opening, Jorgensen had only read Manga, he started his manga journey American comics. Thanks to Manga with Spy x Family, a newer series that Manga, he started his manga journey blends humor with action, he tells with Spy x Family, a newer series that CityBeat. His experience with the local blends humor with action, he tells manga community is one that celCityBeat. His experience with the local ebrates everyone’s tastes and prefermanga community is one that celences, he adds. ebrates everyone’s tastes and preferWood would not have predicted that ences, he adds. her life experience would culminate in Wood would not have predicted that owning a manga store. her life experience would culminate in “Ultimately, I get to interact with owning a manga store. really, really wonderful people every “Ultimately, I get to interact with day, and that’s been a dream,” Wood really, really wonderful people every says. day, and that’s been a dream,” Wood says. Manga Manga is located at 1612 Cedar Ave., College Hill. Manga Manga is located at Info: mangacincinnati.com. 1612 Cedar Ave., College Hill. Info: mangacincinnati.com.

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ONSTAGE ONSTAGE

The Band’s Visit Is a Musical Salve to Today’s Traumas BY R I CBand’s K P E N D E R Visit Is a Musical Salve to Today’s Traumas The BY R I C K P E N D E R

Janet Dacal and Sasson Gabay in The Band’s Visit. P H O T O : E VA N Z I M M E R M A N , M U R P H Y M A D E

Janet Dacal and Sasson Gabay in The Band’s Visit.

H H

P H O T O : E VA N Z I M M E R M A N , M U R P H Y M A D E

ow does a small indie film from 2007 evolve into an ow does a small indie film award-winning Broadway from 2007 evolve into an musical hit a decade later? Itamar award-winning Broadway Moses, who wrote the book for The musical hit a decade later? Itamar Band’s Visit, tells CityBeat how this Moses, who wrote the book for The musical came to be. The musical’s tour Band’s Visit, tells CityBeat how this will be performed at the Aronoff Center musical came to be. The musical’s tour for the Arts for a one-week engagement will be performed at the Aronoff Center beginning July 19. for the Arts for a one-week engagement Moses says he received an email beginning July 19. from a set of producers in 2014 asking Moses says he received an email him to consider adapting the film’s from a set of producers in 2014 asking screenplay about an Egyptian band him to consider adapting the film’s getting stranded in a remote town in screenplay about an Egyptian band Israel. He had worked on a few musigetting stranded in a remote town in cals and knew that collaborating with a Israel. He had worked on a few musiteam of creators could be challenging. cals and knew that collaborating with a But legendary director and producer team of creators could be challenging. Hal Prince was part of the project, givBut legendary director and producer ing Moses some incentive. Hal Prince was part of the project, giv“With Hal involved, I decided to go ing Moses some incentive. to the meeting,” Moses says. “With Hal involved, I decided to go Moses’s parents were from Israel, to the meeting,” Moses says. where the film was a big hit, and he Moses’s parents were from Israel, had visited the region many times. where the film was a big hit, and he “I immediately saw why they had visited the region many times. thought it [a musical adaptation] “I immediately saw why they would work,” he recalls. “It had a small thought it [a musical adaptation] would work,” he recalls. “It had a small

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group of characters, mostly having conversations in rooms. It’s about a group of characters, mostly having band, so there’s a very organic reason conversations in rooms. It’s about a to have music. And it’s about trying band, so there’s a very organic reason to communicate across cultures with to have music. And it’s about trying different languages. Music can be a to communicate across cultures with metaphor for reaching across barriers. different languages. Music can be a I felt like I was the person to do it.” metaphor for reaching across barriers. Moses’s interest gathered momenI felt like I was the person to do it.” tum when award-winning composer Moses’s interest gathered momenDavid Yazbek was being considered. tum when award-winning composer Eventually, Yazbek signed on to offiDavid Yazbek was being considered. cially become the musical’s composer. Eventually, Yazbek signed on to offiHis string of credible hits — The Full cially become the musical’s composer. Monty (2000); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels His string of credible hits — The Full (2005), and Tootsie (2019) — elevated Monty (2000); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the likelihood of success. Moses says (2005), and Tootsie (2019) — elevated that in a phone conversation with the likelihood of success. Moses says Yazbek, he made it clear that he didn’t that in a phone conversation with want to turn the show into an extravaYazbek, he made it clear that he didn’t gant production. want to turn the show into an extrava“I wanted to keep it small and quiet, gant production. very spare,” Moses says. “David said all “I wanted to keep it small and quiet, the same things I was thinking: Keep very spare,” Moses says. “David said all it small, strange, elegiac, poignant. We the same things I was thinking: Keep really connected over why we thought it small, strange, elegiac, poignant. We this could work.” really connected over why we thought Eran Kolirin’s 2007 film version this could work.” of The Band’s Visit was inspired by a Eran Kolirin’s 2007 film version of The Band’s Visit was inspired by a

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story about the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, comprised of Egypstory about the Alexandria Ceremonial tian musicians who take the wrong bus Police Orchestra, comprised of Egypand arrive at Bet Hatikva, a backwater tian musicians who take the wrong bus Israeli settlement, rather than Petah and arrive at Bet Hatikva, a backwater Tikva, where they had been engaged to Israeli settlement, rather than Petah play at the opening of an Arab cultural Tikva, where they had been engaged to center. Another bus will not come for play at the opening of an Arab cultural 24 hours, so the musicians must spend center. Another bus will not come for the night. Under the spell of the desert 24 hours, so the musicians must spend sky with beautiful music perfuming the the night. Under the spell of the desert air, the band brings the town to life in sky with beautiful music perfuming the unexpected and tantalizing ways. air, the band brings the town to life in Yazbek developed a seductive score unexpected and tantalizing ways. for a show that offers profound insights Yazbek developed a seductive score as the musicians and the townspeople for a show that offers profound insights intersect – especially Tewfiq, the as the musicians and the townspeople band’s starchy, stand-offish director, intersect – especially Tewfiq, the and Dina, the town’s de facto social band’s starchy, stand-offish director, director. They seem to be on a track and Dina, the town’s de facto social toward would-be lovers, but they relate director. They seem to be on a track awkwardly. A common connection toward would-be lovers, but they relate finally occurs while sitting in a café awkwardly. A common connection talking about music by Egyptian singer finally occurs while sitting in a café Umm Kulthum and movie star Omar talking about music by Egyptian singer Sharif, whom both Dina and Tewfiq Umm Kulthum and movie star Omar admire. Dina sings a magical song, Sharif, whom both Dina and Tewfiq “Omar Sharif,” about her memories of admire. Dina sings a magical song, these Arab entertainers on the radio “Omar Sharif,” about her memories of these Arab entertainers on the radio

Itamar Moses wrote the book for The Band’s Visit. Itamar Moses wrote the book for P H OTO : A N D R E W E C C L E S The Band’s Visit. P H OTO : A N D R E W E C C L E S

and television as she grew up in Israel. Moses says translating a movie into and television as she grew up in Israel. a stage musical can be a challenge. Moses says translating a movie into “We don’t have the power of the a stage musical can be a challenge. camera to convey emotion with close“We don’t have the power of the ups and slow pans across a bleak camera to convey emotion with closeups and slow pans across a bleak

(L-R) Joe Joseph, Sasson Gabay and Janet Dacal in The Band’s Visit. P H O T O : E VA N Z I M M E R M A N , M U R P H Y M A D E

desert landscape to direct viewers’ attention to a small object on a table,” desert landscape to direct viewers’ he explains. “That’s where music attention to a small object on a table,” and songs come in. A song is like an he explains. “That’s where music emotional close-up. People reveal and songs come in. A song is like an themselves and their feelings when emotional close-up. People reveal they sing.” themselves and their feelings when For the musical version of The Band’s they sing.” Visit, Moses brought together two For the musical version of The Band’s moments from the film when neverVisit, Moses brought together two married Dina and lonely Tewfiq share moments from the film when nevertheir memories of Kulthum and Sharif. married Dina and lonely Tewfiq share Moments of connection between Arab their memories of Kulthum and Sharif. musicians and Israeli townspeople Moments of connection between Arab underscore common human desires of musicians and Israeli townspeople life, love and loss. underscore common human desires of The unassuming show began at the life, love and loss. 200-seat off-Broadway Atlantic Theater The unassuming show began at the in late 2016. Following enthusias200-seat off-Broadway Atlantic Theater tic reviews, it moved to Broadway’s in late 2016. Following enthusias1,000-seat Barrymore Theatre a year tic reviews, it moved to Broadway’s later. There, the show – which the New 1,000-seat Barrymore Theatre a year York Times called an “honest-to-God later. There, the show – which the New musical for grownups” – sparked more York Times called an “honest-to-God positive commentary and had 589 musical for grownups” – sparked more performances through April 2019. positive commentary and had 589 The Band’s Visit is one of just four performances through April 2019. musicals in Broadway history to win The Band’s Visit is one of just four the unofficial “big six” Tony Awards musicals in Broadway history to win —Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, the unofficial “big six” Tony Awards Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress —Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, in a Musical, and Best Direction of a Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress Musical. Its cast recording won a 2019 in a Musical, and Best Direction of a Grammy, and a tour began in 2019. Musical. Its cast recording won a 2019 Following a COVID-19 interruption, Grammy, and a tour began in 2019. it’s on the move again, including this Following a COVID-19 interruption, engagement in Cincinnati. it’s on the move again, including this Interestingly, Tewfiq, played on engagement in Cincinnati. Broadway by familiar TV actor Tony Interestingly, Tewfiq, played on Shalhoub (who won a Tony for his Broadway by familiar TV actor Tony performance), is now portrayed by Shalhoub (who won a Tony for his Sason Gabay, who originated the role performance), is now portrayed by in the 2007 movie. Moses points out Sason Gabay, who originated the role in the 2007 movie. Moses points out

that there is a kind of “meta-layer” to Gabay’s performance. that there is a kind of “meta-layer” to “Tewfiq’s story is that of someone Gabay’s performance. who thought his last chance at love “Tewfiq’s story is that of someone was past, and now he’s getting a secwho thought his last chance at love ond chance. That’s similar to what’s was past, and now he’s getting a sechappened with Gabay returning to the ond chance. That’s similar to what’s role years later,” Moses says. happened with Gabay returning to the Why did this unusual, small-scale role years later,” Moses says. show do so well? Moses suggests Why did this unusual, small-scale that initially it was because it opened show do so well? Moses suggests on Broadway immediately after the that initially it was because it opened tumultuous 2016 presidential election. on Broadway immediately after the “With all the rhetoric around immitumultuous 2016 presidential election. gration and border-crossing, a lot of “With all the rhetoric around immipeople were craving a story about outgration and border-crossing, a lot of siders being welcomed,” Moses says. people were craving a story about out“Strangers can enrich everybody’s life!” siders being welcomed,” Moses says. That enthusiasm continued even “Strangers can enrich everybody’s life!” after the tour’s COVID hiatus, Moses That enthusiasm continued even says. after the tour’s COVID hiatus, Moses “People are still responding says. intensely. Now it’s more about feeling “People are still responding isolated, all the things we felt during intensely. Now it’s more about feeling the pandemic,” Moses says. “The ice isolated, all the things we felt during begins to melt when you get to connect the pandemic,” Moses says. “The ice with people after the trauma we went begins to melt when you get to connect through. That message was inherent in with people after the trauma we went the movie, and we were able to adapt it through. That message was inherent in in a way that speaks to the pain or the the movie, and we were able to adapt it trauma of almost any moment.” in a way that speaks to the pain or the “The antidote is always human trauma of almost any moment.” connection, taking care of each other, “The antidote is always human opening the heart,” he continues. connection, taking care of each other, “Our show conveys that in a way that opening the heart,” he continues. doesn’t feel preachy or sentimental. “Our show conveys that in a way that That’s why people respond to it.” doesn’t feel preachy or sentimental. That’s why people respond to it.” THE BAND’S VISIT, presented by Broadway in Cincinnati, runs July THE BAND’S VISIT, presented by 19-24 at Aronoff Center for the Arts, Broadway in Cincinnati, runs July 650 Walnut St., Downtown. 19-24 at Aronoff Center for the Arts, Info: cincinnatiarts.org. 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Info: cincinnatiarts.org.

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ONSTAGE ONSTAGE

The Carnegie’s Summer Series Brings Energetic The Carnegie’stoSummer Series Brings Energetic Performances Covington BY RICK PENDER Performances to Covington BY R I C K P E N D E R

The Carnegie’s Into the Woods production features 23 characters portrayed by only 10 actors. P H OTO : M I K K I S C H A F F N E R

The Carnegie’s Into the Woods production features 23 characters portrayed by only 10 actors.

P P

P H OTO : M I K K I S C H A F F N E R

roducing musicals in July and August is a longtime theater roducing musicals in July and tradition called “summer stock” August is a longtime theater – using a core company of actors to tradition called “summer stock” present a brief season of shows on a – using a core company of actors to rotating basis. present a brief season of shows on a The Carnegie in Covington is taking rotating basis. this approach this year with a set of The Carnegie in Covington is taking shows to entertain audiences in its this approach this year with a set of Otto M. Budig Theater. It kicked off the shows to entertain audiences in its season in mid-June with an energetic Otto M. Budig Theater. It kicked off the staging of Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale season in mid-June with an energetic musical, Into the Woods. Added into the staging of Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale mix as of July 16 is Jonathan Larson’s musical, Into the Woods. Added into the rock musical, Rent. A third show, George mix as of July 16 is Jonathan Larson’s Remus: A New Musical, about the rock musical, Rent. A third show, George Remus: A New Musical, about the

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legendary bootlegger, will take place in August. Concluding performances of legendary bootlegger, will take place in the shows happen August 26-28. August. Concluding performances of Into the Woods has been staged with the shows happen August 26-28. nonstop energy by Katie Johannigman, Into the Woods has been staged with a 2012 graduate of the musical thenonstop energy by Katie Johannigman, ater program at University of Cincina 2012 graduate of the musical thenati’s College-Conservatory of Music ater program at University of Cincin(CCM), where she now teaches. Several nati’s College-Conservatory of Music members of her cast are standout CCM (CCM), where she now teaches. Several undergraduates. Tyler J. Martin plays members of her cast are standout CCM the earnest, optimistic Baker, and undergraduates. Tyler J. Martin plays Sarah Jane Nelson is his levelheaded, the earnest, optimistic Baker, and pragmatic wife. Their characters are Sarah Jane Nelson is his levelheaded, desperate to have a child, and their pragmatic wife. Their characters are last resort is assuaging the mercurial desperate to have a child, and their last resort is assuaging the mercurial

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witch next door who put a curse on the Baker’s family. Sarah Pansing plays witch next door who put a curse on this nasty, mischievous character who the Baker’s family. Sarah Pansing plays often speaks and sings in rapid rhymes. this nasty, mischievous character who Emma Rose Johnson, a musical theater often speaks and sings in rapid rhymes. student at Otterbein University in Emma Rose Johnson, a musical theater Columbus, is flighty Cinderella who student at Otterbein University in grows up over the course of the show. Columbus, is flighty Cinderella who August Bagg, a CCM senior, is spirited grows up over the course of the show. but dopey Jack. August Bagg, a CCM senior, is spirited These Carnegie summer productions but dopey Jack. are inventive but not extravagantly These Carnegie summer productions produced, conveying the energy and are inventive but not extravagantly creativity of let’s-put-on-a-show sumproduced, conveying the energy and mer theater. Into the Woods and Rent creativity of let’s-put-on-a-show sumshare several cast members and the mer theater. Into the Woods and Rent share several cast members and the

same set, an adaptable arrangement of platforms and ladders. same set, an adaptable arrangement of Both are done with minimal casts. platforms and ladders. Into the Woods has 23 characters, but Both are done with minimal casts. the Carnegie’s limited budget dictated Into the Woods has 23 characters, but using 10 actors, so there’s a lot of douthe Carnegie’s limited budget dictated bling with performers playing multiple using 10 actors, so there’s a lot of douroles and genders. Part of the fun of the bling with performers playing multiple production is seeing Jackson Reagin roles and genders. Part of the fun of the leave the stage as nasty stepsister production is seeing Jackson Reagin Lucinda and then return moments later leave the stage as nasty stepsister as the Big Bad Wolf or a preening Prince Lucinda and then return moments later who woos Cinderella and others. as the Big Bad Wolf or a preening Prince Madison Mosley and Jamal Stone are who woos Cinderella and others. also CCM students. Mosley brings to Madison Mosley and Jamal Stone are life a sassy Little Red Riding Hood and also CCM students. Mosley brings to life a sassy Little Red Riding Hood and

A half-dozen of the actors from Into the Woods will also appear in The Carnegie’s Rent production. A half-dozen of the actors from Into the Woods will also appear in The Carnegie’s P H OTO : M I K K I S C H A F F N E R Rent production.

Part of the fun of the is Partproduction of the fun of seeing Jacksonis the production Reagin leave the seeing Jackson stage nasty Reaginasleave the stepsister Lucinda stage as nasty and then return stepsister Lucinda moments later and then return as the Biglater Bad moments Wolf orBig a preening as the Bad Prince woos Wolf orwho a preening Cinderella Prince whoand woos others. Cinderella and others. then dons a long blonde wig to play the P H OTO : M I K K I S C H A F F N E R

mournful Rapunzel, trapped in a tower. then dons a long blonde wig to play the Versatile Stone rotates between playing mournful Rapunzel, trapped in a tower. the second flouncy stepsister Florinda, Versatile Stone rotates between playing Rapunzel’s zealous Prince, and Jack’s the second flouncy stepsister Florinda, woebegone cow, Milky White, a puppet Rapunzel’s zealous Prince, and Jack’s created from a large traditional milk can woebegone cow, Milky White, a puppet and a pail. Experienced local actress created from a large traditional milk can Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers and a pail. Experienced local actress plays all “The Mothers” to Cinderella, Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers Beanstalk Jack, and Red Riding Hood, plays all “The Mothers” to Cinderella, as well as the booming voice of the Beanstalk Jack, and Red Riding Hood, Giant’s Wife who is heard and felt but as well as the booming voice of the never seen. Roger Dumas Jr. is the perGiant’s Wife who is heard and felt but sistent Narrator who patiently escorts never seen. Roger Dumas Jr. is the perthe audience through the tangled web sistent Narrator who patiently escorts of fairy tales. the audience through the tangled web A half-dozen of the CCM actors of fairy tales. from Into the Woods will also appear in A half-dozen of the CCM actors Jonathan Larson’s Rent, a contempofrom Into the Woods will also appear in rary rock musical about starving artists Jonathan Larson’s Rent, a contempoinspired by Puccini’s opera, La Bohème. rary rock musical about starving artists August Bagg plays aspiring documeninspired by Puccini’s opera, La Bohème. tary filmmaker Mark. Jackson Reagin August Bagg plays aspiring documenand Sarah Jane Nelson are the lovers, tary filmmaker Mark. Jackson Reagin struggling musician Rodger and the and Sarah Jane Nelson are the lovers, tragic drug-addicted performance artist struggling musician Rodger and the Maureen. Jamal Stone is the outlandish tragic drug-addicted performance artist Maureen. Jamal Stone is the outlandish

drag queen Angel, while Tyler J. Martin and Madison Mosley are in the show’s drag queen Angel, while Tyler J. Martin ensemble. Rent will be staged by Eric and Madison Mosley are in the show’s Byrd, an adjunct professor at CCM who ensemble. Rent will be staged by Eric recently led a supercharged version Byrd, an adjunct professor at CCM who of Newsies at Cincinnati Landmark recently led a supercharged version Productions’ Warsaw Federal Incline of Newsies at Cincinnati Landmark Theater. Based on that production, Rent Productions’ Warsaw Federal Incline promises to be a smartly staged, clevTheater. Based on that production, Rent erly choreographed production. promises to be a smartly staged, clevThe third production of the Carnerly choreographed production. egie’s summer season is George Remus: The third production of the CarnA New Musical, the story of the rise and egie’s summer season is George Remus: fall of a penniless German immigrant A New Musical, the story of the rise and who came to Cincinnati, worked as a fall of a penniless German immigrant pharmacist and a lawyer and eventually who came to Cincinnati, worked as a became the most famous bootlegger pharmacist and a lawyer and eventually ATTORNEY AT LAW of them all. He had politicians in his became the most famous bootlegger pocket, mobsters at his feet and a perof them all. He had politicians in his fect scheme to sell barrels of whiskey pocket, mobsters at his feet and a perDISSOLVE YOUR during Prohibition. By 1922, Remus’ fect scheme to sell barrels of whiskey lavish mansion atop Price Hill was the MARRIAGE during Prohibition. By 1922, Remus’ scene of countless over-the-top parties. lavish mansion atop Price Hill was the Dissolution: An amicable end to end Dissolution: An amicable to But it didn’t last. scene of countless over-the-top parties. marriage. Easier on your heart. marriage. Easier on your heart. Carnegie Theater director Maggie But it didn’t last. Easier wallet. Easieron on your your wallet. Perrino is staging Remus, which she has Carnegie Theater director Maggie Starting at $500 plus court costs. worked on for three years with play12 Hour Turnaround. Perrino is staging Remus, which she has wright Joseph McDonough and com$500 OH worked on for three years with play810 SycamoreStarting St. 4th Fl,at Cincinnati, 45202 posers and lyricists Janet Yates Vogt and plus court costs. wright Joseph McDonough and com513.651.9666 Mark Friedman. CCM performers Bagg, posers and lyricists Janet Yates Vogt and 12 Hour Turnaround. Martin, Mosley and Stone join a cast Mark Friedman. CCM performers Bagg, of local actors, led by theater veteran Martin, Mosley and Stone join a cast 810 Sycamore St. 4th Fl, and Walnut Hills High School drama of local actors, led by theater veteran Cincinnati, OH 45202 teacher Mike Sherman as the legendary and Walnut Hills High School drama bootlegger. teacher Mike Sherman as the legendary This ambitious summer series at the bootlegger. Carnegie is a chance to see the kind This ambitious summer series at the of young musical theater talent that’s Carnegie is a chance to see the kind training at local universities, as well as a of young musical theater talent that’s brand new musical recreating a colorful training at local universities, as well as a piece of local history. brand new musical recreating a colorful piece of local history. Into the Woods runs through Aug. 27. Rent runs July 16-Aug. 26. Into the Woods runs through Aug. 27. George Remus: A New Musical runs Rent runs July 16-Aug. 26. Aug. 13-28. Info: thecarnegie.com George Remus: A New Musical runs Aug. 13-28. Info: thecarnegie.com

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FOOD FOOD & DRINK & DRINK

The newly-renovated Bromwell’s Härth Lounge will reopen in July. P H OTO S : M A RY L E B U S

Fire, Wood & Drink Fire, Wood & Drink After closing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bromwell’s Härth Lounge is back with a twist. BY B R closing I A N C ROduring SS After

the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bromwell’s Härth Lounge is back with a twist.

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eing the oldest business in Cincinnati, Bromwell’s should be eing the oldest business in Cina familiar name to most locals cinnati, Bromwell’s should be –after all, it’s been around since 1819. a familiar name to most locals But a recent addition could delight even –after all, it’s been around since 1819. old-school residents. But a recent addition could delight even Bromwell’s impressive retail space old-school residents. on Fourth Street in Downtown serves Bromwell’s impressive retail space as a grand showroom for its primary on Fourth Street in Downtown serves offerings of fireplaces and accessories. as a grand showroom for its primary The 10,000-square-foot, two-story space offerings of fireplaces and accessories. features gas fireplaces, wood stoves, The 10,000-square-foot, two-story space mantels and related products experifeatures gas fireplaces, wood stoves, enced in room-sized displays complete mantels and related products experiwith furniture and decor. enced in room-sized displays complete The relatively new Bromwell’s Härth with furniture and decor. Lounge, located next door, serves as The relatively new Bromwell’s Härth an extension of that showroom and an Lounge, located next door, serves as avenue to bring the Bromwell’s brand an extension of that showroom and an to life even more. Härth and Bromavenue to bring the Bromwell’s brand well’s owner Jeffrey McClorey likens to life even more. Härth and Bromthe co-branding of the two businesses well’s owner Jeffrey McClorey likens to a concept he’s seen in other cities, the co-branding of the two businesses like the Ralph Lauren store on Michito a concept he’s seen in other cities, gan Avenue in Chicago that boasts the like the Ralph Lauren store on Michiadjacent RL Restaurant. gan Avenue in Chicago that boasts the “The last time I was up there with a adjacent RL Restaurant. friend, we were looking around in the “The last time I was up there with a showroom and struck it up with the friend, we were looking around in the sales person,” McClorey tells CityBeat showroom and struck it up with the of exploring RL Restaurant. “He invited sales person,” McClorey tells CityBeat us to go down this secret corridor and of exploring RL Restaurant. “He invited they pushed open a bookcase, and all us to go down this secret corridor and [of a] sudden, we ended up in the bar of they pushed open a bookcase, and all the restaurant side. Those things were [of a] sudden, we ended up in the bar of inspirational to me with this co-brandthe restaurant side. Those things were ing of the space and whatnot.” inspirational to me with this co-brandLike many businesses in 2020, Härth ing of the space and whatnot.” closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses in 2020, Härth Whereas many bars and restaurants closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. reopened their doors as quickly as Whereas many bars and restaurants possible, McClorey and his managereopened their doors as quickly as ment team instead took some time to possible, McClorey and his managereinvent the business, aiming to serve ment team instead took some time to the growing number of Downtown resireinvent the business, aiming to serve dents, and complement the businesses the growing number of Downtown resimoving in nearby. dents, and complement the businesses With a plan to re-open in July, moving in nearby. McClorey says Härth will expand its With a plan to re-open in July, hours, bringing the former night club McClorey says Härth will expand its into the light of day. The business will hours, bringing the former night club serve coffee and light bites into the into the light of day. The business will afternoon, while the cocktail bar will serve coffee and light bites into the open only on weekend nights for now. afternoon, while the cocktail bar will “We’re going to go into it with more open only on weekend nights for now. of a conservative approach as far as the “We’re going to go into it with more bar side is concerned, but the coffee of a conservative approach as far as the thing, we’re very committed to,” McClobar side is concerned, but the coffee rey tells CityBeat. thing, we’re very committed to,” McCloIn addition to espresso drinks, fans rey tells CityBeat. of pour-over coffee will enjoy the fruits In addition to espresso drinks, fans of the new state-of-the-art Poursteady of pour-over coffee will enjoy the fruits pour-over system – the only one of of the new state-of-the-art Poursteady its kind in Cincinnati, according to pour-over system – the only one of McClorey. The custom-programmable its kind in Cincinnati, according to machine can craft up to five separate McClorey. The custom-programmable servings at a time, with the single water machine can craft up to five separate nozzle darting back-and-forth from one servings at a time, with the single water basket of grounds to the next, delivering nozzle darting back-and-forth from one the prescribed quantity and temperabasket of grounds to the next, delivering ture of water until all the pots are filled. the prescribed quantity and temperaAgain inspired by experiences in ture of water until all the pots are filled. Again inspired by experiences in

other cities, McClorey’s goal is to keep the coffee bar open into the evening other cities, McClorey’s goal is to keep hours as the demand for it grows. the coffee bar open into the evening “There’s really nice coffee programs hours as the demand for it grows. in the evening for people who don’t “There’s really nice coffee programs consume alcohol,” McClorey says of in the evening for people who don’t coffee options he’s observed elsewhere. consume alcohol,” McClorey says of “It’s just a nice thing for all of us that coffee options he’s observed elsewhere. like to drink coffee all day long and “It’s just a nice thing for all of us that evening.” like to drink coffee all day long and The new coffee program will feaevening.” ture custom roasts from La Terza in The new coffee program will feature custom roasts from La Terza in

Lockland. Food options at Härth will be limited to pastries, small bites and Lockland. Food options at Härth will packaged snacks, including some be limited to pastries, small bites and curated offerings such as chocolates packaged snacks, including some from San Francisco and popcorn and curated offerings such as chocolates peanut brands McClorey has enjoyed from San Francisco and popcorn and over the years. peanut brands McClorey has enjoyed At the main bar, patrons can order over the years. Manhattans, martinis and margaritas. At the main bar, patrons can order The cocktail menu will remain focused Manhattans, martinis and margaritas. on the classics — 14 of them — and The cocktail menu will remain focused mocktails. Wine and craft beer options on the classics — 14 of them — and mocktails. Wine and craft beer options

also will be available. A small refrigerator on one end of the bar displays a also will be available. A small refrigeraselection of non-alcoholic options, such tor on one end of the bar displays a as Ale-8-One, bottled Mexican Coke selection of non-alcoholic options, such and orange Jarritos. as Ale-8-One, bottled Mexican Coke “I want to make that part of it feel and orange Jarritos. like the most immaculately luxurious “I want to make that part of it feel Rabbit Hash [Kentucky community and like the most immaculately luxurious store] feel,” Härth’s general manager Rabbit Hash [Kentucky community and Jared Dreyer tells Citybeat. “But if you store] feel,” Härth’s general manager want a slammin’ old school cocktail, we Jared Dreyer tells Citybeat. “But if you can do that too.” want a slammin’ old school cocktail, we can do that too.”

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The lounge’s signature upscalecomfortable vibe won’t change, but the interior design and decor are getting an upgrade. Since the Lounge is an extension of Bromwell’s brand and showroom, McClorey sees an opportunity to redesign the interior of the space to incorporate the updated offerings from the retail business. For McClorey, an empty bar space in need of updating is akin to an artist’s blank canvas. “This is Jeff’s art. This is how he gets it out,” Dreyer explains. “Before the pandemic, I said ‘We should put a coffee bar in here and repaint.’ Then we closed, and I came back a few months later. I just meant get a coffee machine, man!” “I got carried away,” McClorey responds. “But hey, you get locked in your room too long…” Referring to the Lounge’s extensive redesign efforts, McClorey says, “It’s a fun hobby for me, but now it’s ready to share with the world.” The new space is much darker now than when it was primarily a nightclub. Black charred wood made by a Japanese process called shou sugi ban lines much of the walls, and the unique arches that stretch from wall to ceiling are painted red, making the fireplace theme more apparent. To further bolster the Bromwell’s brand, three gas fireplaces are incorporated into the new design, replacing the single hearth found in the previous

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incarnation. These units vent to the outside, allowing them to be much larger than before and distinguishing separate areas of the space. The biggest change is the removal of the stage. The grand piano remains near the front, but just behind the street-facing storefront windows, patrons can now sit in cafe-style wood chairs and tables. The window wall can open to the outside for that sidewalk cafe feel. Opposite the front windows, there’s a two-sided fireplace that provides some separation from the main bar space. Moving past that fireplace, the main area will feel familiar enough to the former space, with the large bar serving as the anchor. Additional tables and seating are placed with ample spacing between, and new wood flooring provides a clean, fresh appeal. The coffee bar keeps a small footprint in the rear of the space. Paper murals from France, giant vintage bottles and other curiosities throughout the area tie together the themes of fire, wood and drink. “You can keep tinkering and getting it perfect, but in my opinion it looks pretty good and I’m very proud of it.” McClorey says. “It’s an extension of what we do at Bromwell’s and why we’ve been in business for 203 years.” Bromwell’s Härth Lounge is located at 125 W. 4th St., Downtown. Info: bromwellsharthlounge.com.

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THE DISH THE DISH

The Hottest New Restaurants and Bars in Greater Cincinnati The Hottest New Restaurants and Bars in Greater Cincinnati BY C IT Y B E AT STA F F BY C IT Y B E AT STA F F

An array of dishes available at Nolia. P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Fifty Fifty GinClub

Over-the-Rhine just got a new bar on Fifty Fifty GinClub June 30. From the owners of HomeMakOver-the-Rhine just got a new bar on ers Bar comes Fifty Fifty Gin Club. The June 30. From the owners of HomeMaknew spot, which is Cincinnati’s first ers Bar comes Fifty Fifty Gin Club. The gin bar, per a release, is inspired by new spot, which is Cincinnati’s first “Barcelona gin bars,” plus long-time gin bar, per a release, is inspired by Cincinnati daytime television talk show “Barcelona gin bars,” plus long-time host Ruth Lyons. The name comes from Cincinnati daytime television talk show two sources, the martini cocktail, which host Ruth Lyons. The name comes from is typically made with equal parts gin two sources, the martini cocktail, which and vermouth — plus a Cincinnati is typically made with equal parts gin trailblazer. Local institution Ruth Lyons, and vermouth — plus a Cincinnati who hosted the popular talk show The trailblazer. Local institution Ruth Lyons, 50-50 Club that ran throughout the ‘50s who hosted the popular talk show The and early ‘60s, inspired the bar’s name 50-50 Club that ran throughout the ‘50s and some of its drinks. Spain’s clasand early ‘60s, inspired the bar’s name sic gin and tonics are what motivated and some of its drinks. Spain’s clasowner Julia Petiprin to bring this new sic gin and tonics are what motivated bar to the Queen City. So to keep up owner Julia Petiprin to bring this new quality and authenticity, their drinks bar to the Queen City. So to keep up are made with fresh ingredients like quality and authenticity, their drinks the house-made brine for martinis and are made with fresh ingredients like fresh-squeezed juices for gimlets. If you the house-made brine for martinis and aren’t the biggest fan of gin, there will fresh-squeezed juices for gimlets. If you still be options for you, including other aren’t the biggest fan of gin, there will craft cocktails, beer and wine, plus still be options for you, including other locally-sourced snacks. craft cocktails, beer and wine, plus 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, locally-sourced snacks. fiftyfiftyginclub.com. 39 E. 13th St., Over-the-Rhine, fiftyfiftyginclub.com.

Sen by Kiki

Findlay Market has a brand new

Sen by Kiki

Findlay Market has a brand new

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merchant. Sen by Kiki is a fish and seafood butcher shop focused on responsimerchant. Sen by Kiki is a fish and seably caught seafood that opened June 30. food butcher shop focused on responsiThe name Sen translates to “fresh” in bly caught seafood that opened June 30. Japanese, which harkens to the shop’s The name Sen translates to “fresh” in sashimi-grade seafood (meaning it can Japanese, which harkens to the shop’s be eaten raw) and its oysters — some of sashimi-grade seafood (meaning it can which can be enjoyed at the connected be eaten raw) and its oysters — some of oyster bar. Sen was brought to the marwhich can be enjoyed at the connected ket by chef Hideki Harada and will act oyster bar. Sen was brought to the maras a branch of the Japanese restaurant ket by chef Hideki Harada and will act Kiki College Hill, which he owns with as a branch of the Japanese restaurant his wife Yuko. Kiki College Hill, which he owns with 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, his wife Yuko. kikicincinnati.com. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, kikicincinnati.com.

Bloom OTR

The former home of a beloved local Bloom OTR LGBTQ+ institution is getting new life The former home of a beloved local with the opening of Bloom OTR. The LGBTQ+ institution is getting new life inclusive nightclub is taking over the with the opening of Bloom OTR. The space previously occupied by Below inclusive nightclub is taking over the Zero Lounge — the nationally recogspace previously occupied by Below nized bar that closed in April after 15 Zero Lounge — the nationally recogyears. Bloom opened on June 24, in nized bar that closed in April after 15 concert with Cincinnati’s Pride weekyears. Bloom opened on June 24, in end festivities. Emma Nurre, part owner concert with Cincinnati’s Pride weekand director of operations at Bloom, end festivities. Emma Nurre, part owner says the goal of the bar is to play off the and director of operations at Bloom, history of the building, creating a safe says the goal of the bar is to play off the space that also offers drinking, danchistory of the building, creating a safe ing and drag performances. The Bloom space that also offers drinking, dancteam has flipped the space. Where ing and drag performances. The Bloom team has flipped the space. Where

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Below Zero offered weekend drag shows in the upstairs Cabaret, Bloom Below Zero offered weekend drag has renovated the first floor to open it shows in the upstairs Cabaret, Bloom up and accommodate a slew of weekly has renovated the first floor to open it performances, as well as the rest of the up and accommodate a slew of weekly revelry that comes with a nightclub. performances, as well as the rest of the 1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, revelry that comes with a nightclub. bloomotr.com. 1120 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, bloomotr.com.

Annata Wine Bar and Cellar

O’Bryonville recently got a new spot Annata Wine Bar and Cellar that is sure to impress wine lovers. O’Bryonville recently got a new spot Annata Wine Bar and Cellar had a soft that is sure to impress wine lovers. launch last month, just serving Friday Annata Wine Bar and Cellar had a soft and Saturday for two weekends. Then launch last month, just serving Friday on May 31, they began their full Tuesand Saturday for two weekends. Then day through Saturday service. There are on May 31, they began their full Tuescurrently 26 wines available by the glass day through Saturday service. There are which owner Tim Shumrick says will be currently 26 wines available by the glass in a constant rotation. “It’s heavier on which owner Tim Shumrick says will be the chilled wines for the summer and as in a constant rotation. “It’s heavier on the weather changes, so will the list or the chilled wines for the summer and as if a wine isn’t moving we can change it the weather changes, so will the list or immediately,” Shumrick says. Wine isn’t if a wine isn’t moving we can change it everything at Annata though, as they immediately,” Shumrick says. Wine isn’t also serve up a small selection of chareverything at Annata though, as they cuterie and cheese boards that focus on also serve up a small selection of charlocal ingredients. cuterie and cheese boards that focus on 2021 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, local ingredients. annatawinebar.com. 2021 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, annatawinebar.com.

Nolia

Nolia opened April 19 and is

Nolia

Nolia opened April 19 and is

Cincinnati’s newest Southern-style restaurant, serving unique dishes inspired Cincinnati’s newest Southern-style resby Chef Jeff Harris’ upbringing in New taurant, serving unique dishes inspired Orleans while still staying authentic by Chef Jeff Harris’ upbringing in New to himself rather than to his homeOrleans while still staying authentic town’s traditional cuisine. Situated in to himself rather than to his homethe space formerly occupied by Please town’s traditional cuisine. Situated in (famous for its selfie-friendly bathroom the space formerly occupied by Please and James Beard Award-winning chef ) (famous for its selfie-friendly bathroom the dining environment is upscale yet and James Beard Award-winning chef ) approachable, offering a menu stacked the dining environment is upscale yet with dishes like delectable smoked approachable, offering a menu stacked chicken and Alabama white sauce, with dishes like delectable smoked cider-stewed collard greens, redfish chicken and Alabama white sauce, court-bouillon and much more. All of cider-stewed collard greens, redfish the side dishes are vegan and, while you court-bouillon and much more. All of should not expect them to play ragtime the side dishes are vegan and, while you or serve hurricane cocktails in novelty should not expect them to play ragtime cups, their drink menu will truly laissez or serve hurricane cocktails in novelty les bon temps rouler, non? cups, their drink menu will truly laissez 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, les bon temps rouler, non? noliakitchen.com. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, noliakitchen.com.

Symposium

A new wine bar and cafe has entered Symposium the East Walnut Hills culinary scene, A new wine bar and cafe has entered albeit with a tricky start. Symposium the East Walnut Hills culinary scene, had a soft opening May 6 only to be albeit with a tricky start. Symposium closed down days later due to a leaky had a soft opening May 6 only to be sink. The wine bar and cafe finally closed down days later due to a leaky hosted its grand opening on May 11, sink. The wine bar and cafe finally and as co-owner J. Matt Nickels tells hosted its grand opening on May 11, CityBeat in an email, the business has and as co-owner J. Matt Nickels tells CityBeat in an email, the business has

Inside of Symposium, East Walnut Hills’ new wine bar and cafe.

MadTree Brewing’s Alcove is a multi-level bar, restaurant and event space.

P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

Inside of Symposium, East Walnut Hills’ new wine bar and cafe. P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

been going strong ever since. The space features a main dining room with a been going strong ever since. The space lounge known as The Nest, a private features a main dining room with a dining and event space called the lounge known as The Nest, a private Rumpus Room, an outdoor patio that dining and event space called the currently seats 10 (weather permitting) Rumpus Room, an outdoor patio that and Symposium’s three bars. Each bar currently seats 10 (weather permitting) offers something different — one serves and Symposium’s three bars. Each bar coffee, the other has drinks and the last, offers something different — one serves food. Cocktails known as “Birdtails” coffee, the other has drinks and the last, are delicious, imaginative and avianfood. Cocktails known as “Birdtails” inspired and include the Magpie Gin are delicious, imaginative and avianand Tonic, Macaw Mojito and Bird on a inspired and include the Magpie Gin Wire espresso martini. For dinner, chef and Tonic, Macaw Mojito and Bird on a Aaron Owen offers small plates, canaWire espresso martini. For dinner, chef pés, charcuterie and cheese boards, Aaron Owen offers small plates, canaall of which are collected as “American pés, charcuterie and cheese boards, tapas.” all of which are collected as “American 2835 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, tapas.” symposiumcincinnati.com. 2835 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills, symposiumcincinnati.com.

Soul Secrets

Entrepreneur Candice Holloway is Soul Secrets bringing a taste of her grandmother’s Entrepreneur Candice Holloway is cooking to Over-the-Rhine. Holloway bringing a taste of her grandmother’s officially opened Soul Secrets, a Southcooking to Over-the-Rhine. Holloway ern-style comfort food eatery, on April officially opened Soul Secrets, a South30. The fast-casual restaurant focuses ern-style comfort food eatery, on April on soul food with a menu that includes 30. The fast-casual restaurant focuses family-recipe fried chicken, fried fish, on soul food with a menu that includes cornbread, collard greens, hoppin’ John family-recipe fried chicken, fried fish, and mac and cheese, plus a selection cornbread, collard greens, hoppin’ John of meat-free dishes like vegan salisbury and mac and cheese, plus a selection steak and vegan pot pie. Brunch will of meat-free dishes like vegan salisbury launch this summer with items includsteak and vegan pot pie. Brunch will ing shrimp and grits and chicken and launch this summer with items includwaffles. ing shrimp and grits and chicken and 1434 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, waffles. soulsecretscincy.com. 1434 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, soulsecretscincy.com.

The Empanada’s Box International travel is expensive, so The Empanada’s Box the easiest way to visit Argentina is at International travel is expensive, so a table loaded with empanadas and the easiest way to visit Argentina is at chimichurri alongside a gourd of yerba a table loaded with empanadas and mate in The Empanada’s Box, which chimichurri alongside a gourd of yerba opened on Covington’s Pike Street in mate in The Empanada’s Box, which June. Empanadas – baked turnoveropened on Covington’s Pike Street in like hand pies stuffed with a variety of June. Empanadas – baked turnoversavory and sweet fillings – are extremely like hand pies stuffed with a variety of common across Latin America and savory and sweet fillings – are extremely have become prevalent in our region common across Latin America and thanks to Argentine families like Lucas have become prevalent in our region Nunez, his aunt Fabiana and his uncle thanks to Argentine families like Lucas Diego at The Empanada’s Box. The Nunez, his aunt Fabiana and his uncle menu at The Empanada’s Box features Diego at The Empanada’s Box. The more than 20 different fillings for the menu at The Empanada’s Box features empanadas. The array of empanada fillmore than 20 different fillings for the ings is international, with flavors from empanadas. The array of empanada fillJamaica, Singapore, Louisiana, India, ings is international, with flavors from the Phillipines and more. Jamaica, Singapore, Louisiana, India, 212 Pike St., Covington, t the Phillipines and more. heempanadasbox.square.site. 212 Pike St., Covington, t heempanadasbox.square.site.

Alcove

MadTree Brewing has opened a multiAlcove level Over-the-Rhine bar, restaurant MadTree Brewing has opened a multiand event space called Alcove. MadTree level Over-the-Rhine bar, restaurant describes Alcove’s main bar and and event space called Alcove. MadTree restaurant as containing “a large bar, describes Alcove’s main bar and light-filled lounges, dining areas and an restaurant as containing “a large bar, intimate private dining room for small light-filled lounges, dining areas and an groups.” The space also features a “lush intimate private dining room for small outdoor patio space for lounging and groups.” The space also features a “lush dining.” The food menu is focused on outdoor patio space for lounging and farm-to-table dishes created by chef dining.” The food menu is focused on Stephen Williams of Bouquet Restaufarm-to-table dishes created by chef rant and Spoon: Kitchen and Market. Stephen Williams of Bouquet RestauThe drink menu features housemade rant and Spoon: Kitchen and Market. cocktails — utilizing herbs grown in The drink menu features housemade cocktails — utilizing herbs grown in

MadTree Brewing’s Alcove is a multi-level bar, restaurant and event space. P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

An assortment of dishes from Heyday. P H OTO : H A I L E Y B O L L I N G E R

that aforementioned greenhouse — and MadTree’s own brews will be on tap at that aforementioned greenhouse — and the three bars located throughout. From MadTree’s own brews will be on tap at a design standpoint, Alcove is stuffed the three bars located throughout. From with live greenery from Urban Blooms a design standpoint, Alcove is stuffed in every corner, creating a secretwith live greenery from Urban Blooms garden-like feeling with living feature in every corner, creating a secretwalls. In the event loft on the third floor, garden-like feeling with living feature there’s even a massive chandelier made walls. In the event loft on the third floor, of ferns. there’s even a massive chandelier made 400-1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, of ferns. madtreebrewing.com. 400-1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, madtreebrewing.com.

Heyday

This new burger joint in East Walnut Heyday Hills is sizzling with promise. Hailing This new burger joint in East Walnut from the owners of O Pie O, Heyday Hills is sizzling with promise. Hailing from the owners of O Pie O, Heyday

opened in the former pie cafe location on April 6. Owner Lou Ginocopened in the former pie cafe locachio tells CityBeat in an email that tion on April 6. Owner Lou GinocHeyday will serve up a simple menu chio tells CityBeat in an email that “using high-quality ingredients with Heyday will serve up a simple menu employees who get the respect they “using high-quality ingredients with deserve.” Guests can dine in or carry employees who get the respect they out flattop-smashed burgers and a side deserve.” Guests can dine in or carry of Heyday’s unique hand-cut, dry-cured out flattop-smashed burgers and a side fries. Guests can also indulge in burgers of Heyday’s unique hand-cut, dry-cured and all of the fixings in the restaurant’s fries. Guests can also indulge in burgers dining room, patio space or across the and all of the fixings in the restaurant’s street at The Growler House, where they dining room, patio space or across the can order the full Heyday menu and get street at The Growler House, where they it delivered to their table. can order the full Heyday menu and get 1527 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, it delivered to their table. heyday.menu. 1527 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills, heyday.menu.

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MUSIC MUSIC

Mary Chapin Carpenter P H O T O : A A R O N FA R R I N G T O N

Mary Chapin Carpenter Gets Dirty Mary Carpenter Gets Dirty The countryChapin stalwart finally gives her 2020 album The Dirt and the Stars the full-band tour treatment. BY A N S C U Lstalwart LEY TheA Lcountry

A A

BY A L A N S C U L L E Y

finally gives her 2020 album The Dirt and the Stars the full-band tour treatment.

bit into the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, country star bit into the COVID-19 panMary Chapin Carpenter wanted demic in 2020, country star to find ways to stay creative, connect Mary Chapin Carpenter wanted with fans and get some music out into to find ways to stay creative, connect the world at a time when concerts with fans and get some music out into weren’t happening and albums were the world at a time when concerts being put on hold. weren’t happening and albums were One way she accomplished that was being put on hold. with her “Songs from Home” series – One way she accomplished that was solo performances from her kitchen with her “Songs from Home” series – of songs from her own catalog as well solo performances from her kitchen as other artists, sometimes with guest of songs from her own catalog as well appearances by her golden retriever as other artists, sometimes with guest and “producer” Angus and her cat appearances by her golden retriever and “producer” Angus and her cat

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White Kitty. Every week or so, fans could tune in online and see a fresh White Kitty. Every week or so, fans performance. could tune in online and see a fresh It was all quite casual, fun and genuperformance. ine, and gave fans a bit of a window into It was all quite casual, fun and genuCarpenter’s world at home. ine, and gave fans a bit of a window into Another project meant to provide Carpenter’s world at home. some solace and entertainment during Another project meant to provide the pandemic, however, was not so some solace and entertainment during spontaneous or modestly produced. In the pandemic, however, was not so November of that year, Carpenter and a spontaneous or modestly produced. In crew carefully followed COVID protocols November of that year, Carpenter and a and filmed an entire concert at one of crew carefully followed COVID protocols Carpenter’s favorite venues, the Filene and filmed an entire concert at one of Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Carpenter’s favorite venues, the Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the

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Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia. That show, ultimately titled One Night Lonely, Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia. That was released on DVD and CD in 2021. show, ultimately titled One Night Lonely, “I just had this idea of wanting to was released on DVD and CD in 2021. not only keep putting music out there “I just had this idea of wanting to in the form of a concert, but also have not only keep putting music out there it be, understandably, a document of in the form of a concert, but also have the times that we were in,” Carpenter it be, understandably, a document of explains. “So making it abundantly clear the times that we were in,” Carpenter that there were no people in the audiexplains. “So making it abundantly clear ence [was important], and there was no that there were no people in the audineed in my mind to have patter between ence [was important], and there was no songs. It would have been actually kind need in my mind to have patter between of ridiculous, I think, to be speaking to songs. It would have been actually kind no one. But [I wanted to] film it with of ridiculous, I think, to be speaking to no one. But [I wanted to] film it with

totally sort of world-class production and beautiful lighting and the beautiful totally sort of world-class production stage that Wolf Trap has at the Filene and beautiful lighting and the beautiful Center.” stage that Wolf Trap has at the Filene At 26 songs, it’s a generous set that Center.” encompasses nearly the entirety of At 26 songs, it’s a generous set that Carpenter’s career of more than three encompasses nearly the entirety of decades. It also presents her music in Carpenter’s career of more than three a format she had yet to represent on decades. It also presents her music in her albums – solo acoustic. Carpenter a format she had yet to represent on has played solo concerts over the years her albums – solo acoustic. Carpenter and often has included solo acoustic has played solo concerts over the years segments in shows she performs with and often has included solo acoustic a band. But the Filene Center perforsegments in shows she performs with mance was a unique experience, she a band. But the Filene Center performance was a unique experience, she

says. “It felt very weird on the one hand, says. but also there was a comfort in doing “It felt very weird on the one hand, it because that’s what I’ve been doing but also there was a comfort in doing for so many years,” she says. “Also, I was it because that’s what I’ve been doing really just determined to get through it. for so many years,” she says. “Also, I was There were no retakes, it was all live.” really just determined to get through it. Carpenter says that no songs were There were no retakes, it was all live.” spliced together, that the recording is Carpenter says that no songs were simply the full set as performed. spliced together, that the recording is “And I remember, as I was playing the simply the full set as performed. last song, the weight of it felt, ‘My God, “And I remember, as I was playing the I’ve been up here for two hours plus’ last song, the weight of it felt, ‘My God, or whatever. It was exhausting in the I’ve been up here for two hours plus’ moment, but at the same time, it was or whatever. It was exhausting in the getting very, very cold on stage. I could moment, but at the same time, it was see my breath on the last couple of getting very, very cold on stage. I could songs and my hands were getting cold see my breath on the last couple of and fingers were freezing,” Carpenter songs and my hands were getting cold says. “It was an unusual experience all and fingers were freezing,” Carpenter the way through. But at the same time, says. “It was an unusual experience all it felt just very magical, and all of the the way through. But at the same time, people who were a part of the producit felt just very magical, and all of the tion and had worked so hard to pull it people who were a part of the producoff, everyone just stayed safe and no tion and had worked so hard to pull it one got sick. That was really gratifying.” off, everyone just stayed safe and no The solo acoustic performances on one got sick. That was really gratifying.” One Night Lonely allow the melodicism The solo acoustic performances on of Carpenter’s songs to shine and put an One Night Lonely allow the melodicism even bigger spotlight on her thoughtful of Carpenter’s songs to shine and put an lyrics as well as her underappreciated even bigger spotlight on her thoughtful skills as a guitarist. The set leans decidlyrics as well as her underappreciated edly toward her more serious and mediskills as a guitarist. The set leans decidtative material. Playful hits like “Shut edly toward her more serious and mediUp and Kiss Me,” “Down at the Twist tative material. Playful hits like “Shut and Shout” and “Passionate Kisses” Up and Kiss Me,” “Down at the Twist aren’t included, and the lightest song is and Shout” and “Passionate Kisses” arguably “I Take My Chances,” a breezy aren’t included, and the lightest song is song with some serious thoughts about arguably “I Take My Chances,” a breezy Carpenter’s approach to life. song with some serious thoughts about A five-time Grammy winner who has Carpenter’s approach to life. sold a combined 12 million albums, A five-time Grammy winner who has Carpenter, 64, debuted on the national sold a combined 12 million albums, scene with her 1987 album Hometown Carpenter, 64, debuted on the national Girl. Early on, Columbia Records scene with her 1987 album Hometown marketed Carpenter as a country artist, Girl. Early on, Columbia Records even though her music also had elemarketed Carpenter as a country artist, ments of folk, rock and pop. even though her music also had eleBut the plan worked, and Carpenter’s ments of folk, rock and pop. third album, 1990’s Shooting Straight But the plan worked, and Carpenter’s in the Dark, gave her a breakthrough third album, 1990’s Shooting Straight country hit with “Down at the Twist in the Dark, gave her a breakthrough and Shout.” Carpenter became a major country hit with “Down at the Twist star with her follow-up album, Come and Shout.” Carpenter became a major On Come On, which spawned four top star with her follow-up album, Come 10 country hits – “Passionate Kisses” (a On Come On, which spawned four top Lucinda Williams song), “I Feel Lucky,” 10 country hits – “Passionate Kisses” (a “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and “I Lucinda Williams song), “I Feel Lucky,” Take My Chances” – on its way to going “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and “I quadruple platinum. Carpenter’s next Take My Chances” – on its way to going album, Stones in the Road, was another quadruple platinum. Carpenter’s next hit and featured her first chart-topping album, Stones in the Road, was another country single, “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” hit and featured her first chart-topping Since then, Carpenter has maincountry single, “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” tained the quality of her songwriting Since then, Carpenter has mainwhile crafting a more ballad-oriented tained the quality of her songwriting sound on her eight subsequent studio while crafting a more ballad-oriented albums. The hit singles haven’t hit quite sound on her eight subsequent studio as well as they did in the ‘90s, but Caralbums. The hit singles haven’t hit quite penter remains a popular concert draw. as well as they did in the ‘90s, but CarThe Dirt and the Stars, Carpenter’s penter remains a popular concert draw. most recent studio album, is well The Dirt and the Stars, Carpenter’s most recent studio album, is well

represented on One Night Lonely, as she performs the songs “All Broken Hearts represented on One Night Lonely, as she Break Differently,” “Traveler’s Prayer,” performs the songs “All Broken Hearts the title cut and “Farther Along and Break Differently,” “Traveler’s Prayer,” Further In.” The latter song opens The the title cut and “Farther Along and Dirt and the Stars and sets the tone for Further In.” The latter song opens The the 2020 album. Dirt and the Stars and sets the tone for “That song in particular, it was importhe 2020 album. tant to me to have it open the record “That song in particular, it was imporbecause I do think it sort of states a tant to me to have it open the record theme that runs throughout the record, because I do think it sort of states a which is just the wisdom that comes theme that runs throughout the record, with growing older and everything that which is just the wisdom that comes goes into that,” Carpenter says. with growing older and everything that Carpenter traveled to Bath, England, goes into that,” Carpenter says. and Peter Gabriel’s Real World studios Carpenter traveled to Bath, England, to record The Dirt and the Stars. She and Peter Gabriel’s Real World studios also recorded her 2018 album, Someto record The Dirt and the Stars. She times Just the Sky, there. also recorded her 2018 album, Some“Everything about it is magical and times Just the Sky, there. world class, and just a unique place to “Everything about it is magical and be creative,” she says of the facility. world class, and just a unique place to Per usual, Carpenter didn’t share her be creative,” she says of the facility. songs with the musicians who played Per usual, Carpenter didn’t share her on the album until it was time to go to songs with the musicians who played work at the studio. This fosters a collabon the album until it was time to go to orative environment for the proceedwork at the studio. This fosters a collabings, she says. orative environment for the proceed“I have a way of doing it, which is ings, she says. I play the song for everyone just by “I have a way of doing it, which is myself,” Carpenter says. “An arrangeI play the song for everyone just by ment sort of evolves and reveals itself… myself,” Carpenter says. “An arrangeEverybody brings their own ideas to ment sort of evolves and reveals itself… it, and in the end, it just kind of comes Everybody brings their own ideas to together.” it, and in the end, it just kind of comes This summer’s extensive tour – which together.” includes a stop at Cincinnati’s MemoThis summer’s extensive tour – which rial Hall on July 19 – will give Carpenter includes a stop at Cincinnati’s Memoher first opportunity to showcase songs rial Hall on July 19 – will give Carpenter from The Dirt and the Stars in a fullher first opportunity to showcase songs band setting. She was set to tour in 2021 from The Dirt and the Stars in a fullwith Shawn Colvin before a shoulder band setting. She was set to tour in 2021 injury forced her to drop out. with Shawn Colvin before a shoulder Carpenter thinks she’s recovered but injury forced her to drop out. notes there’s only one way to know for Carpenter thinks she’s recovered but sure. notes there’s only one way to know for “It’s kind of hard to know until you’re sure. right in the middle of it, you know, play“It’s kind of hard to know until you’re ing every night and sort of testing it that right in the middle of it, you know, playway,” Carpenter says. “I spent the past ing every night and sort of testing it that year doing physical therapy and trying way,” Carpenter says. “I spent the past to build my strength up in my arms, and year doing physical therapy and trying we’ll see how it goes.” to build my strength up in my arms, and Exactly what songs fans will hear on a we’ll see how it goes.” given night will vary, as Carpenter plans Exactly what songs fans will hear on a to change up her set list from show to given night will vary, as Carpenter plans show. to change up her set list from show to “We’ll move the pieces around like show. a chess board and fiddle with it, you “We’ll move the pieces around like know, for nearly every night. I’m sort a chess board and fiddle with it, you of changing things around,” she says. know, for nearly every night. I’m sort “There’s just not enough time [in a of changing things around,” she says. show] to play all of the songs I want “There’s just not enough time [in a to play. I guess that at this point in my show] to play all of the songs I want life, it’s something to be happy about to play. I guess that at this point in my instead of feeling like it’s a detriment.” life, it’s something to be happy about instead of feeling like it’s a detriment.” Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform at 8 p.m. July 19 at Memorial Hall, Mary Chapin Carpenter will per1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. form at 8 p.m. July 19 at Memorial Hall, Emily Barker will open the show. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Info: memorialhallotr.com. Emily Barker will open the show. Info: memorialhallotr.com.

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MUSIC MUSIC

A Cincinnatian Plays a Big Role in Furthering the Fame A Plays‘Hallelujah’ a Big Role in Furthering the Fame ofCincinnatian Leonard Cohen’s BY E V E N RO S E Cohen’s N of STLeonard ‘Hallelujah’ BY ST E V E N RO S E N

eonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” — by turns sacred and profane, mourneonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” — by ful and determined — has become turns sacred and profane, mournsuch a familiar and admired song that it ful and determined — has become has achieved classic status. such a familiar and admired song that it Its remarkably long journey to get has achieved classic status. there was well documented in the 2012 Its remarkably long journey to get book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard there was well documented in the 2012 Cohen, Jeff Buckley and the Unlikely book The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Ascent of “Hallelujah” by Alan Light, a Cohen, Jeff Buckley and the Unlikely Cincinnati native. Because of the book’s Ascent of “Hallelujah” by Alan Light, a success, it has become a significant Cincinnati native. Because of the book’s landmark along the “Hallelujah” trail. success, it has become a significant Now, there’s a new documentary landmark along the “Hallelujah” trail. inspired by the book — Hallelujah: Now, there’s a new documentary Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, inspired by the book — Hallelujah: which opens August 5 at the Mariemont Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, Theatre. Light served as a consulting which opens August 5 at the Mariemont producer for the film, which is directed Theatre. Light served as a consulting by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine. producer for the film, which is directed Coinciding with the film’s release, by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine. Simon & Schuster has published a new Coinciding with the film’s release, edition of The Holy or the Broken that Simon & Schuster has published a new chronicles key events since 2012 in edition of The Holy or the Broken that the continuing journey of “Hallelujah” chronicles key events since 2012 in (one of those events was the passing of the continuing journey of “Hallelujah” Cohen in 2016, at age 82). The book’s (one of those events was the passing of new edition includes Kate McKinnon — Cohen in 2016, at age 82). The book’s in character as Hillary Clinton — singnew edition includes Kate McKinnon — ing a cathartic version of the song on in character as Hillary Clinton — singSaturday Night Live’s immediately after ing a cathartic version of the song on Donald Trump shockingly defeated Saturday Night Live’s immediately after Clinton in Electoral College votes in the Donald Trump shockingly defeated 2016 presidential election, despite her Clinton in Electoral College votes in the popular-vote victory. McKinnon’s per2016 presidential election, despite her formance also coincided with Cohen’s popular-vote victory. McKinnon’s perpassing. At song’s end, McKinnon — formance also coincided with Cohen’s speaking both as Clinton but also as passing. At song’s end, McKinnon — herself — expresses support for those speaking both as Clinton but also as who were dazed, confused and worried herself — expresses support for those about what awaited the country with who were dazed, confused and worried Trump as president. “I’m not giving up about what awaited the country with and neither should you,” she said. Trump as president. “I’m not giving up “It was another catalyst moment for and neither should you,” she said. the song,” Light says during a phone “It was another catalyst moment for interview. “So the story keeps building.” the song,” Light says during a phone After an overlooked 1984 release, interview. “So the story keeps building.” “Hallelujah” began to develop a followAfter an overlooked 1984 release, ing in the 1990s via exceptional cover “Hallelujah” began to develop a followversions by critically favored musiing in the 1990s via exceptional cover cians John Cale and Jeff Buckley. Its big versions by critically favored musibreakthrough arrived when Cale’s vercians John Cale and Jeff Buckley. Its big sion was featured in the 2001 animated breakthrough arrived when Cale’s vermovie Shrek (the movie’s soundtrack sion was featured in the 2001 animated album featured a version by Rufus movie Shrek (the movie’s soundtrack Wainwright). album featured a version by Rufus The documentary, like Light’s book, Wainwright). chronicles how Cohen was first a The documentary, like Light’s book, Canadian poet who became a folkchronicles how Cohen was first a oriented singer-songwriter in the 1960s, Canadian poet who became a folkgarnering considerable respect. By the oriented singer-songwriter in the 1960s, 1984 album Various Positions, he was garnering considerable respect. By the looking to modernize his sound. Yet his 1984 album Various Positions, he was longtime U.S. record label, Columbia, looking to modernize his sound. Yet his wouldn’t release it, not recognizing the longtime U.S. record label, Columbia, wouldn’t release it, not recognizing the

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Leonard Cohen P H O T O : P R O V I D E D BY S O N Y C L A S S I C S

Leonard Cohen

P H O T O : P R O V I D E D BY S O N Y C L A S S I C S

potential of “Hallelujah” (an independent label distributed it without much potential of “Hallelujah” (an indepeninitial notice). But the song’s belated dent label distributed it without much success helped allow Cohen a later-ininitial notice). But the song’s belated life triumphant return to recording and success helped allow Cohen a later-intouring. life triumphant return to recording and Light’s own a-ha moment with the touring. song didn’t come until 2010, despite Light’s own a-ha moment with the song didn’t come until 2010, despite

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the fact his father, Irwin, now a retired neonatologist who practiced at Cincinthe fact his father, Irwin, now a retired nati Children’s Hospital and also taught neonatologist who practiced at Cincinat University of Cincinnati’s medical nati Children’s Hospital and also taught school, was a classmate of Cohen’s at at University of Cincinnati’s medical Montreal’s McGill University. Both men school, was a classmate of Cohen’s at were Jewish and raised in Montreal, Montreal’s McGill University. Both men Canada. “I grew up with Leonard’s were Jewish and raised in Montreal, Canada. “I grew up with Leonard’s

college yearbook on our shelf,” Light says. college yearbook on our shelf,” Light The initial rise of “Hallelujah” didn’t says. make a deep impression on Light, who The initial rise of “Hallelujah” didn’t already was very busy in New York make a deep impression on Light, who writing and editing music stories (at age already was very busy in New York 55, he still lives in Manhattan with wife writing and editing music stories (at age Suzanne and son Adam). But in 2010, 55, he still lives in Manhattan with wife Suzanne and son Adam). But in 2010,

Leonard Cohen performs in Denmark n 2013. P H O T O : TA K A H I R O K YO N O , W I K I M E D I A C O M M O N S

Leonard Cohen performs in Denmark n 2013.

P H O T O : TA K A H I R O K YO N O , W I K I M E D I A C O M M O N S

Light attended a Yom Kippur open service at Manhattan’s massive Jacob K. Light attended a Yom Kippur open Javits Convention Center, hosted by an service at Manhattan’s massive Jacob K. LGBTQ congregation. For the Kol Nidre Javits Convention Center, hosted by an prayer, a choir sang “Hallelujah” and LGBTQ congregation. For the Kol Nidre Light was taken aback. “You could just prayer, a choir sang “Hallelujah” and feel that everyone knew it,” he recalls. Light was taken aback. “You could just “People were in tears, and I thought, feel that everyone knew it,” he recalls. ‘How’d we get here; how’d this become “People were in tears, and I thought, the song that lights everyone up on the ‘How’d we get here; how’d this become holiest day of the Jewish calendar at the the song that lights everyone up on the pinnacle moment?’ And I also thought holiest day of the Jewish calendar at the about what a weird trajectory it was for pinnacle moment?’ And I also thought a song that nobody paid attention to for about what a weird trajectory it was for a long time and now it has become this a song that nobody paid attention to for universal anthem. How the hell did that a long time and now it has become this happen? That’s what started my thought universal anthem. How the hell did that that there was a book in that.” happen? That’s what started my thought Light became devoted to music and that there was a book in that.” arts writing while growing up in CinLight became devoted to music and cinnati. One impetus was his mother, arts writing while growing up in CinJanet Light, a dance critic for Cincinnati cinnati. One impetus was his mother, Enquirer who shared her work experiJanet Light, a dance critic for Cincinnati ences with her young son. At Cincinnati Enquirer who shared her work experiCountry Day School, he looked for writences with her young son. At Cincinnati ing opportunities and as a teenager had Country Day School, he looked for writa radio show at WAIF-FM. ing opportunities and as a teenager had “It was pretty freeform, I’ve got to a radio show at WAIF-FM. say,” Light explains. “It started as ‘60s “It was pretty freeform, I’ve got to rock-focused but got increasingly looser say,” Light explains. “It started as ‘60s and looser. Certainly it was rock-based, rock-focused but got increasingly looser but I played Miles Davis records or and looser. Certainly it was rock-based, whatever as I found them.” He has but I played Miles Davis records or continued with radio and currently has whatever as I found them.” He has a 4-7 p.m. daily show on SiriusXM 106, continued with radio and currently has a music-talk channel called “Volume”. a 4-7 p.m. daily show on SiriusXM 106, At Yale University, where Light a music-talk channel called “Volume”. majored in American studies with a At Yale University, where Light concentration on American popular majored in American studies with a music, he devoted nine months of his concentration on American popular senior year to a thesis on the Beastie music, he devoted nine months of his senior year to a thesis on the Beastie

Boys’ 1986 Licensed to Ill album. “Plenty of people thought it was goofy, but Boys’ 1986 Licensed to Ill album. “Plenty damn if I wasn’t on the most preof people thought it was goofy, but professional track of any of them,” Light damn if I wasn’t on the most presays now. professional track of any of them,” Light From college, Light wrote and edited says now. for magazines like Rolling Stone, Spin From college, Light wrote and edited and Vibe. From there, he became an for magazines like Rolling Stone, Spin editor at Tracks, a start-up geared to and Vibe. From there, he became an what might be called “adult alternative” editor at Tracks, a start-up geared to forms of contemporary popular music, what might be called “adult alternative” and which had as a financial backer forms of contemporary popular music, Frank Wood, the Cincinnatian who and which had as a financial backer started WEBN-FM’s alternative rock Frank Wood, the Cincinnatian who format back in 1967. Tracks lasted from started WEBN-FM’s alternative rock 2003 to 2005. format back in 1967. Tracks lasted from For his book, Light was not able to 2003 to 2005. talk to Cohen, who limited his interFor his book, Light was not able to views. However, Cohen’s management talk to Cohen, who limited his interwas supportive of the project. Cohen’s views. However, Cohen’s management estate was supportive, too, of the “Halwas supportive of the project. Cohen’s lelujah” documentary. estate was supportive, too, of the “HalBut Light did have one cherished lelujah” documentary. personal moment with Cohen. It came But Light did have one cherished after his book’s 2012 publication, when personal moment with Cohen. It came he was asked to do an interview with after his book’s 2012 publication, when the revered singer for a press event he was asked to do an interview with related to a new album. “We did 10 the revered singer for a press event minutes,” Light says. “He did stop after related to a new album. “We did 10 my first question and thanked me minutes,” Light says. “He did stop after for the book and said how much he my first question and thanked me appreciated and enjoyed it. It meant the for the book and said how much he entire world to me.” appreciated and enjoyed it. It meant the entire world to me.” Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song opens at Mariemont Theatre Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Jouron August 5. To purchase or learn about ney, A Song opens at Mariemont Theatre The Holy or the Broken: Leonard on August 5. To purchase or learn about Cohen, Jeff Buckley and the Unlikely The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Ascent of “Hallelujah,” visit simonandCohen, Jeff Buckley and the Unlikely schuster.com. Ascent of “Hallelujah,” visit simonandschuster.com.

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SOUND ADVICE SOUND ADVICE

Robert Glasper P H OTO : M A N CY GA N T

THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS WITH X THE PSYCHEDELIC July 20 • Andrew J Brady FURS WITH X Music Center

The Psychedelic Furs released seven July 20 • Andrew J Brady Music Center full-length albums between 1980 and The Psychedelic Furs released seven 1991, each reveling in the noisy post full-length albums between 1980 and punk that dominated the era’s British 1991, each reveling in the noisy post music scene. And if the Furs moved punk that dominated the era’s British away from their trashy, Sex Pistolsmusic scene. And if the Furs moved ripping aggression as the years rolled away from their trashy, Sex Pistolson, they grew only more emotionally ripping aggression as the years rolled resonant by the end of a decade they on, they grew only more emotionally helped define with a slew of memoresonant by the end of a decade they rable singles (including “Pretty in Pink,” helped define with a slew of memowhich writer/director John Hughes rable singles (including “Pretty in Pink,” used for his 1986 film of the same name, which writer/director John Hughes and “Love My Way,” so amusingly used for his 1986 film of the same name, employed in the 2017 art-house hit Call and “Love My Way,” so amusingly Me by Your Name). employed in the 2017 art-house hit Call The Furs — whose only current origiMe by Your Name). nal members are singer Richard Butler The Furs — whose only current origiand his bass-playing brother Tim — nal members are singer Richard Butler reconvened consistently over the last 20 and his bass-playing brother Tim — years for live tours, but an album of new reconvened consistently over the last 20 material remained elusive until 2020’s years for live tours, but an album of new Made of Rain, which had the misformaterial remained elusive until 2020’s tune of surfacing just as the COVID-19 Made of Rain, which had the misforpandemic took hold, eliminating a tune of surfacing just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, eliminating a

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planned tour. The new songs remain faithful to the Furs’ mid- to late-’80s planned tour. The new songs remain approach — swirling, psych-tinged faithful to the Furs’ mid- to late-’80s pop rock driven by Richard’s modest approach — swirling, psych-tinged but heartfelt baritone and side-eyed pop rock driven by Richard’s modest romanticism. but heartfelt baritone and side-eyed The Furs started playing live shows romanticism. again in late 2021 following a two-year The Furs started playing live shows pandemic-related layoff — the band’s again in late 2021 following a two-year longest period of dormancy since pandemic-related layoff — the band’s reforming in 2000 after an eight-year longest period of dormancy since hiatus. reforming in 2000 after an eight-year “Yeah, now we’re looser,” Tim told hiatus. PopMatters in October when asked to “Yeah, now we’re looser,” Tim told compare the recent touring lineups to PopMatters in October when asked to their early days. “When we first got back compare the recent touring lineups to together [in 2000], we played the songs their early days. “When we first got back perfectly. Now we’re bouncing off each together [in 2000], we played the songs other more. On albums like (1987’s) perfectly. Now we’re bouncing off each Midnight to Midnight, the songs are other more. On albums like (1987’s) very produced. Now when we play Midnight to Midnight, the songs are them live, it’s more rock ‘n’ roll.” very produced. Now when we play Those looking to hear the Furs’ them live, it’s more rock ‘n’ roll.” beloved ’80s output during the CincinThose looking to hear the Furs’ nati tour stop will no doubt be satibeloved ’80s output during the Cincinated — the aforementioned movienati tour stop will no doubt be satiboasting hits, plus “India,” “Heartbreak ated — the aforementioned movieBeat,” “Heaven” and the ever-timely boasting hits, plus “India,” “Heartbreak Beat,” “Heaven” and the ever-timely

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“President Gas” are setlist staples — but expect a heavy dose of Made of Rain, “President Gas” are setlist staples — but too. expect a heavy dose of Made of Rain, The Psychedelic Furs perform July too. 20 at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. The Psychedelic Furs perform July Doors open at 6:30 p.m. X will open the 20 at the Andrew J Brady Music Center. show. There are no COVID-10 proDoors open at 6:30 p.m. X will open the tocols. Info: bradymusiccenter.com. show. There are no COVID-10 pro(Jason Gargano) tocols. Info: bradymusiccenter.com. (Jason Gargano)

ROBERT GLASPER ROBERT July 23 • LudlowGLASPER Garage

A who’s who of contemporary musiJuly 23 • Ludlow Garage cal artists have mingled with Robert A who’s who of contemporary musiGlasper, a classically trained pianist cal artists have mingled with Robert whose infectious creativity has proGlasper, a classically trained pianist pelled numerous projects. The Houswhose infectious creativity has proton native started making artistic pelled numerous projects. The Houswaves while attending the School of ton native started making artistic Jazz and Contemporary Music at The waves while attending the School of New School in New York City in the Jazz and Contemporary Music at The late 1990s, eventually falling in with New School in New York City in the like-minded artists from The Roots late 1990s, eventually falling in with and Erykah Badu to J Dilla and Mos like-minded artists from The Roots Def. Work as a composer and record and Erykah Badu to J Dilla and Mos producer followed, as did a series of Def. Work as a composer and record solo albums for Blue Note Records, the producer followed, as did a series of solo albums for Blue Note Records, the

esteemed jazz label. In 2012, yearning to expand beyond esteemed jazz label. traditional jazz expectations, Glasper In 2012, yearning to expand beyond dropped Black Radio, an R&B-centric traditional jazz expectations, Glasper affair that delves into a broad swath dropped Black Radio, an R&B-centric of the Black experience and features affair that delves into a broad swath collaborations with the aforementioned of the Black experience and features Badu and Mos Def, as well as Bilal, collaborations with the aforementioned Meshell Ndegeocello and others. Black Badu and Mos Def, as well as Bilal, Radio won a Grammy and spawned a Meshell Ndegeocello and others. Black sequel, 2013’s Black Radio 2, but the Radio won a Grammy and spawned a live experience is where Glasper’s work sequel, 2013’s Black Radio 2, but the remains most intriguing. Like buddy live experience is where Glasper’s work and collaborator Kamasi Washington, remains most intriguing. Like buddy Glasper relishes in the frequently sponand collaborator Kamasi Washington, taneous push and pull of the live setGlasper relishes in the frequently sponting, playing off his fellow musicians in taneous push and pull of the live setways both familiar and unpredictable. ting, playing off his fellow musicians in While Glasper’s contributions to variways both familiar and unpredictable. ous projects in recent years — including While Glasper’s contributions to variproviding some sweet piano licks on ous projects in recent years — including Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterproviding some sweet piano licks on fly and serving as musical producer Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfor Don Cheadle’s Miles Davis biopic fly and serving as musical producer Miles Ahead — remained fruitful, the for Don Cheadle’s Miles Davis biopic pandemic inspired him to return to Miles Ahead — remained fruitful, the familiar territory with the recently pandemic inspired him to return to released Black Radio III, which features familiar territory with the recently released Black Radio III, which features

Backstreet Boys P H O T O : D E N N I S L E U P O L D, C O U R T E S Y O F R C A R E C O R D S

Backstreet Boys

P H O T O : D E N N I S L E U P O L D, C O U R T E S Y O F R C A R E C O R D S

appearances from Killer Mike, Esperanza Spalding, H.E.R., Posdnuos, Jenappearances from Killer Mike, Espernifer Hudson, Q-Tip and more. anza Spalding, H.E.R., Posdnuos, Jen“So much has happened from 2019 to nifer Hudson, Q-Tip and more. now,” Glasper said in a recent inter“So much has happened from 2019 to view with Okayplayer. “I hadn’t done a now,” Glasper said in a recent interBlack Radio in eight years and I wasn’t view with Okayplayer. “I hadn’t done a going to do another one. But when the Black Radio in eight years and I wasn’t pandemic hit, I felt like people needed going to do another one. But when the it. I needed it. The process of it would pandemic hit, I felt like people needed heal me and help me from going crazy it. I needed it. The process of it would because it would give me something to heal me and help me from going crazy do.” because it would give me something to Besides a surprise appearance here do.” and there, Glasper’s current tour is Besides a surprise appearance here unlikely to feature the various guest and there, Glasper’s current tour is collaborators that populate the record, unlikely to feature the various guest which just means there will be more collaborators that populate the record, time for him and his core band to do which just means there will be more their thing. time for him and his core band to do Robert Glasper performs July 23 at their thing. Ludlow Garage. Doors open at 7 p.m. Robert Glasper performs July 23 at There are no COVID-19 protocols. Info: Ludlow Garage. Doors open at 7 p.m. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com. (JG) There are no COVID-19 protocols. Info: ludlowgaragecincinnati.com. (JG)

BACKSTREET BOYS BACKSTREET BOYS July 26 • Riverbend Music Center

Strap on your going-out top, feed your July 26 • Riverbend Music Center Tamagotchi and swipe on some Dr. Strap on your going-out top, feed your Pepper Lip Smackers because BackTamagotchi and swipe on some Dr. street’s back — at least at Riverbend Pepper Lip Smackers because BackMusic Center. street’s back — at least at Riverbend Cincinnati may be able to claim one Music Center. of the great boy bands of the lateCincinnati may be able to claim one ’90s/early-2000s as our own — hi, 98 of the great boy bands of the late’90s/early-2000s as our own — hi, 98

Degrees — but the fame of Nick Lachey and Co. is no match for five harmonizDegrees — but the fame of Nick Lachey ing heartthrobs from Orlando. and Co. is no match for five harmonizThe Backstreet Boys — aka Nick ing heartthrobs from Orlando. Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, The Backstreet Boys — aka Nick Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson — Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, are one of the best-selling boy bands Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson — of all time. And they are bringing their are one of the best-selling boy bands unique ~fashun~, facial hair and top of all time. And they are bringing their Billboard hits to Cincinnati on the unique ~fashun~, facial hair and top “DNA World Tour.” Billboard hits to Cincinnati on the The tour, which kicked off in Las “DNA World Tour.” Vegas, celebrates the band’s 2019 The tour, which kicked off in Las release, DNA. Featuring the GrammyVegas, celebrates the band’s 2019 nominated single “Don’t Go Breaking release, DNA. Featuring the GrammyMy Heart,” the tune proves fans still nominated single “Don’t Go Breaking “want it that way” — it was Backstreet My Heart,” the tune proves fans still Boys’ first song to hit the Billboard Hot “want it that way” — it was Backstreet 100 in 10 years, per the band, and “went Boys’ first song to hit the Billboard Hot straight to No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs 100 in 10 years, per the band, and “went and Global charts.” straight to No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs In honor of the tour, the boys have and Global charts.” created a docuseries called Making In honor of the tour, the boys have of the DNA Tour to give fans an inside created a docuseries called Making look at the process of prepping for a of the DNA Tour to give fans an inside global jaunt. You can hype yourself up look at the process of prepping for a for the Cincinnati concert by watching global jaunt. You can hype yourself up episodes — and practicing the choreogfor the Cincinnati concert by watching raphy to the “Everybody” music video episodes — and practicing the choreog— on the Backstreet Boys’ YouTube raphy to the “Everybody” music video channel. — on the Backstreet Boys’ YouTube Backstreet Boys perform July 26 at channel. Riverbend Music Center. Doors open Backstreet Boys perform July 26 at at 6 p.m. Australian singer-songwriter Riverbend Music Center. Doors open Delta Goodrem opens. Info: riverbend. at 6 p.m. Australian singer-songwriter org. (Maija Zummo) Delta Goodrem opens. Info: riverbend. org. (Maija Zummo)

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CROSSWORD

IMPACTED TEETH

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31. 31. QB QB who who beat beat Tom Tom Brady Brady twice twice in in the the Super Bowl Super Bowl 32. Big Big name name in in mountain mountain bikes bikes 32. 36. App App with with a a “Join “Join a a Meeting” Meeting” button button 36. 38. Small insect 38. Small insect 39. 39. Customs Customs paper paper 41. Skinner Skinner box box subj. subj. 41. 42. Put Put into into poetry poetry 42. 44. 44. Driven Driven around around town town with with the the meter meter running, say running, say 45. 45. Asian-fusion Asian-fusion celebrity celebrity chef chef Matsuhisa Matsuhisa 48. Hebrew Hebrew prophet prophet 48. 49. Turn Turn off-course off-course 49. 50. “Phooey” “Phooey” 50. 51. 51. Like Like music music from from the the ‘90s ‘90s 52. Beto’s eight 52. Beto’s eight 54. Not Not for for 54. 55. Vegetables Vegetables in in matar matar curry curry 55. 56. Droop in the middle 56. Droop in the middle 57. 57. Nat. Nat. that that is is nearly nearly 80% 80% desert desert 58. ___ ___ Tome Tome E E Principe Principe 58.

2. 2. “Inventing “Inventing ___” ___” (Netflix (Netflix series) series) 3. 3. Jurisdiction Jurisdiction for for rider’s rider’s rights rights 4. 4. Old Old fashioned fashioned place place 5. Ross Sea sighting 5. Ross Sea sighting 6. 6. ___ ___ things things up up 7. 7. It It provides provides a a low low blow blow 8. 8. This This and and nothing nothing else else 9. Very tiny 9. Very tiny 10. 10. Major Major conflict conflict 11. Sauteing Sauteing acronym acronym 11. 12. Conman’s Conman’s target target 12. 13. Toilet paper 13. Toilet paper layer layer 18. 18. One One living living in in a a tiny tiny house house 19. Family wheels 19. Family wheels 24. West West coast coast sch. sch. with with the the motto motto “fiat 24. “fiat lux” lux” 25. Walk Walk heavily heavily 25. 26. Where 26. Where to to get get lost lost 27. Take as your 27. Take as your own own 28. Poland’s Poland’s home home 28. 29. Reached, Reached, as as one’s one’s limit limit 29. 30. Words to live by 30. Words to live by

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Bertha G. Helmick ATTORNEY ATTORNEY AT AT LAW LAW

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plus court costs. 513.651.9666

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Cincinnati, OH 45202

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CityBeat | July 13-26, 2022

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