CityBeat | July 26, 2023

CPD Captain Cleared of Discrimination After Leaked Audio Recording

CPD Captain Cleared of Discrimination After Leaked Audio Recording

The city cleared D2 Captain Danita Pettis of any wrongdoing, but the investigator’s report shows the strife within the Cincinnati Sentinels.

The report said Ward recorded the conversation and shared the recording with Sgt. Sabreen Robinson on an unknown date. Then, sometime between August and November of 2022, Robinson edited the audio to remove Ward’s voice so that Ward could not be identified and sent the recording to Nash. On June 5, 2023, Nash sent the audio recording to investigators and said Pettis was talking about her in it.

The report said Ward recorded the conversation and shared the recording with Sgt. Sabreen Robinson on an unknown date. Then, sometime between August and November of 2022, Robinson edited the audio to remove Ward’s voice so that Ward could not be identified and sent the recording to Nash. On June 5, 2023, Nash sent the audio recording to investigators and said Pettis was talking about her in it.

Robinson, Ward and Nash all identified the voice in the recording as Pettis, but the police captain told investigators that, while the voice sounded like hers, she did not recall the conversation.

Robinson, Ward and Nash all identified the voice in the recording as Pettis, but the police captain told investigators that, while the voice sounded like hers, she did not recall the conversation.

All of the officers interviewed for the investigation were in agreement that the claims being made in the recording were about Nash, according to the report. During the investigation, Nash said it was clear the conversation was about her.

All of the officers interviewed for the investigation were in agreement that the claims being made in the recording were about Nash, according to the report. During the investigation, Nash said it was clear the conversation was about her.

“Officer Nash stated that the recording was about her. She explained that when she was a new police officer, sergeants were harassing her and started a rumor that she was having sex with Sergeant Neudigate, which was referenced in the recording,” the report reads. “She stated that at one point, she was in an interracial marriage, and that rumors were spread about that, including one that her husband called her the n-word, which was also referenced in the recording.”

“Officer Nash stated that the recording was about her. She explained that when she was a new police officer, sergeants were harassing her and started a rumor that she was having sex with Sergeant Neudigate, which was referenced in the recording,” the report reads. “She stated that at one point, she was in an interracial marriage, and that rumors were spread about that, including one that her husband called her the n-word, which was also referenced in the recording.”

Motives for pushing the issue

Motives for pushing the issue

The report details why each officer involved chose to share the recording:

The city cleared D2 Captain Danita Pettis of any wrongdoing, but the investigator’s report shows the strife within the Cincinnati Sentinels.

BY MADELINE FENING

BY MADELINE FENING

ACincinnati Police Department captain who was being investigated for alleged discrimination by the department and city has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the city announced July 18.

ACincinnati Police Department captain who was being investigated for alleged discrimination by the department and city has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the city announced July 18.

Captain Danita Pettis of CPD District 2 was temporarily reassigned on June 28 while the city’s HR department and CPD’s internal investigators looked into claims that she used disparaging remarks about a fellow officer in an audio clip sent to city officials.

Captain Danita Pettis of CPD District 2 was temporarily reassigned on June 28 while the city’s HR department and CPD’s internal investigators looked into claims that she used disparaging remarks about a fellow officer in an audio clip sent to city officials.

Pettis is the president of the Sentinels Police Association, an organization for minority officers in CPD, most of whom are Black. The city’s report on the incident reveals some of the fraught dynamics within the organization’s leadership over its interactions with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which is CPD’s union. The report also shows a complicated set of motives in both the

Pettis is the president of the Sentinels Police Association, an organization for minority officers in CPD, most of whom are Black. The city’s report on the incident reveals some of the fraught dynamics within the organization’s leadership over its interactions with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which is CPD’s union. The report also shows a complicated set of motives in both the

making and the dissemination of the recording.

making and the dissemination of the recording.

In the audio clip, which only captures one side of the conversation, Pettis could be heard cursing about an officer, Toni Nash of CPD District 5, who she alleges traded sex with a male superior officer in exchange for favorable treatment at work.

In the audio clip, which only captures one side of the conversation, Pettis could be heard cursing about an officer, Toni Nash of CPD District 5, who she alleges traded sex with a male superior officer in exchange for favorable treatment at work.

“You been fucking white men since you came on the department. That’s how you fucked to get off FTO status, over there fucking Paul Neudigate in District 3 with your motherfucking monkey ass was still on FTO status,” Pettis is heard saying in the recording.

“You been fucking white men since you came on the department. That’s how you fucked to get off FTO status, over there fucking Paul Neudigate in District 3 with your motherfucking monkey ass was still on FTO status,” Pettis is heard saying in the recording.

In an interview with investigators, Nash said Pettis calling her a “monkey” was “very derogatory towards Black people” and that it was “just as bad as saying the n-word, historically.” Both Nash and Pettis are Black.

In an interview with investigators, Nash said Pettis calling her a “monkey” was “very derogatory towards Black people” and that it was “just as bad as saying the n-word, historically.” Both Nash and Pettis are Black.

City Manager Sheryl Long said in a

City Manager Sheryl Long said in a

statement released to CityBeat that the recording did not qualify as evidence of workplace discrimination.

statement released to CityBeat that the recording did not qualify as evidence of workplace discrimination.

“According to our current policies, there is not evidence that this off-duty conduct has a strong enough connection to the workplace to constitute a violation. But let me be perfectly clear:

“According to our current policies, there is not evidence that this off-duty conduct has a strong enough connection to the workplace to constitute a violation. But let me be perfectly clear: I am dismayed by this series of events and do not condone the use of derogatory, abhorrent language such as this.”

I am dismayed by this series of events and do not condone the use of derogatory, abhorrent language such as this.”

A report gives context to a one-sided recording

A report gives context to a one-sided recording

While the initial release of the audio clip from the city contained little context or background, the final investigation report tells a more detailed story.

While the initial release of the audio clip from the city contained little context or background, the final investigation report tells a more detailed story.

According to the report, the clips of Pettis’ voice came from an off-duty conversation between Pettis and Sgt. Nedra Ward on or around Aug. 22, 2022.

According to the report, the clips of Pettis’ voice came from an off-duty conversation between Pettis and Sgt. Nedra Ward on or around Aug. 22, 2022.

The report details why each officer involved chose to share the recording: Ward told investigators she recorded the conversation with Pettis and sent it to Robinson because all four officers involved are on the executive board of the Sentinels and that this was something that “needed to be worked out and stopped.” In addition to Pettis, the president, Robinson is the organization’s vice president, Ward is the second vice president and Nash is on the executive board, according to the report.

Ward told investigators she recorded the conversation with Pettis and sent it to Robinson because all four officers involved are on the executive board of the Sentinels and that this was something that “needed to be worked out and stopped.” In addition to Pettis, the president, Robinson is the organization’s vice president, Ward is the second vice president and Nash is on the executive board, according to the report.

Ward also told investigators she made the recording to protect herself, because “Pettis often records conversations.”

Ward also told investigators she made the recording to protect herself, because “Pettis often records conversations.”

Robinson told investigators she shared the recording with Nash because of off-duty issues between her and Pettis, and in case Pettis started “messing with [Nash] at work.”

Robinson told investigators she shared the recording with Nash because of off-duty issues between her and Pettis, and in case Pettis started “messing with [Nash] at work.”

Nash told investigators she had recently applied for an investigator position in District 2, which is led by Pettis. According to the report, Nash said that “several individuals that encouraged her to apply for the role had called and asked her if she had issues with Pettis or had ever apologized to her.” The report said it was these calls and Pettis “continuing to

Nash told investigators she had recently applied for an investigator position in District 2, which is led by Pettis. According to the report, Nash said that “several individuals that encouraged her to apply for the role had called and asked her if she had issues with Pettis or had ever apologized to her.” The report said it was these calls and Pettis “continuing to

Captain Danita Pettis stands in front of the District 2 headquarters in Hyde Park on May 12, 2022.

PHOTO: EMORY DAVIS

Captain Danita Pettis stands in front of the District 2 headquarters in Hyde Park on May 12, 2022.

PHOTO: EMORY DAVIS

perpetuate rumors from 20 years ago” that led Nash to turn in the recording to CPD.

The report said Pettis was not involved in selecting the candidates for the investigator role.

The investigation also found that disputes about how and who the Sentinels would endorse for Police Chief led to the recording.

click to enlarge

According to the report, Nash told investigators that during this time period, Pettis wanted to persuade the Sentinels members to endorse Col. Lisa Davis for police chief. Davis was in the running for chief, along with now-Chief Teresa Theetge, who was ultimately appointed in December. Nash told investigators there was division in the Sentinels and an apparent alliance between Pettis, Davis and FOP President Dan Hils. She said it was common knowledge that, should Davis become chief, Pettis would likely be named assistant chief.

Robinson told investigators that there was some disagreement within the Sentinels about Pettis sitting on an FOP committee due to past history. (In CityBeat’s previous cover story about Pettis and the FOP, Pettis said she sits on the grievance committee, which reviews appeal requests from officers who believe they have been wrongfully punished or fired.) Ward told investigators that Nash said something about Pettis “sleeping with the enemy” in a Sentinels GroupMe chat, in reference to Pettis supporting Hils, which spurred the rant heard in the recording.

The results

The city’s report said, “The recording contains oral communications and derogatory comments that are prohibited under [Administrative Regulation 25 and Administrative Regulation 55],” which are policies that deal with bullying and discriminatory harassment. However, the city ultimately decided that Pettis did not violate the rules because the recording was made without her knowledge or consent while she was not on the job.

“While the City in no way condones the language used in the recording, it was established that the conversation took place while Captain Pettis was off duty,” the report reads. “Moreover, it was established that the conversation in the recording took place almost a year earlier. Further, Captain Pettis had no reason to think she was being recorded, as the recording was a personal conversation.”

The report goes on to explain the city’s rationale for the decision, saying all officers involved continued to “appear at work and perform the duties of their respective roles” between the

time the recording was made and when it was released. It also noted that Pettis did not impede Nash’s efforts to get the District 2 investigator role.

“The preponderance of the evidence does not support that Captain Pettis was involved in the interviews or recommendations for this role,” the report reads.

While the department is not punishing Pettis for the comments made in the recording, she has been asked to undergo a “refresher” training session on Administrative Regulation 25 and Administrative Regulation 55.

The report also said CPD and city HR should meet with Nash to “ensure that she feels safe and comfortable in the workplace.”

“Friends of Captain Pettis” speak out

In a statement released to CityBeat from Laure Quinlivan, who said she was speaking “on behalf of friends of Captain Pettis,” Quinlivan said CPD denied Pettis permission to speak with the media about the report’s findings. She said venting about workplace frustrations should not be a crime.

“Venting with a friend while off duty is not a crime or a violation of city regulations of professional workplace conduct,” Quinlivan said. “Haven’t most of us had off-duty personal conversations with trusted family or friends, with or without profanity, that we wouldn’t want the world to hear?”

Quinlivan said Pettis’ friends are pleased with the outcome of the investigation, but emphasized that the timing of the audio’s release was meant to sabotage her chances of promotion.

“She is one of the finalists for an open assistant chief position, and plans to continue in the selection process. This unfounded complaint was apparently timed and targeted to derail her chances for promotion,” Quinlivan said.

Hils, who came to Pettis’ defense after the audio was released to the media in June, agrees the timing is suspicious.

“Its timing is suspicious at the least, if not far worse than that. Pettis had just gone through an interview for what would be one of the most important career steps of her life. She is trying to become an assistant chief,” Hils told CityBeat in June.

Long did not comment on Pettis’ eligibility for the promotion, but said she holds city staff in leadership positions to the highest standards.

“What city employees do both on and off the clock matters,” Long said. “I will continue to hold our leadership to the highest standards and create a workplace culture that is safe and welcoming to all.”

Voters will Decide CSR Sale to Norfolk

Southern on Nov. 7

BY MADELINE FENING

The board that manages the affairs of the Cincinnati Southern Railway has voted to put the railway’s sale on the Nov. 7 ballot.

A “Yes” vote would mean Norfolk Southern, a multi-billion dollar rail corporation that controls much of Ohio’s railroads, would give Cincinnati $1.6 billion for its city-owned Cincinnati Southern Railway. The city would invest the money into a trust fund that would live off the interest to pay for existing infrastructure needs, never touching the $1.6 billion principal.

During a July 13 meeting, board members discussed the need to get the ballot question to voters as soon as possible to avoid the sale becoming politicized in a 2024 general election year, but the sale is already embroiled in controversy.

A hard sell

After a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed from its tracks in East Palestine on Feb. 3 (potentially caused by system neglect from the multi-billion dollar rail giant), a plume of thick black smoke painted a dark picture for the months to come. Days-long evacuations, scores of animals dead, anxiety and panic over the safety of the village’s drinking water ensued.

The Cincinnati Southern Railway is a single rail line that starts in a sea of railroads at Queensgate Yard and ends in Chattanooga. The 336-mile commercial freight railway is the only city-owned multi-state railway in the country. Over the years, Cincinnati

has leased the line to rail operator Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway (CNO&TP), a whollyowned subsidiary of Norfolk Southern. The first lease agreement with CNO&TP was signed in 1881 and has been renewed on a 25-year cycle ever since.

The latest lease agreement turns 25 this year, and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval wants Cincinnati to break up with the commercial rail industry in the form of a sale.

But voters have raised concerns about future safety if the city relinquishes ownership of its railway to the company that caused the fiery explosion of vinyl chloride in East Palestine.

Pureval’s renewed pitch

Pureval made the pitch to voters less than four months before the catastrophic train derailment, but four months after the crash, he sat down with CityBeat to give a renewed pitch post-East Palestine. In that interview, Pureval said the decision to sell the railway is all about keeping the city’s budget afloat, and said getting rid of ownership shields the city from liability if Norfolk Southern were to have a catastrophic derailment in our own backyards.

“If people don’t want the city of Cincinnati having anything to do with Norfolk Southern, then they should vote for the sale,” Pureval told CityBeat. “Because the sale of the railroad separates us entirely from Norfolk Southern and its business. If they vote against the sale, they’re forcing the city into a relationship

The next step will be for the board to form an evaluation committee made up of trustees and city employees who will select an investment consultant who would manage the trust, should the sale get approved by voters.

PHOTO: MADELINE FENING

with Norfolk Southern for at least another 25 years.”

Even if voters vote “No” to the sale come November, Norfolk Southern will still operate on the Cincinnati Southern Railway for another 25 years. Like always, the federal government would be the sole entity in charge of regulating Norfolk Southern, keeping the public safe from their actions. However, Norfolk Southern has routinely lobbied

against safety regulations and updating its Civil War-era brake systems.

During the city’s campaign to convince voters that this sale is a good idea, Pureval said he will focus on the major economic struggles facing the city should the vote not pass.

“If this doesn’t pass and our deferred capital maintenance continues to go up by hundreds of millions of dollars then we would no longer be able to maintain

the infrastructure we have,” Pureval told CityBeat. “Roads will no longer be able to be paved with regularity, potholes will continue to be a challenge. We wouldn’t be able to remove snow effectively and quickly. We’ll have to downsize the number of fire stations and police stations we have, which will have an impact on safety. We won’t be able to maintain the parks we have in our community. The basic blocking and

Issue 1 Sees High Early Turnout — and High Stakes

BY MADELINE FENING

Turnout numbers for the first weeks of early voting for the Aug. 8 special election have started to roll in, and they’re big.

Between the first day of early voting on July 11 and July 20, a total of 9,082 voters cast their ballot at the Hamilton County Board of Elections office in Norwood. Registered Democrats have dominated the early turnout so far, with 4,698 early votes as of press time. Only 1,267 registered Republicans cast early walk-in votes, and 3,117 early voters were unaffiliated with either party. Fewer than 10 days of early voting on Issue 1 has already tripled the total turnout locally from last year’s primary. And that doesn’t even account for the absentee votes.

Another 13,465 voters have returned absentee ballots for Issue 1 so far. Of those, 6,405 were from registered Democrats, 2,471 were Republicans and 4,589 were from independent voters. The August primary in 2022 only brought in 8,651 absentee votes during the entire election.

Those early numbers suggest high turnout for a wildly unusual election with exceptionally high stakes.

What is Issue 1?

The Aug. 8 special election has just one item on the ballot: Issue 1, which Republicans have brought forward to make it harder for voters to amend the Ohio Constitution. By raising the threshold of approval from 50% to 60%, the ballot issue would mean that a simple majority, or 50% plus one vote, would no longer be enough to amend the Ohio Constitution.

Passing Issue 1 would impair voters’ ability to legalize abortion in the state, which is set for state ballots in November. Other initiatives that would be impacted include proposals on marijuana and raising the minimum wage.

At first, Ohio Republicans argued the change was to protect the state from outside interference. But, according to Ohio Capital Journal/WEWS, Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said during a May 22 Seneca

County Lincoln Day dinner that Issue 1 is “100% about keeping a radical pro-abortion amendment out of our constitution.”

Bipartisan opposition

More than 200 bipartisan groups, four bipartisan former Ohio governors, and Ohio’s entire system of bipartisan elections officials are all against the special August election set in motion by Ohio Republican politicians. Elections officials cited the steep $20 million price tag of holding a state-funded special election. Former governors cited important initiatives that wouldn’t have passed the 60% threshold, like the Clean Ohio Fund. It’s also drawn a crowd of hundreds of bipartisan protestors.

Gov. Mike DeWine and Secretary of State LaRose ought to be among them: Both previously pushed to ax August elections altogether. But in this case, they set their principles aside; LaRose has become Issue 1’s biggest champion, and DeWine signed off on the Aug. 8 ballot placement.

As for Ohio native and musician John Legend, he even returned home to campaign against Issue 1. Standing outside the Hamilton County Board of Elections office on July 18, Legend told a crowd of supporters that Republicans are trying to silence Ohioans.

“We know the value of our voice, we

know the value of our vote,” Legend said. “I came back home to Ohio today to encourage you not to give up on that fight.”

Legend then launched into song.

“One day, when the glory comes, it will be ours!” he sang to a cheering crowd.

It’s not every day you have a legend like Legend singing about a special election in Ohio, but David Niven, a University of Cincinnati political science professor and expert on gerrymandering, said there’s nothing normal about this election.

“Strange or out of the ordinary is an understatement,” Niven told CityBeat. “We’ve had state-wide elections in August in Ohio in 1942 during WWII; in 2022 because of the redistricting commission’s refusal to pass a constitutional map; and now again in 2023. This is an extraordinarily unusual time to have an election. And these elections are prompted by extraordinary events.”

The state legislature has never previously brought a 60% majority rule question to the ballot in Ohio. But then again, the U.S. Supreme Court never overturned Roe v. Wade until now either.

“This extraordinary event in this case is the legislature’s fear that the people of Ohio will correct the course and impose their values on the legislature,” Niven

tackling of running a city will no longer be affordable.”

What’s next?

The next step will be for the board to form an evaluation committee made up of trustees and city employees who will select an investment consultant who would manage the trust, should the sale get approved by voters.

said. “Where the legislature is quite accustomed and quite comfortable to impose the legislature’s values on Ohio.”

When and how to vote

Early voting for Hamilton County residents has started and is taking place in one location only, the Board office: 4700 Smith Road in Norwood. All absentee ballot applications must be turned in by Aug. 1. Election day is Aug. 8, and the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots are due by close of polls.

A controversial new law requires voters to present a valid ID to vote in person in Hamilton County. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Ohio driver’s license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

All photo IDs must have the following:

• An expiration date that has not passed

• A photograph of the voter

• The voter’s name, which must substantially conform to the voter’s name as it appears in the poll list or in the poll book.

Pro-abortion rights organizers encourage voters to vote 'NO' on Issue 1 during the 2023 Northside 4th of July Parade.

PHOTO: MADELINE FENING

DRINKING The issue

For CityBeat ’s 2023 Drinking Issue, we have compiled a list of our favorite suburban dive bars across Greater Cincinnati

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

while we love a night out on the town that includes a stop to a craft cocktail bar, sometimes, we crave a no-frills establishment that doesn’t serve up the most stunning craft cocktails, but can make up for it in the zen atmosphere of zero pretense. The floors are sticky, the lighting is terrible and there is often at least one person yelling at a televised baseball game. It is truly bliss. Ahead, CityBeat writers divulge their favorite dive bars outside of city limits — for those days or nights when you can’t be bothered to drive through downtown traffic.

Rosie’s Tavern

643 Bakewell St., Covington

For more than a century, there’s been a bar with a pressed-tin ceiling and stained glass windows at West 7th and Bakewell Streets in Covington’s Mainstrasse Village. For two decades Rosie’s Tavern has been a dive bar that welcomes everyone, gay or straight — that intersection even has rainbow crosswalks. Inside a dozen barstools face the fully stocked bar — six taps and shelves of liquor and spirits. No food (just chips and nuts), but friendly bartenders will point you to good dining nearby. Pool table is ready and waiting, and drinks are very affordable, especially on Mondays. (Rick Pender)

Poor Michael’s Sports Cafe

11938 Hamilton Ave., Springfield Township

Located in an unassuming strip mall in Springfield Township since 1977, Poor Michael’s has been the friendly neighborhood bar for residents of Pleasant Run

The Lagoon Saloon in Ludlow.

PHOTO: EMORY DAVIS

and Fairfield for over 40 years. It hasn’t changed much in that time, which lends that peculiar dive feel we all love: walls covered in vintage sports memorabilia, diner-style booths with vinyl seats and a drop ceiling. Poor Michael’s serves no food, but good times are always on the menu. (Brian

Cross)

Pelle’s Bar & Restaurant

5146 Mary Ingles Highway, Silver Grove

Head down toward the river from Ft. Thomas to Mary Ingles Highway, and a few miles beyond the Dollar General you’ll come to Silver Grove’s dive bar, Pelle’s Bar & Restaurant, across from the railroad tracks (and next door to Pelle’s Tax Service). Chatty proud owner Joe Pelle has run it since 1997, but it’s been his family’s nostalgic neighborhood hangout since 1974. It’s a basic bar with funny signs, six beer taps and a list of American standards in bottles and cans, nothing fancy. Smoking inside is permitted (hey, it’s Kentucky). The unique attraction: deep-fried burgers and hoagies, served with hand-cut fries, under $10. (RP)

Larry’s Ryland Heights Tavern

10078 Decoursey Pike, Ryland Heights

Larry’s Ryland Heights Tavern calls itself a “no aggravation location,” an atmosphere essential for a serious dive bar. A hangout since the 1950s, this is truly a Kentucky destination with ashtrays all around the U-shaped, pounded-copper bar. It’s festooned with jokey signs — “This town is so small we don’t have a town drunk. We take turns.” — and wall decor (neon beer signs and a pair of grimacing, sculpted Laurel and Hardy faces). Canned beer is all-American (mostly “lite”) brews; bestseller is Michelob Ultra, and bucket specials are offered. Larry’s is worth a stop on Wednesdays for meaty chicken wings with a tempting array of sauces. It’s pretty much an indoor place, but there is a small patio deck on the side of the building. Cash only. (RP)

Maloney’s Pub

408 Greenwell Ave., Delhi Township

This pub has been a West Side staple for 35 years — at least for drinking. Before that, it was known as Eddie’s Tavern and Carry Out and had been a restaurant since 1928. Nowadays, Maloney’s Pub serves up plenty of brews, burgers and Irish vibes, thanks to a renovation a few years ago. Sit on the fenced-in back patio around the firepit with a Guinness or enjoy their tasty wings in front of the Reds or Bengals game. There’s always something fun going on too, whether it’s music bingo on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays or live music on Thursday and Sunday nights. And the best part is they serve hearty breakfast dishes all day, so you can stop by again in the morning to soak up all the alcohol from the night before. (Katherine Barrier)

The Fill Inn

52 Donnermeyer Dr., Bellevue

In 1994, Lois Miller purchased Jim’s Fill Inn and renamed it to The Fill Inn. This year Miller retired, and Hickory Wald Kentucky LLC — owners of The Hannaford, Rhinehaus, and Nation Kitchen + Bar — purchased the bar and dropped her namesake. However, they’ve opted to keep most things intact — like darts and a bowling machine — but have added a taco truck. Live music still occurs on most nights, and the booze is still inexpensive and dependable. (Garin

Pirnia)

Olde Towne Tavern

35 W. Pike St., Covington

On a random weekend night you’ll not only find cheap

domestic beers here, but also an entire wedding party belting out karaoke. Besides the beer, they also offer fancier canned cocktails — the least divey thing about the bar, which opened in 1986. One room hosts the karaoke and has a pool table, and the other room has a few dartboards. Olde Towne is a one-stop joint for music, sports and an affordable bar tab in the hub of more expensive (and karaoke-less) places like Coppin’s. (GP)

Gypsy’s

641 Main St., Covington

Located in Mainstrasse, Gypsy’s bills itself as “your neighborhood bar.” It’s a place in which people can root for the Bengals, bring their dog, sing karaoke and get a pint of good draft craft beer for $4. They have free popcorn, too. In the summertime, they make boozy slushies. Drink those on their patio, featuring flowers, plants and a zen-like fountain. (GP)

The VFW in Southgate

6 Electric Ave #6, Southgate

Known as the John R. Little VFW Post 3186 and Auxiliary, the Veterans of Foreign Wars outpost accommodates veterans and the public alike. They have a

banquet hall, and a room with gaming. Support the troops with $3 cans of High Noon and Rhinegeist alongside $1.50 Buds and Sutter Home wine. Several TV screens show sports, and trivia night occurs frequently. Sometimes, people will bring a potluck, which adds to the homey environment. (GP)

McDog’s Lakeside Saloon

3611 Bevis Lane, Northbrook

If you like Harleys, rock and roll and heavy pours, McDog’s is your place. Outdoor seating and a small fishing lake sets this bar apart from the crowd. Add a pool table, darts and friendly faces, and you’ve got a special dive bar that deserves a visit. A simple menu of pizza and hoagies is there to soak up the cheap drinks. (BC)

Sit ‘N Bull Cafe

2401 Alexandria Pike, Southgate

Previously known as The Cottage, seemingly Sit ‘N Bull is a drive-by-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place, except for the giant satellite atop the roof. But stop in and have a drink, play pool, darts and Keno. Watch a game on one of their many TVs. The friendly bartenders are happy to make a pineapple upside down drink or pour

Larry’s in Covington.

PHOTO: EMORY DAVIS

a glass of bourbon. (GP)

Larry’s

536 West Ninth St., Covington

Don’t let the flower boxes outside of Larry’s fool you, inside of the cheery exterior is everything you could want from a dive bar. Pool, pinball, greasy food and PBR on draft, Larry’s encapsulates the American dive bar experience complete with an eclectic ‘80s soundtrack. Between rounds of beers and pool don’t forget to sign your name on the signature wall to claim Larry’s as your dive bar home away from home. (Emma Segrest)

Lagoon Saloon

859 Elm St., Ludlow

After the Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club got hit by a barge and closed down, owners invited patrons across the street to keep the party going at the Lagoon Saloon. This dive bar gives you room to roam, with a large outdoor space with plenty of seating, corn hole boards and live music. The saloon serves up better-than-barfood with options like a blackened grouper sandwich among the typical fried and grilled favorites. (BC)

Jocko’s Pub

4862 Delhi Road, Delhi Township

Jocko’s Pub owners Kathy and Ron Jacimine say they made it their mission to make their bar the best place to hang out, listen to some live music, enjoy a cold drink and just have a good time. You can stop by Jocko’s after work for happy hour until 6 p.m. during the week, take part in open mic nights on Wednesdays or stop by and hear local bands play on Friday and Saturday nights. They also have some great game-day specials when the Reds and Bengals play. (KB)

Club Trio Lounge

5744 Springdale Road, Colerain Township

This no-fuss, no-frills bar is the perfect place to make new friends with its come-as-you-are attitude and narrow spaces between tables that’ll help you strike up a conversation with your neighbor. The bar at Club Trio’s entrance beckons you to grab something cold and foamy before making your way to the stage and small dance floor where local bands play classic rock hits. And outside on a warm night, the back deck is the perfect spot to throw back a few brews with some old friends. (KB)

Old Street Saloon

13 Old St #B, Monroe

Say it with me: Rural. Gay. Dive. Bar. Old Street has

served (and served) the Monroe-area community for decades. There’s something magical about the ebb and flow of a glamorous dive bar. Dusty stage lights illuminate queens, kings and all kinds of performers. Some in the crowd match the occasion, faces beat to the gods, others appear to have just gotten off work at a local farm or factory. Whether your order is a bay breeze or a Bud Light, a lemon drop or a whiskey shot, there’s no wrong way to do Old Street. While the weekly Saturday night drag shows are always 10/10, it’s worth planning ahead to show out for the bar’s annual drag pageant, Miss Old Street. This year’s pageant will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 with the theme “From Sunshine Days to Boogie Nights.” Just because Old Street is a tiny suburban-rural dive bar doesn’t mean the talent isn’t outstanding. Old Street has attracted the best-of-the-best queens and kings from Dayton, Cincinnati and beyond for nearly 30 years.

(Madeline Fening)

Dutch Tavern

2716 N. Verity Pkwy, Middletown

Drop ceilings? Check. Wood paneling? Check. Pool table on a linoleum floor? Check and check. Dutch

Tavern gives you all the essentials for a successful dive bar experience, including live music and ghosts from your hometown past. By the light of a neon beer sign, you can be as alone or in community as you want while you enjoy simple bar bites like pizza and take in the view of a kickass antique barback. As should be the case with most dives, the prices are never hurtful and you never have to wait longer than a breath or two of the once-smoky air for a drink. (MF)

Gateway Inn

1895 US-50, Batavia

If you’re taking US-50 East toward your hometown, a hiking trip or just for the hell of it, you should stop at Gateway Inn in Batavia along the way. The cabin-like building is something out of a movie, and the interior something out of your uncle’s garageturned-man cave. A pitched roof gives way to an endless gallery of vintage beer signs, dollar bills, colored holiday lights and dart boards. Stretch your legs after a long drive by playing some pool and fill up on $3 nachos. Plus, everyone is so nice, solo travelers won’t be hard-pressed to find a temporary drinking buddy. (MF)

Maloney’s Pub.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/MALONEYSPUBWEST

Rosie’s Tavern in Covington. FACEBOOK.COM/ROSIESTAVERN

A drag show at Old Street Saloon.

PHOTO: AIDAN MAHONEY

ARTS &

ARTS & CULTURE

Head in the Game

Head in the Game

Former WLWT reporter Brandon Saho openly discusses mental health matters with athletes and celebrities in The Mental Game podcast.

BY KATIE GRIFFITH

Former WLWT reporter Brandon Saho openly discusses mental health matters with athletes and celebrities in The Mental Game podcast.

BY KATIE GRIFFITH

It’s easy to talk to Brandon Saho. Sitting windowside at 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab downtown, we discuss favorite sports teams (University of Cincinnati football, he said without hesitation), high school on the west side of Cincinnati and how well sour cream goes with Skyline Chili. The conversation goes a bit longer than planned. We share a sigh when trying to remember which Cincy EZPark zone will match our respective parking meters.

It’s easy to talk to Brandon Saho. Sitting windowside at 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab downtown, we discuss favorite sports teams (University of Cincinnati football, he said without hesitation), high school on the west side of Cincinnati and how well sour cream goes with Skyline Chili. The conversation goes a bit longer than planned. We share a sigh when trying to remember which Cincy EZPark zone will match our respective parking meters.

“Cincinnati is a big part of me,” Saho tells CityBeat. “I’m a Cincinnati kid. I tell every single person that I’m from Cincinnati, very proud of it. And it’s in my blood, like I want to be in the same

“Cincinnati is a big part of me,” Saho tells CityBeat. “I’m a Cincinnati kid. I tell every single person that I’m from Cincinnati, very proud of it. And it’s in my blood, like I want to be in the same

sentence one day as famous Cincinnati people. And I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now – maybe I might not be alive – if it weren’t for the people in my life from Cincinnati, whether it be La Salle, UC, WLWT or just fans of the sports teams or my friends that I’ve made along the way. I love everything about Cincinnati.”

sentence one day as famous Cincinnati people. And I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now – maybe I might not be alive – if it weren’t for the people in my life from Cincinnati, whether it be La Salle, UC, WLWT or just fans of the sports teams or my friends that I’ve made along the way. I love everything about Cincinnati.”

Saho is a former WLWT-TV sports reporter who found success in his career and gained a loyal following. He may have been well on his way to finding himself in that famous Cincinnatipeople sentence. But about a year ago, he was battling a depression that welled up for 15 years, he said. So he took a

Saho is a former WLWT-TV sports reporter who found success in his career and gained a loyal following. He may have been well on his way to finding himself in that famous Cincinnatipeople sentence. But about a year ago, he was battling a depression that welled up for 15 years, he said. So he took a

mental health break, quit his reporting job and put the focus on himself.

mental health break, quit his reporting job and put the focus on himself.

“I’ve always felt alone. I don’t know why but I do,” Saho said in a YouTube video he posted eight months ago. “The first time I thought about suicide, I was 14 years old. The last time I thought about it was six months ago … From the outside, you saw a sports reporter who was living his dream job on TV, but on the inside, I was a broken man. For years I thought about jumping off of a bridge, crashing my own car or just drinking and drinking until I felt nothing. This past year, I hit rock bottom.”

“I’ve always felt alone. I don’t know why but I do,” Saho said in a YouTube video he posted eight months ago. “The first time I thought about suicide, I was 14 years old. The last time I thought about it was six months ago … From the outside, you saw a sports reporter who was living his dream job on TV, but on the inside, I was a broken man. For years I thought about jumping off of a bridge, crashing my own car or just drinking and drinking until I felt nothing. This past year, I hit rock bottom.”

Saho published the video after professional help allowed him to

Saho published the video after professional help allowed him to

take control of his mental health. The video was a way to share his story and relate to others. It was also a formal announcement of plans to create a podcast in which he hosts professional athletes and celebrities to discuss mental health.

take control of his mental health. The video was a way to share his story and relate to others. It was also a formal announcement of plans to create a podcast in which he hosts professional athletes and celebrities to discuss mental health.

Saho said he was tired of fighting alone, and no one else should have to either, so he created The Mental Game podcast Saho received around 2,000 social media messages and emails in response to his YouTube video. Some were motivated to find therapy, he said; others shared that they were also experiencing suicidal thoughts and his broadcast made them feel less alone,

Saho said he was tired of fighting alone, and no one else should have to either, so he created The Mental Game podcast Saho received around 2,000 social media messages and emails in response to his YouTube video. Some were motivated to find therapy, he said; others shared that they were also experiencing suicidal thoughts and his broadcast made them feel less alone,

Brandon Saho (left) interviews athletes and celebrities, like Bengals head coach Zac Taylor (right) for his podcast.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BRANDON SAHO

and some just said thank you.

The Mental Game podcast launched in November 2022, with Sam Hubbard of the Cincinnati Bengals appearing as his first guest.

“The podcast is about feeling relatable to the people that you look up to,” Saho said “I wanted to make sure there was nothing like this out there. People talk about mental health. People talk about sports. But something where you’re bringing these athletes, celebrities, musicians, entertainers into one spot and focusing, not solely, but mostly, on mental health has never been done before. That’s why I wanted to make something unique and create a safe space for people to tell their stories.”

Saho visited Hubbard at his home, where they sat on Hubbard’s couch and discussed the highs and lows of winning and losing, pressures of being in the spotlight and how Hubbard monitors his mental health. To stay in control, Hubbard meditates and takes social media breaks often, he said in the Mental Game interview.

There’s an air of ease throughout Saho’s episodes. There are light moments, bouts of comic relief and even when the subject is heavy, Saho guides the conversation purposefully and genuinely. He says the key to an authentic and productive interview is mostly to listen. “Never interrupt a good answer,” he said.

Whether it’s the years of reporting experience or an innate charisma, it’s easy to talk to Saho. This charisma and experience is reflected in the first season of The Mental Game podcast, which features a star-studded list of guests like Hubbard, Joe Burrow’s parents, Dane Cook, Ricky Williams, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and The Office star Kate Flannery, to name a few.

Whether the topic is anxiety, depression, addiction, fame, panic attacks, grief, suicidal thoughts or physical injury, the audience learns that no one is exempt from mental health struggles despite success or fame. A lot of people just feel too alone or ashamed to talk about it, Saho said. When he interviewed Flannery of The Office, she told Saho that no one had ever inquired about her mental health during a public interview before.

“The way society has been for so long, it’s ‘rub some dirt on it,’ ‘suck it up.’ Don’t call in sick unless you’re dying. Just work hard and keep going,” Saho said. “And so now is the time in my journey where it’s okay to show emotion or let people know that shit’s not okay. And to see that, from the top of the NFL, to people who have their songs on the radio, to people that have the number one TV show of all time, to you and me sitting at a coffee shop doing this interview, all having the same thoughts, the same problems, the same emotions. That is the most powerful thing that I’ve realized since I started.”

After almost a year’s worth of episodes have been released, Saho is ready to re-envision The Mental Game. As a one-man show, he says he’s going to focus on refining production, creating an avenue to host live shows, sponsorships, providing mental health resources for listeners and continuing to push the limits on gaining access to big-name guests.

“I dream about this stuff every night, and I don’t care if it sounds crazy,” Saho said. “People will be like, ‘That’ll never happen.’ Guess what? I didn’t think I’d get Ricky Williams. I didn’t think I’d get Kate Flannery. I’m just not afraid to ask anyone to come on.”

His dream guest, he says with conviction, is Joe Burrow. But Saho feels like he can make that happen in the near future. So he rattles off a few other names as if to manifest their participation. “Any of the Justins, really,” he says (Bieber or Timberlake). Steve Carell and former President Barack Obama make the cut, as well.

Turns out, Saho has always been on his way to becoming a name in the famous Cincinnati-people sentence. Taking a break to better his mental health afforded clarity and the ability to create The Mental Game podcast

“I always say two things about mental health,” Saho said. “Number one, do something. I don’t care if it’s call your mom, call your friend, go to therapy, check into a mental health hospital like I did – just do something. And number two: feelings are temporary.”

For more information about where to listen to The Mental Game podcast, visit mentalgamepodcast.com.

“I dream about this stuff every night, and I don’t care if it sounds crazy,” Brandon Saho said. “People will be like, ‘That’ll never happen.’ Guess what? I didn’t think I’d get Ricky Williams. I didn’t think I’d get Kate Flannery. I’m just not afraid to ask anyone to come on.”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Revives Colorful and Witty

Production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

BY RICK PENDER

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Revives Colorful and Witty Production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

BY RICK PENDER

The Irish playwright Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a consummate provocateur, and his most delightful satire of British snobbery, The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), remains a frequently produced comedy after more than a century. So popular and spot-on, the show inspired a sequel earlier this year, The Rewards of Being Frank. That update by Alice Scovell had its world premiere at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in January 2023 followed by a second engagement in a collaboration with the New York Classical Theatre.

The Irish playwright Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a consummate provocateur, and his most delightful satire of British snobbery, The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), remains a frequently produced comedy after more than a century. So popular and spot-on, the show inspired a sequel earlier this year, The Rewards of Being Frank. That update by Alice Scovell had its world premiere at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in January 2023 followed by a second engagement in a collaboration with the New York Classical Theatre.

According to Brian Isaac Phillips, Cincy Shakes’ producing artistic director, in a recent CityBeat interview, “The Rewards of Being Frank performed very well. We saw an opportunity to stage Earnest this summer: It’s a company favorite and an audience favorite. People had requested it a lot.”

According to Brian Isaac Phillips, Cincy Shakes’ producing artistic director, in a recent CityBeat interview, “The Rewards of Being Frank performed very well. We saw an opportunity to stage Earnest this summer: It’s a company favorite and an audience favorite. People had requested it a lot.”

The production of Frank featured two Cincy Shakes veterans Kelly Mengelkoch as Gwendolen Fairfax and Jeremy Dubin as Jack Worthing, who goes by the name Ernest. Several New York actors rounded out the ensemble: James Evans as Algernon Moncrief, Jack’s cousin; Tora Nogami Alexander as Cecily Cardew; and Christine Pedi as Lady Augusta Bracknell, Cecily’s starchy, snobbish aunt.

The production of Frank featured two Cincy Shakes veterans Kelly Mengelkoch as Gwendolen Fairfax and Jeremy Dubin as Jack Worthing, who goes by the name Ernest. Several New York actors rounded out the ensemble: James Evans as Algernon Moncrief, Jack’s cousin; Tora Nogami Alexander as Cecily Cardew; and Christine Pedi as Lady Augusta Bracknell, Cecily’s starchy, snobbish aunt.

“We had a really great cast with great chemistry, so we thought, ‘What if we bring it back together this summer for a production of Earnest?’” The cast will reunite, including Pedi, who returns to Cincinnati as the arrogant Lady Bracknell. A veteran New York musical performer, she is familiar to fans of SiriusXM’s “On Broadway” channel where she’s a daily host of musical theater programming.

“We had a really great cast with great chemistry, so we thought, ‘What if we bring it back together this summer for a production of Earnest?’” The cast will reunite, including Pedi, who returns to Cincinnati as the arrogant Lady Bracknell. A veteran New York musical performer, she is familiar to fans of SiriusXM’s “On Broadway” channel where she’s a daily host of musical theater programming.

Pedi is pleased to take on this iconic role again. Several years ago she began to have vision problems that made musical theater performance difficult. “I am limited to how quickly I can navigate around the stage,” she told CityBeat in a recent phone interview. “I started thinking maybe I could do serious drama and comedies, what’s called ‘Park & Bark.’”

Pedi is pleased to take on this iconic role again. Several years ago she began to have vision problems that made musical theater performance difficult. “I am limited to how quickly I can navigate around the stage,” she told CityBeat in a recent phone interview. “I started thinking maybe I could do serious drama and comedies, what’s called ‘Park & Bark.’” At a dinner party in New York City she told friends not to fret, that she had decided to change her script. She said, “I could do drawing room comedies — Noël Coward, Oscar Wilde, Lady Bracknell. Within a few months of saying that, I got this unexpected audition with Cincinnati Shakespeare, which puzzled me because I’ve never done Shakespeare. I didn’t know what they wanted with me. But it was for The Rewards of Being Frank. I saw that Lady Bracknell

At a dinner party in New York City she told friends not to fret, that she had decided to change her script. She said, “I could do drawing room comedies — Noël Coward, Oscar Wilde, Lady Bracknell. Within a few months of saying that, I got this unexpected audition with Cincinnati Shakespeare, which puzzled me because I’ve never done Shakespeare. I didn’t know what they wanted with me. But it was for The Rewards of Being Frank. I saw that Lady Bracknell

was a character breakdown. It turned out to be a brand-new sequel, written in the classical style of Oscar Wilde. I was truly stunned because I had never given Bracknell a minute’s thought prior to my attempt at leaving positive energy in the air with my friends instead of negative energy.”

was a character breakdown. It turned out to be a brand-new sequel, written in the classical style of Oscar Wilde. I was truly stunned because I had never given Bracknell a minute’s thought prior to my attempt at leaving positive energy in the air with my friends instead of negative energy.”

on it, not what Wilde intended.” When a man is in the role, he adds, “You have a distraction in front of you, another gag in front of you, almost a hat on a hat. With a woman in the role, this allows us to get back to the original joke.

on it, not what Wilde intended.” When a man is in the role, he adds, “You have a distraction in front of you, another gag in front of you, almost a hat on a hat. With a woman in the role, this allows us to get back to the original joke.

She excelled in the role. “When she walks into a room, you know that she’s walked into the room,” Phillips said. “When she walks onto a stage, you know that that stage is hers. That’s what Bracknell needs, that presence. When an actor just has that, it’s something you want to take advantage of. And Christine absolutely does.”

She excelled in the role. “When she walks into a room, you know that she’s walked into the room,” Phillips said.

“When she walks onto a stage, you know that that stage is hers. That’s what Bracknell needs, that presence. When an actor just has that, it’s something you want to take advantage of. And Christine absolutely does.”

“Now it’s time to do it the original way, hewing close to Wilde’s intention. For him it is a mockery of the classes, of the sort of snobbery that happened in ‘polite London society.’ This gives us the opportunity for focus on Wilde’s text and what he’s saying through laughter, through Bracknell.”

“Now it’s time to do it the original way, hewing close to Wilde’s intention. For him it is a mockery of the classes, of the sort of snobbery that happened in ‘polite London society.’ This gives us the opportunity for focus on Wilde’s text and what he’s saying through laughter, through Bracknell.”

employed for The Rewards of Being Frank. New York Classical Theatre is a smaller company with fewer resources. This summer the Cincinnati production team — scenic designer Samantha Reno and costumer Rainy Edwards — will have more latitude to craft more lavish scenery and attire, especially for the imperious Lady Bracknell. Phillips suggests, “This production will look a little more like the set and costumes for Frank on steroids.

employed for The Rewards of Being Frank. New York Classical Theatre is a smaller company with fewer resources. This summer the Cincinnati production team — scenic designer Samantha Reno and costumer Rainy Edwards — will have more latitude to craft more lavish scenery and attire, especially for the imperious Lady Bracknell. Phillips suggests, “This production will look a little more like the set and costumes for Frank on steroids.

Cincy Shakes has three previous productions of Earnest in its nearly threedecade history. Each one followed a recent tradition of a male actor playing Lady Bracknell in drag. Pedi will be the first woman to take on the role for Cincinnati’s classical stage company. Phillips acknowledges the tradition: “A lot of humor does come from having a man in drag saying some of those lines. But that’s a construct we’ve put

Cincy Shakes has three previous productions of Earnest in its nearly threedecade history. Each one followed a recent tradition of a male actor playing Lady Bracknell in drag. Pedi will be the first woman to take on the role for Cincinnati’s classical stage company.

Phillips acknowledges the tradition: “A lot of humor does come from having a man in drag saying some of those lines. But that’s a construct we’ve put

Pedi is relishing the role. “In her own way, Lady Bracknell, veiled with propriety, takes no prisoners. She sets her agenda, and others will conform. When a character is seemingly so rigid, there lies comedy. She always seems to be played as a woman with a keen fashion sense, ever so slightly over the top, but within the confines of respectability.” Pedi likes to consider, “Maybe that means she had a past.”

Pedi is relishing the role. “In her own way, Lady Bracknell, veiled with propriety, takes no prisoners. She sets her agenda, and others will conform. When a character is seemingly so rigid, there lies comedy. She always seems to be played as a woman with a keen fashion sense, ever so slightly over the top, but within the confines of respectability.” Pedi likes to consider, “Maybe that means she had a past.”

Cincy Shakes’ August production, which Phillips will direct, will expand upon the scenic and costume designs

Cincy Shakes’ August production, which Phillips will direct, will expand upon the scenic and costume designs

“This is a great play for actors, and one of my jobs as a director is to get out of their way to be sure they don’t run into the furniture — and that they have enough cucumber sandwiches,” a running gag throughout The Importance of Being Earnest. It’s a sure bet that Cincy Shakes’ audiences will be laughing during August.

“This is a great play for actors, and one of my jobs as a director is to get out of their way to be sure they don’t run into the furniture — and that they have enough cucumber sandwiches,” a running gag throughout The Importance of Being Earnest. It’s a sure bet that Cincy Shakes’ audiences will be laughing during August.

The Importance of Being Earnest, produced by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at the Otto M. Budig Theater in Over-the-Rhine, opens on Aug. 4 and continues through Aug. 20. Info: cincyshakes.com.

The Importance of Being Earnest, produced by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at the Otto M. Budig Theater in Over-the-Rhine, opens on Aug. 4 and continues through Aug. 20. Info: cincyshakes.com.

PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER

Tora Nagomi Alexander (Cecily), Christine Pedi (Lady Bracknell) and Kelly Mengelkoch (Gwendolen) in Cincy Shakes’ The Importance of Being Earnest.

PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER

Famed Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval to Perform Afro-Cuban Music Alongside Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

BY ANNE ARENSTEIN

Famed Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval to Perform Afro-Cuban Music Alongside Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

BY ANNE ARENSTEIN

cclaimed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval has a packed summer schedule of international and national gigs, and fortunately, he’s scheduled for an appearance with Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik series Aug. 19-20.

AAcclaimed trumpeter Arturo

Sandoval has a packed summer schedule of international and national gigs, and fortunately, he’s scheduled for an appearance with Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik series Aug. 19-20.

Sandoval highlights Summermusik’s “A Night in Havana,” playing his Trumpet Concerto No. 2 on Saturday evening and on Sunday, he fronts an afternoon of Afro-Cuban music.

Sandoval highlights Summermusik’s “A Night in Havana,” playing his Trumpet Concerto No. 2 on Saturday evening and on Sunday, he fronts an afternoon of Afro-Cuban music.

Speaking from his home studio in Los Angeles, surrounded by keyboards and photos of music legends, Sandoval could be everyone’s favorite abuelo (grandfather), puffing on a huge cigar and smiling warmly. He was clearly pleased by the lineup of Cuban and Spanish composers Tania León, Silvestre Revueltas, Ernesto Lecuona and Joaquín Rodrigo included in “A Night in Havana” program. George Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture” opens the program.

Speaking from his home studio in Los Angeles, surrounded by keyboards and photos of music legends, Sandoval could be everyone’s favorite abuelo (grandfather), puffing on a huge cigar and smiling warmly. He was clearly pleased by the lineup of Cuban and Spanish composers Tania León, Silvestre Revueltas, Ernesto Lecuona and Joaquín Rodrigo included in “A Night in Havana” program. George Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture” opens the program.

“It’s a great honor to be playing this music and to know the audience will hear the sounds of Cuba and Spain,” Sandoval told CityBeat over Zoom. And with characteristic modesty, he added, “I’m just putting my little grain of sand in this concert.”

“It’s a great honor to be playing this music and to know the audience will hear the sounds of Cuba and Spain,” Sandoval told CityBeat over Zoom. And with characteristic modesty, he added, “I’m just putting my little grain of sand in this concert.”

A sand dune is a better metaphor. At 73, Sandoval has racked up ten Grammys, an Emmy and the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Since arriving in the U.S. in 1989, Sandoval has become a sought-after soloist, sideman, composer

A sand dune is a better metaphor. At 73, Sandoval has racked up ten Grammys, an Emmy and the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Since arriving in the U.S. in 1989, Sandoval has become a sought-after soloist, sideman, composer

and educator. His recording credits extend from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Gloria Estefan and Junior Mance. His jazz compositions are part of the canon, especially “Funky ChaCha” and the elegiac “A Mis Abuelos” (To My Grandparents), in addition to scores for TV and film.

and educator. His recording credits extend from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Gloria Estefan and Junior Mance. His jazz compositions are part of the canon, especially “Funky ChaCha” and the elegiac “A Mis Abuelos” (To My Grandparents), in addition to scores for TV and film.

In his native Cuba, he helped establish an orchestra that led to the formation of Irakere, the Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by pianist Chucho Valdés.

In his native Cuba, he helped establish an orchestra that led to the formation of Irakere, the Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by pianist Chucho Valdés.

“I was obsessed with jazz since the first time I heard it when I was 12,” he said. “But jazz musicians didn’t get a lot of respect until Irakere began touring the world.”

“I was obsessed with jazz since the first time I heard it when I was 12,” he said. “But jazz musicians didn’t get a lot of respect until Irakere began touring the world.”

Sandoval made a name for himself as a young musician in Cuba with stratospheric high notes and rapid-fire melodic lines of a seasoned veteran. Those remain part of his arsenal, but they’re not the priority.

Sandoval made a name for himself as a young musician in Cuba with stratospheric high notes and rapid-fire melodic lines of a seasoned veteran. Those remain part of his arsenal, but they’re not the priority.

“I’m not after the high notes,” he insisted. “I want to make the best sounds I can — whatever I’m playing.”

“I’m not after the high notes,” he insisted. “I want to make the best sounds I can — whatever I’m playing.”

Sandoval’s compositions are rooted in his love for Western classical music. His trumpet concerto is just one of several pieces he has written for soloist and orchestra. The Concerto No. 2 was written in 2017; Sandoval did the orchestration and arrangement for a large orchestra. The CCO performs a chamber version by Gregg August.

“It isn’t Cuban; it’s romantic,” Sandoval said. “I love a beautiful melody and giving it a scoring that brings out that beauty.”

“It isn’t Cuban; it’s romantic,” Sandoval said. “I love a beautiful melody and giving it a scoring that brings out that beauty.”

The first movement is an elegant allegro, the second, a plaintive lament and the final movement is a repeated melody with occasional Latin flourish on the trumpet.

The first movement is an elegant allegro, the second, a plaintive lament and the final movement is a repeated melody with occasional Latin flourish on the trumpet.

And unlike a standard concerto, the trumpet doesn’t have a cadenza, an elaborate solo spotlighting the soloist’s virtuosity. The master of the trumpet’s high notes and melodic fireworks ceded that honor to the first chair violinist.

And unlike a standard concerto, the trumpet doesn’t have a cadenza, an elaborate solo spotlighting the soloist’s virtuosity. The master of the trumpet’s high notes and melodic fireworks ceded that honor to the first chair violinist.

“It’s not necessary for the trumpet,” he shrugged with a smile.

spent hours playing and talking, forging a lasting friendship.

In 1989, Gillespie invited Sandoval to join his United Nations Orchestra tour of Europe. Through Gillespie’s connections and intervention, Sandoval, his wife and son defected and arrived in New York.

spent hours playing and talking, forging a lasting friendship.

In 1989, Gillespie invited Sandoval to join his United Nations Orchestra tour of Europe. Through Gillespie’s connections and intervention, Sandoval, his wife and son defected and arrived in New York.

“It’s a simple song and it’s from my heart,” Sandoval says. “Every day, I play one of his records and I have one of his bent-angle trumpets. I’d give anything to play with him one more time.”

“It’s a simple song and it’s from my heart,” Sandoval says. “Every day, I play one of his records and I have one of his bent-angle trumpets. I’d give anything to play with him one more time.”

The song is a loving recollection of a musician and gentle man, and in Sandoval’s accented English, a moving tribute.

Sandoval’s compositions are rooted in his love for Western classical music. His trumpet concerto is just one of several pieces he has written for soloist and orchestra. The Concerto No. 2 was written in 2017; Sandoval did the orchestration and arrangement for a large orchestra. The CCO performs a chamber version by Gregg August. The concerto is more on the order of a wordless song cycle for the trumpet.

The concerto is more on the order of a wordless song cycle for the trumpet.

The evening concludes with Sandoval singing a love song to his hero, iconic trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

“It’s not necessary for the trumpet,” he shrugged with a smile.

The evening concludes with Sandoval singing a love song to his hero, iconic trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

“I wanted to learn his music the first time I heard it,” Sandoval recalled. “I wrote ‘Every Day I Think of You’ because I do, every day.”

“I wanted to learn his music the first time I heard it,” Sandoval recalled. “I wrote ‘Every Day I Think of You’ because I do, every day.”

Gillespie was in the vanguard of bebop, known for breakneck tempos, chord changes and improvising. His colleagues were among jazz’s greats: Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk. He was unmistakable with his signature 45-degree bent-angle trumpet, his cheeks ballooning as he played.

Gillespie was in the vanguard of bebop, known for breakneck tempos, chord changes and improvising. His colleagues were among jazz’s greats: Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk. He was unmistakable with his signature 45-degree bent-angle trumpet, his cheeks ballooning as he played.

Gillespie was the first American jazz musician permitted to perform in Cuba. He and Sandoval first met in 1977 and whenever Gillespie returned, the two

Gillespie was the first American jazz musician permitted to perform in Cuba. He and Sandoval first met in 1977 and whenever Gillespie returned, the two

The song is a loving recollection of a musician and gentle man, and in Sandoval’s accented English, a moving tribute.

“You saved my life, Diz. You set me free.”

More Gillespie tributes are on Sunday, when Sandoval joins members of the CCO for an afternoon of Afro-Cuban music, including two Gillespie classics, “Groovin’ High” and “A Night in Tunisia.”

“You saved my life, Diz. You set me free.”

More Gillespie tributes are on Sunday, when Sandoval joins members of the CCO for an afternoon of Afro-Cuban music, including two Gillespie classics, “Groovin’ High” and “A Night in Tunisia.”

Amid the gigs, composing and teaching, Sandoval’s priority is a higher profile for jazz and Gillespie’s music.

Amid the gigs, composing and teaching, Sandoval’s priority is a higher profile for jazz and Gillespie’s music.

“Jazz is such a legacy and cultural contribution to the world and it’s more appreciated outside of the U.S. If we don’t respect and promote it here, we’re committing a crime.”

“Jazz is such a legacy and cultural contribution to the world and it’s more appreciated outside of the U.S. If we don’t respect and promote it here, we’re committing a crime.”

Arturo Sandoval will be performing as part of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik series on Aug. 19 and 20. Info: ccocincinnati.org.

Arturo Sandoval will be performing as part of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra’s Summermusik series on Aug. 19 and 20. Info: ccocincinnati.org.

Famed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval is performing with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra as part of its Summermusik series.

PHOTO: LONNIE TIMMONS III

Famed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval is performing with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra as part of its Summermusik series.

PHOTO: LONNIE TIMMONS III

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD & DRINK

Northside’s New Retro-Modern Oasis Situated in the former Park Chili location, The Park Diner hopes to become a vibrant gathering spot for the community.

Northside’s New Retro-Modern Oasis

Situated in the former Park Chili location, The Park Diner hopes to become a vibrant gathering spot for the community.

BY KELSEY GRAHAM

BY KELSEY GRAHAM

They say good things come to those who wait, which holds true for the newly opened The Park Diner in Northside. After six years of hard work, the husband and wife team of Kevin Pogo Curtis and Allee Thompson are delighted to finally welcome customers into their establishment for good food and good times.

They say good things come to those who wait, which holds true for the newly opened The Park Diner in Northside. After six years of hard work, the husband and wife team of Kevin Pogo Curtis and Allee Thompson are delighted to finally welcome customers into their establishment for good food and good times.

The building housing The Park Diner is a beautiful and historic space in Northside with a rich history. Originally, in the early 1900s, it served as a dry goods store and later transformed into an insurance agency. In 1937, Park Chili relocated to this building after their previous location on Hamilton Road experienced flooding. Park Chili continued to operate there until 2016, when Curtis’ in-laws, Steven

The building housing The Park Diner is a beautiful and historic space in Northside with a rich history. Originally, in the early 1900s, it served as a dry goods store and later transformed into an insurance agency. In 1937, Park Chili relocated to this building after their previous location on Hamilton Road experienced flooding. Park Chili continued to operate there until 2016, when Curtis’ in-laws, Steven

and Susan Thompson, purchased the building with the intention of Curtis, the former co-owner of Tacocracy in Northside, and Thompson taking over its management.

and Susan Thompson, purchased the building with the intention of Curtis, the former co-owner of Tacocracy in Northside, and Thompson taking over its management.

Curtis didn’t always intend to go into the restaurant business. Originally from Middletown, he worked in a bike shop and hardware store for ten years but remembers always having an affinity for cooking throughout his youth. He eventually switched gears and worked at a country club, where he says he learned a lot about cooking, and worked all over Northside, including at The Hideaway, The Comet, The Kitchen Factory, and was the chef and part owner at Tacocracy before deciding to open The Park Diner with his wife.

The couple worked for six years

Curtis didn’t always intend to go into the restaurant business. Originally from Middletown, he worked in a bike shop and hardware store for ten years but remembers always having an affinity for cooking throughout his youth. He eventually switched gears and worked at a country club, where he says he learned a lot about cooking, and worked all over Northside, including at The Hideaway, The Comet, The Kitchen Factory, and was the chef and part owner at Tacocracy before deciding to open The Park Diner with his wife.

The couple worked for six years

to get the space opened. Due to the condition of the building, they had to gut it completely, order all new equipment and reconfigure the layout. The project took longer than expected due to inspections, the pandemic and the need to resubmit plans. Curtis frequently documented the six-year journey on the diner’s Facebook page to keep residents and future customers informed and engaged.

to get the space opened. Due to the condition of the building, they had to gut it completely, order all new equipment and reconfigure the layout. The project took longer than expected due to inspections, the pandemic and the need to resubmit plans. Curtis frequently documented the six-year journey on the diner’s Facebook page to keep residents and future customers informed and engaged.

Finally, in the spring, The Park Diner officially opened its doors to customers after much hard work and perseverance. The space features a retro feel with a mix of greens, yellows and blue, creating a classic diner feel. “A couple of people have commented at nighttime from outside, it reminds them of the ‘Nighthawks’ painting by Edward Hopper,” laughs Curtis. “I’ll

Finally, in the spring, The Park Diner officially opened its doors to customers after much hard work and perseverance. The space features a retro feel with a mix of greens, yellows and blue, creating a classic diner feel. “A couple of people have commented at nighttime from outside, it reminds them of the ‘Nighthawks’ painting by Edward Hopper,” laughs Curtis. “I’ll

take that as a compliment.”

As for the menu, it has also undergone changes during the renovation process. Curtis explains, “I kind of had an idea of what I wanted to do, but it has taken some twists and turns here and there. We’re still evolving.” One change to the menu: chili. While you won’t see it on the menu, it wasn’t without much debate. “Who wants to be the new guy doing that? It’s such an iconic Cincinnati thing,” Curtis said.

take that as a compliment.”

As for the menu, it has also undergone changes during the renovation process. Curtis explains, “I kind of had an idea of what I wanted to do, but it has taken some twists and turns here and there. We’re still evolving.” One change to the menu: chili. While you won’t see it on the menu, it wasn’t without much debate. “Who wants to be the new guy doing that? It’s such an iconic Cincinnati thing,” Curtis said.

The menu offers a mix of diner favorites, such as Angus chuck burgers, shoestring French fries, creamy mac and cheese and a beer-braised pork loin cheesesteak. Additionally, you’ll find unique variations of classic dishes, like the Korean-style Lindsey’s potato salad, which Curtis describes as one of their best-sellers. It is made

The menu offers a mix of diner favorites, such as Angus chuck burgers, shoestring French fries, creamy mac and cheese and a beer-braised pork loin cheesesteak. Additionally, you’ll find unique variations of classic dishes, like the Korean-style Lindsey’s potato salad, which Curtis describes as one of their best-sellers. It is made

The Park Diner has taken over Park Chili’s former space in Northside.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/THEPARKNORTHSIDE

The Park Diner has taken over Park Chili’s former space in Northside.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/THEPARKNORTHSIDE

with sesame oil, rice vinegar, scallions, carrots and smashed potatoes. There are even vegan offerings, like the vegan sloppy Joe made with vegetable protein and a vegan barbecue sauce, a rotating selection of vegan puddings, and various vegan sides like Lindsey’s potato salad, coleslaw and French fries. Curtis explains that his wife’s vegan lifestyle inspired them to be mindful of their menu offerings and even how the food is prepared. To prevent cross-contamination between vegan and non-vegan foods, the kitchen is equipped with two griddles and two fryers. For example, the fries are never placed in a fryer that has been used for chicken.

Curtis collaborates with his kitchen staff to devise weekly specials that allow the team to showcase their creativity outside of the regular menu offerings. “We just brainstorm and come up with ideas,” Curtis explained. In the past, the weekly specials have featured a diverse range of dishes, including chicken katsu bowls,

braised pork loin Bánh mì and even a vegan peach and berry cobbler, which tends to sell out before the week’s end.

Looking ahead, Curtis hopes to expand the diner’s days and hours, but for now, he is embracing learning and growing with his dedicated team in these early stages. “We’re running with a small but mighty staff right now,” he said. “We’re learning how everything works and flows.”

As a longtime Northside resident, Curtis hopes The Park Diner becomes a friendly and welcoming neighborhood joint. “I’m a Northsider — I love it. It’s our neighborhood,” he expressed. “I probably know at least 75-80% of the people who come in.” But that shouldn’t scare off anyone from outside of the neighborhood.

“Anybody is welcome to come from wherever,” Curtis warmly emphasizes.

The Park Diner, 4160 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Info: facebook.com/theparknorthside.

The restaurant’s menu offers a mix of diner favorites, plus some unique variations on the classics.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/THEPARKNORTHSIDE

It’s Not Summer Until You Eat at These Greater Cincinnati Spots

It’s Not Summer Until You Eat at These Greater Cincinnati Spots

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

From the legendary Graeter’s Ice Cream that has been around for generations to riverfront patios, rooftop bars with killer views and restaurants that specialize in your favorite Americana, throw-it-on-the-grill food like hot dogs and burgers, there are just some places that are synonymous with Cincinnati in the summer. To help you make the most of your summer dining adventures, we’ve put together a list of restaurants, breweries, food stands and ice cream shops that are must-trys this season.

From the legendary Graeter’s Ice Cream that has been around for generations to riverfront patios, rooftop bars with killer views and restaurants that specialize in your favorite Americana, throw-it-on-the-grill food like hot dogs and burgers, there are just some places that are synonymous with Cincinnati in the summer. To help you make the most of your summer dining adventures, we’ve put together a list of restaurants, breweries, food stands and ice cream shops that are must-trys this season.

Moerlein Lager House

Moerlein Lager House

115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks

With a come-as-you-are atmosphere, a relaxing biergarten and a stunning view of the riverfront and Roebling Bridge, Moerlein Lager House is a prime stop before or after a Reds game or just to enjoy a summer evening. The restaurant and microbrewery’s menu features New American-style eats with German influences, like the shareable pretzels and beer cheese, the German sausage platter entree and the Zincy Style Bratwurst. Along with its line of Moerlein beers, the restaurant also offers plenty of elevated bar-fare-style shareables, a variety of burgers and sandwiches and upscale entree offerings like the filet mignon or salmon Oscar.

115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks

With a come-as-you-are atmosphere, a relaxing biergarten and a stunning view of the riverfront and Roebling Bridge, Moerlein Lager House is a prime stop before or after a Reds game or just to enjoy a summer evening. The restaurant and microbrewery’s menu features New American-style eats with German influences, like the shareable pretzels and beer cheese, the German sausage platter entree and the Zincy Style Bratwurst. Along with its line of Moerlein beers, the restaurant also offers plenty of elevated bar-fare-style shareables, a variety of burgers and sandwiches and upscale entree offerings like the filet mignon or salmon Oscar.

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Multiple locations

It’s not a Cincinnati summer until you make your way to a Graeter’s. Not only does the ice cream parlor offer unique flavors – especially its legendary Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip – but the ice cream itself is uniquely crafted. Graeter’s still uses the French pot method of its founder, resulting in a creamy ice cream base that’s leveled up with the addition of gourmet chocolate, which is poured over the churning cream to make a shell that artisans then break up to create the gigantic chunks you know and love.

Multiple locations

It’s not a Cincinnati summer until you make your way to a Graeter’s. Not only does the ice cream parlor offer unique flavors – especially its legendary Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip – but the ice cream itself is uniquely crafted. Graeter’s still uses the French pot method of its founder, resulting in a creamy ice cream base that’s leveled up with the addition of gourmet chocolate, which is poured over the churning cream to make a shell that artisans then break up to create the gigantic chunks you know and love.

Top of the Park

Top of the Park

506 E. Fourth St., Downtown

For a stunning, nearly-360-degree view of downtown Cincinnati and its riverfront, plus some amazing craft cocktails, snag the elevator in the lobby of The Phelps hotel and take it to the very top where you’ll find one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Top of the Park is intimate, with plenty of comfy seating,

506 E. Fourth St., Downtown

For a stunning, nearly-360-degree view of downtown Cincinnati and its riverfront, plus some amazing craft cocktails, snag the elevator in the lobby of The Phelps hotel and take it to the very top where you’ll find one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Top of the Park is intimate, with plenty of comfy seating,

including a glass bar top where you can sit with your drink and enjoy the bird’seye view. Grab a Rooftop Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen, muddled strawberries, fresh lemon juice and wild berry simple syrup) and toast to an amazing summer.

including a glass bar top where you can sit with your drink and enjoy the bird’seye view. Grab a Rooftop Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen, muddled strawberries, fresh lemon juice and wild berry simple syrup) and toast to an amazing summer.

Senate Blue Ash

plus appetizers like oysters, poutine and roasted marrow bones. The eatery offers an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the park where you can sip on beer, wine or craft cocktails.

plus appetizers like oysters, poutine and roasted marrow bones. The eatery offers an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the park where you can sip on beer, wine or craft cocktails.

The Root Beer Stand

makes secret recipe root beer (available by the jug) using water from the property’s 280-foot-deep well. But also, don’t miss out on the food: The secret recipe chili for the eatery’s famous foot-long coney dogs is to die for.

makes secret recipe root beer (available by the jug) using water from the property’s 280-foot-deep well. But also, don’t miss out on the food: The secret recipe chili for the eatery’s famous foot-long coney dogs is to die for.

Cabana on the River

The Root Beer Stand

11566 Reading Road, Sharonville

11566

Reading Road, Sharonville

Senate Blue Ash

1100 Summit Place, Blue Ash

1100 Summit Place, Blue Ash Summit Park’s Senate features delicious glammed-up hot dog creations,

Summit Park’s Senate features delicious glammed-up hot dog creations,

The Root Beer Stand has been delighting summertime guests since it first opened as an A&W Root Beer Stand in 1957. The now-family-owned restaurant

The Root Beer Stand has been delighting summertime guests since it first opened as an A&W Root Beer Stand in 1957. The now-family-owned restaurant

Cabana on the River

7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park

This Margaritaville-esque oasis on the river will make you feel like you’re on vacation with their neon palm trees out

7445 Forbes Road, Sayler Park

This Margaritaville-esque oasis on the river will make you feel like you’re on vacation with their neon palm trees out

Moerlein Lager House boasts scenic views and elevated bar fare.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/MOERLEINLAGERHOUSE

Top of the Park offers 360-degree views of the city and an intimate space to enjoy the hazy days of summer with that special someone.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

Moerlein Lager House boasts scenic views and elevated bar fare.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/MOERLEINLAGERHOUSE

Top of the Park offers 360-degree views of the city and an intimate space to enjoy the hazy days of summer with that special someone.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

front, sand volleyball courts, multiple walk-up bars where you can grab a drink while you wait for a table, and just overall Jimmy Buffett vibes. While all the seating is technically outside, the best seats aren’t underneath the awning, but on the lower deck closest to the river. The menu is similar to what you’d find at a beachy restaurant – fish tacos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and shareables – but they also have some great salad options as well as the Cincinnati touch of metts, brats and franks. We also highly recommend a margarita while you’re there to 1) complete the aesthetic and 2) because they’re delicious.

Putz’s Creamy Whip

2673 Putz Place, Westwood

Summertime means it’s also time to hit the local creamy whip, and one of those creamy whips has been serving up smiles in a cone every summer for nearly 90 years. Putz’s Creamy Whip has been in the family since the day Constantine and Anna Putz opened their first trolley car walk-up ice cream window in 1938. The Putz’s as we know it — now in a square concrete structure just down the hill from Mt. Airy Forest — is a scoop of summer nostalgia. Not much about this place has changed over the past several decades. Of the current generation, Putz descendant Mindy Borgman has been cranking out cones at the creamy whip for the last

few decades — all on the same ElectroFreeze machine. Another tradition? Putz’s is cash-only. Despite the hoopla about the vintage ice cream machine and vanilla soft serve, the pineapple sherbet is a must. It is creamy like soft serve and tangy to boot. “Face cones” are also a hot commodity at Putz’s. The soft serve cones are adorned with Necco wafer ears and crunchy googlyeyed candy.

Somerset

139 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine

If you’re longing for a destination vacation this summer but can’t make it work, Somerset offers a lush oasis that brings to mind faraway places. Tucked away in Over-the-Rhine, the bar features a greenhouse bar, outdoor garden, a converted doubledecker bus that serves up a globetrotting menu of street eats and decor from around the world. Indoors, there are two bar spaces, one being the plant-filled conservatory and the other located in their cozy lounge. Outside, you can enter the garden through a set of antique gates from India where you’ll find tropical plants, unique seating nooks and imported pieces from co-founder and creative lead James Fisher’s collection, as well as the collections of his friends and family. It’s the perfect place to recharge and bask in the worldly ambiance while enjoying a delicious

drink from Somerset’s one-of-a-kind cocktail menu, all without leaving Cincinnati.

Ramsey’s Trailside

200 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland

Ramsey’s Trailside is located right along the Loveland Bike Trail, making it a fun and easy pit stop to take to refuel and relax. The historic building dates back to the 1800s and features a charming, string-light-lit patio and upper deck for dining. On the menu, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shareables, including sliced filet mignon, wings, a garlic and red pepper hummus platter and fried zucchini, as well as salads, bowls, sandwiches and wraps. The kitchen even has a dedicated grill for preparing vegan meals.

The Rooftop at 21c

609 Walnut St., Downtown

The rooftop at the 21c Museum Hotel is once again open, offering guests a relaxing place to lounge while they enjoy a cocktail, some snacks and an incredible view of downtown Cincinnati. New chef Zachary Barnes’ menu has transformed The Rooftop at 21c into a coastal-inspired oasis with Peruvian-style fare. The new menu features tapas-style dishes with bright flavors, like Amarillo Chicken Skewers, as well as seafood-forward items, like the Halibut Ceviche. 21c says each dish is meant to be shared alongside the coastal-inspired cocktails, with fresh takes on traditional summer sips like caipirinhas, palomas and margaritas. They also offer buckets of ice-cold beer to share, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.

Pirates Cove Tropical Bar & Grill

4609 Kellogg Ave., East End Pirate’s Cove is perfect for a stay-cation or if you just want to feel like you’re on a beach somewhere. This paradisethemed restaurant has the occasional pirate roaming the grounds for the kids, signature cocktails, Key West-inspired cuisine and live music. The patio overlooks the Ohio River and the Four Seasons Marina.

The Cone

6855 Tylersville Road, West Chester West Chester’s The Cone is arguably the most recognizable creamy whip in all

of Ohio — partially because of its large ice cream cone-shaped exterior. The Cone’s flavors and ingredients are allnatural, the majority of which are made in-house daily with fresh fruit, real chocolate and more. Even their famous bright orange zebra cone is made from real oranges. Plus all their ice creams, yogurts, Italian ices and sherbets are not only all-natural, but soy-free, gluten-free and egg-free, and their whipped cream is homemade from scratch on a daily basis. They also have peanut-allergy-friendly options, as well as dairy-free and sugar-free selections.

Incline Public House

2601 W. Eighth St., East Price Hill

Named after the Cincinnati inclines that traveled to Price Hill, Incline Public House features a gorgeous view of the city and delicious American food for brunch, lunch and dinner. While you enjoy the view of downtown Cincinnati on their all-season patio, try one of their popular pizzas, like the equal-parts sweet and salty Prosciutto Fig, featuring fig jam, Italian ham, goat cheese, caramelized onions and arugula on top. Or, build your own using the expansive list of sauces, cheeses and toppings. Pair it with one of their local craft brews on tap and their mouthwatering short rib poutine to split with the table to top off the experience.

Nomad

225 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Bellevue bar and eatery Nomad serves craft cocktails and beer, but the main attraction is their boozy (and virgin) milkshakes, tater tot baskets and tacos. The bar offers a dreamy, string-lit patio for outdoor dining and drinking, as well as seating inside, including a pretty sweet game room with a big, comfy couch.

MadTree Brewing

3301 Madison Road, Oakley

MadTree’s massive 10,000-square-foot beer garden is a fun family hangout that’s the perfect spot for a warm July evening. With over 20 MadTreeexclusive taps, ambient lighting and an industrial brick façade leftover from the building’s factory days, there’s more than enough space to accommodate all the beer-drinking, cornhole-playing, dog-loving humans that hang here during the summer months or on the regular.

Pretend that you’re on vacation in the tropics with a stop at Cabana on the River.

PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

Eli’s BBQ

3313 Riverside Drive, East End; 133 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine

For a summer barbecue get-together vibe, Eli’s has over 15 outdoor picnic tables for dining, both in the sun and the shade. Celebrate the summer with a cold brew and some delicious barbecue, like their pulled pork sandwich with a slide of jalapeño cheddar grits and baked beans. Bring your own beer and enjoy the warmth by the river.

Aglamesis Bro’s

3046 Madison Road, Oakley; 9899 Montgomery Road, Montgomery

This classic 1900s ice cream parlor has been wooing foodie visitors from all around the country with its unblemished reputation for quality for generations. The location in Oakley has remained virtually unchanged since it opened in 1913 with its chic Tiffany lamps and a marble soda fountain, offering just the right amount of summertime nostalgia as you sit at the counter with a dish of ice cream or Italian ice (try the pink champagne flavor).

Fifty West Burger Bar

7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township

There might truly be no better “patio” in town than what you’ll find at Fifty West. The brewery and burger joint feels like you’ve just arrived at summer camp. Sand volleyball, cornhole, people carrying kayaks down to the water – it’s like you’re at church camp but you can actually drink. Fifty West is incredibly kid- and dog-friendly; just be sure to bring your sunscreen if all the overhangs are taken on a sunny afternoon.

Milkman

1106 Race St., Over-the-Rhine

Is there anything more nostalgic than spending summer as a kid sipping on milkshakes and demolishing a big plate of hot, crispy fries at the local diner? Milkman serves up those nostalgic vibes along with its unique take on diner food with smash burgers; fried chicken sandwiches that range from the classic (topped with dill pickles) to Thai (topped with spicy cucumber slaw and sweet chili sauce); and “not a burger” options like hot dogs, salads and Italian beef sandwiches. There are also options for non-meat eaters, including tofu nugs plus the meat for any of the chicken sandwiches can be switched out for fried tofu. You also can’t leave without trying one of their perfectfor-summer boozy milkshakes.

Schneider’s Sweet Shop

420 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue

In the summer, getting frosty with the

classic Ice Ball is a must. A combination of finely ground ice with rich, flavored syrup generously poured on top, this dessert has been a seasonal staple in Northern Kentucky since its inception in 1919. The more-thana-century-old legacy continues at places like Schneider’s Sweet Shop, where you can choose from over 20 homemade Ice Ball syrups to pair with over 20 ice cream flavors, including sugar-free and non-dairy options. And if you’re sweet tooth isn’t completely satiated, make sure to try the homemade candies too.

Ollie’s Trolley

1607 Central Ave., West End

Located in a bright yellow and red trolley car, Ollie’s Trolley is a soul food staple in Cincinnati. This little trolley serves a variety of smoked meats, including ribs, turkey tips and pulled pork, plus metts and burgers. They also offer plenty of sides, like collard greens, buttered corn and potato salad. For dessert, get a slice of their lemon pound cake or chess pie, or take a whole pie or cake home to share.

Little Miami Brewing Company

208 Mill St., Milford

Little Miami Brewing Company features a patio that overlooks the scenic namesake river. Stop by the popular Milford brewery to enjoy some of their 16 seasonal craft beers on tap and tacos or hand-tossed pizza, plus some breezy views. For a touch of adventure, you can also rent a kayak from Scenic River Canoe Excursions and roll up on the bank by the brewery for a good time, or hop on the Little Miami Scenic Trail at the nearby Milford trailhead for some strolling or biking.

Northside Yacht Club

4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside

A little bit naughty nautical, a little bit rock ‘n roll, Northside Yacht Club is the perfect, chill spot to kick your feet up for the summer. The landlocked yacht club serves up delicious sandwiches, burgers, wings and fries, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. They also have an extensive craft cocktail list – including their infamous peanut butter tequila shooter – as well as brunch during the weekend.

Covington Yard

401 Greenup St., Covington

Covington Yard is the kind of bar that feels like an “Oops All Berries” cereal –it throws everything at you at once: TVs blaring the Reds game, music, dogs, games, college kids, actual kids. And yet, Covington Yard’s park-like setting doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed, just at home. The come-as-you-are bar is perfect for those who want the energy of a packed sports bar while still being able to stretch out and sip something crafty during the warmer months.

Kitchen Factory

1609 Chase Ave., Northside

Summer is the best time for patronizing a restaurant walk-up window and snagging a bite to eat while walking the neighborhood. Kitchen Factory prides itself on offering pizza for everyone: that means vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options alongside traditional offerings. On Friday and Saturday nights, Kitchen Factory serves a limited late-night menu from its takeout Pizza Window from 10 p.m. to midnight so you can grab a slice on your way to (or home from) the bars, or stop by the (Secret) Pizza Window on Monday nights from 6-11 p.m.

ACES Pickleball + Kitchen

2730 Beech St., Norwood

This new, state-of-the-art pickleball complex features 11 cushion-based courts designed for all skill levels – both indoor and outdoor. After a fun game of pickleball, head over to the full-service restaurant and bar, where the menu features dishes crafted with local and seasonal ingredients from regional farmers, artisans and producers. You can try elevated bar-fare appetizers like their brown sugar- and citrus-brined wings or loaded nachos topped with white queso, pickled jalapenos, cilantro, pico de gallo and lime crema. ACES also serves a range of sandwiches, bowls and salads all day, and main plates like the New York strip steak or herbroasted salmon are available for dinner starting at 5 p.m. At the bar, you’ll find a selection of wines, beer – including some local craft brews – and cocktails. You can also try the house shot, Drop Shot, crafted with Jameson and – what else but – pickle juice.

The Monkey Bar & Grille

7837 Old 3C Highway, Maineville

As a family-owned operation, this place has not allowed any monkey business since its transformation from a biker bar, but it does permit a lot of fun. Weather permitting, enjoy fine bourbon while chatting with friends outside next to one of their outdoor fire pits. The kitchen serves up appetizers like “Spicy Monkey Balls” (a breaded and fried ball made with bacon, jalapenos, corn and cream cheese), wings plus specialty and build-your-own pizza.

Vinkolet Winery & Restaurant

11069 Colerain Ave., Colerain

Nestled near the edge of the West Side is an idyllic winery surrounded by rows of grapes and rolling hills. Vinkolet is the only working winery in Hamilton County and is home to 12 awardwinning wines. Bask in the warmth of the season with a glass of vino and enjoy the scenery. And on Fridays and Saturdays, the winery hosts its Grilled to Perfection dinner where you select your entree and grill it yourself while sipping on a half bottle of wine of your choosing.

Mr. Gene’s Dog House

3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville

Is there a more quintessential summertime food than a hot dog? Mr. Gene’s Dog House has been serving up hot dogs and coneys from their no-frills stand on Beekman Street for over 50 years. They keep things simple with only a handful of dog variations and some ice cream to wash it all down.

Eli’s BBQ is a quintessential summer barbecue spot in Over-the-Rhine.

PHOTO:HAILEY BOLLINGER

MUSIC

DIY Music with Big Ambitions

DIY Music with Big Ambitions

The Fairview Fest has become an annual celebration of local and DIY music in Cincinnati — and its organizers plan to grow the music festival even more in years to come.

BY KILLIAN BAARLAER

The Fairview Fest has become an annual celebration of local and DIY music in Cincinnati — and its organizers plan to grow the music festival even more in years to come.

BY KILLIAN BAARLAER

Fairview Fest started as a house show in 2020, celebrating the birthday of Sweet Action band member Connor Loughran. This year, the annual tradition returns on Aug. 12 at Oddfellows Liquor Bar. This time, it returns with the support of an official venue, 20 bands and over 10 art vendors, graduating the event from its DIY origins without sacrificing its grassroots of independent booking and fundraising.

Fairview Fest started as a house show in 2020, celebrating the birthday of Sweet Action band member Connor Loughran. This year, the annual tradition returns on Aug. 12 at Oddfellows Liquor Bar. This time, it returns with the support of an official venue, 20 bands and over 10 art vendors, graduating the event from its DIY origins without sacrificing its grassroots of independent booking and fundraising.

The Fairview Fest seed was planted after Sweet Action’s first live performance, which was set to take place in July 2020, was canceled due to the emergence of COVID. The band was itching to play, and faced with the urge to celebrate their band member’s birthday and play for a live crowd, Sweet Action decided to throw a party

The Fairview Fest seed was planted after Sweet Action’s first live performance, which was set to take place in July 2020, was canceled due to the emergence of COVID. The band was itching to play, and faced with the urge to celebrate their band member’s birthday and play for a live crowd, Sweet Action decided to throw a party

and play in their guitarist’s backyard on Fairview Avenue. K Kroencke, a member of Sweet Action and the founder of Fairview Fest, recruited local band Dead Humor to play alongside Sweet Action, and the tradition was born.

and play in their guitarist’s backyard on Fairview Avenue. K Kroencke, a member of Sweet Action and the founder of Fairview Fest, recruited local band Dead Humor to play alongside Sweet Action, and the tradition was born.

The following year, in 2021, a catchy name was attached to the event: Fairview Fest, a nod to the DIY venue’s location on Fairview Avenue in Over-theRhine. A few more bands were invited to play and Kroencke felt enamored with the thrill of event organization. Bands were platformed, a crowd of over 100 people came and had a blast, and Kroencke felt her passion for music event coordination swelling.

The following year, in 2021, a catchy name was attached to the event: Fairview Fest, a nod to the DIY venue’s location on Fairview Avenue in Over-theRhine. A few more bands were invited to play and Kroencke felt enamored with the thrill of event organization. Bands were platformed, a crowd of over 100 people came and had a blast, and Kroencke felt her passion for music event coordination swelling.

After another year of a DIY set-up in 2022, Kroencke felt it was time to upgrade Fairview Fest into a proper, ticketed event.

After another year of a DIY set-up in 2022, Kroencke felt it was time to upgrade Fairview Fest into a proper, ticketed event.

This year, Fairview Fest will be held at Oddfellows Liquor Bar in Over-theRhine, which is equipped with two stages, allowing the festival to host more acts and attendees with a curated set schedule according to musical style, Kroencke tells CityBeat

This year, Fairview Fest will be held at Oddfellows Liquor Bar in Over-theRhine, which is equipped with two stages, allowing the festival to host more acts and attendees with a curated set schedule according to musical style, Kroencke tells CityBeat

Although the original vision was to hold the festival at Fairview Park, the hurdles of accomplishing the plan proved insurmountable this year. Permitting and insurance fees plus a lack of infrastructure at the park, such as sources of water, restrooms, electricity and stages led Kroencke’s team to opt for an alternate venue in hopes of generating enough funds to host the event outdoors in coming years, she says.

Although the original vision was to hold the festival at Fairview Park, the hurdles of accomplishing the plan proved insurmountable this year. Permitting and insurance fees plus a lack of infrastructure at the park, such as sources of water, restrooms, electricity and stages led Kroencke’s team to opt for an alternate venue in hopes of generating enough funds to host the event outdoors in coming years, she says.

“When we officially decided to step back from trying to do it at Fairview Park and were like, ‘Let’s just do it at

“When we officially decided to step back from trying to do it at Fairview Park and were like, ‘Let’s just do it at

Oddfellows,’ there was a huge sigh of relief. All of us felt like we were stuck for like a month trying to figure out how we are going to make this work. And as soon as we decided on Oddfellows we were like alright, we can do this. We’ve got a venue with the sound system setup, we can make all these other details work,” said Andrew Moss, a member of the Fairview Fest team.

Oddfellows,’ there was a huge sigh of relief. All of us felt like we were stuck for like a month trying to figure out how we are going to make this work. And as soon as we decided on Oddfellows we were like alright, we can do this. We’ve got a venue with the sound system setup, we can make all these other details work,” said Andrew Moss, a member of the Fairview Fest team.

Kirby Fortney, a talent buyer at Oddfellows and member of Fairview Fest’s team, bridged the connection between Fairview Fest and the venue. With ample indoor and outdoor space, in-house food and drink options, and quality live music equipment, the venue touts an ideal space to host Fairview Fest, Fortney says.

Kirby Fortney, a talent buyer at Oddfellows and member of Fairview Fest’s team, bridged the connection between Fairview Fest and the venue. With ample indoor and outdoor space, in-house food and drink options, and quality live music equipment, the venue touts an ideal space to host Fairview Fest, Fortney says.

Oddfellows possesses an eccentric ambiance welcoming to all walks of

Oddfellows possesses an eccentric ambiance welcoming to all walks of

Fairview Fest started as a musical birthday celebration in 2020.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FAIRVIEW FEST ORGANIZERS

life, which Fortney says lends to the eclectic nature and DIY roots of the festival. The venue’s design motifs seemingly shift every turn you take — a speakeasy-esque bar and sitting area with dim lighting and wood and leather furnishings; a stately liminal space leading to restrooms floored with black and white floor tiles and a fountain housing shaggy house plants; and an otherworldly glow-in-the-dark room are a few of the dramatic decor schemes Oddfellows boasts.

With numerous musical styles that aren’t typically found in a single setting, live graffiti and art, and vendors selling crafts from scented hand-made soaps to screen prints and clothing, the diversity of the setting matches the diversity of the event, says Fortney.

Oddfellows’ location in the heart of Over-the-Rhine will also serve to showcase the neighborhood and permit crowds to trickle in and out at ease to grab food, explore and relax, says Kroencke.

“I’m trying to make it affordable for people in a good location so they can roam around and have fun and come

back and feel like they don’t have to stay there. I want people circulating, coming in and out,” Kroencke tells CityBeat

Twenty bands are slated to play Fairview Fest, ranging from punk and hardcore to alternative and hip-hop. The setlist aims to cohesively mesh genres that reflect the DIY scene. The top floor stage will feature pop-punk and alternative acts throughout the event; the basement floor stage will kick off with hip-hop that will become progressively grungier and disjointed, flowing seamlessly into hardcore.

“It’s just a celebration of DIY, basically, and hip-hop and punk-rock is the most DIY that I can think of,” says Kroencke.

Most of the musical acts hail from Cincinnati, but a few will travel from Cleveland, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. By slashing the lines of genres and art mediums, bringing them into a single environment, Moss anticipates the opportunity for artists and attendees to mingle will strengthen unity within the Cincinnati art and music scene while getting artists exposure among new crowds.

The lineup for this year’s festival includes Arlen Gun club, The Rosies, Fruit LoOops, Sweet Action and more.

All musicians and vendors will be paid for their time and talents, says Kroencke. The team has held one benefit show to generate funds to invest in Fairview Fest T-shirts, which will be sold to help cover musician payments and reinvest in Fairview Fest’s future. Another benefit show will be held in July with the aim of generating funds to pay the musicians.

Art vendors paid a $30 operations fee to hold a vending booth throughout the day. The revenue they earn through sales will be theirs to keep.

Kroencke hopes the success of this year’s Fairview Fest will fuel its continued growth and begin drawing its footprint as a hallmark of the local music scene. The long term vision for Fairview Fest is to become a symbol of the city’s thriving music and arts scene, evolving into a multi-day, outdoor event featuring local and big name acts. The letdown of failing to secure Fairview Park as the festival venue taught the team the importance of steady growth and managed expectations, leading them to focus on executing what’s feasible to reach its peak potential, says Kroencke.

With everything falling into place as the show day approaches, the goal is giving fans and artists an experience to remember.

“That feeling is priceless, and it’s my goal to instill that in other people,” says Kroencke.

Fairview Fest takes place 2 p.m. Aug. 12 at Oddfellows Liquor Bar. Info: facebook.com/fairviewfest.

SOUND ADVICE

includes the “Bakersfield sound,” bluegrass, rockabilly and the outlaw stuff made famous by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.

includes the “Bakersfield sound,” bluegrass, rockabilly and the outlaw stuff made famous by Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson.

Yoakam, who was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, has been riding that traditional train since day one.

Yoakam, who was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, has been riding that traditional train since day one.

“I have kids come up to me all the time and say, ‘I never really liked country music before,’” Yoakam told a magazine called Song Hits way back in 1987. “And I always tell them the same thing: ‘That’s probably because you’ve never had it presented to you in a way that you could like or that you’ve even heard real country music before.’”

Sweeping Promises

PROMISES

SWEEPING PROMISES

Aug. 2 • MOTR Pub

A few years back, Sam Richardson, founder and operator of Cincinnatibased Feel It Records, received a cold email submission from a duo out of Kansas called Sweeping Promises. What he heard immediately activated his antenna — catchy art-punk that conjures The Go-Go’s by way of the Slits.

Aug. 2 • MOTR Pub

A few years back, Sam Richardson, founder and operator of Cincinnatibased Feel It Records, received a cold email submission from a duo out of Kansas called Sweeping Promises. What he heard immediately activated his antenna — catchy art-punk that conjures The Go-Go’s by way of the Slits.

“The A side of the record was all they had finished, but I was like, ‘Yes, I would like to hear more when you finish the other five songs,’” Richardson told CityBeat in an interview earlier this year.

“The A side of the record was all they had finished, but I was like, ‘Yes, I would like to hear more when you finish the other five songs,’” Richardson told CityBeat in an interview earlier this year.

Sweeping Promises, led by singer/ bassist Lira Mondal and guitarist/ drummer Caufield Schnug, eventually sent along five more tunes, resulting in their 2020 full-length debut Hunger for a Way Out. The record quickly became one of Feel It’s best-selling releases.

Sweeping Promises, led by singer/ bassist Lira Mondal and guitarist/ drummer Caufield Schnug, eventually sent along five more tunes, resulting in their 2020 full-length debut Hunger for a Way Out. The record quickly became one of Feel It’s best-selling releases.

“I only pressed like 400 copies to start with, and I think now we’re up to 4,000 or something crazy like that,” Richardson said.

“I only pressed like 400 copies to start with, and I think now we’re up to 4,000 or something crazy like that,” Richardson said.

In June, the duo released its latest full-length, Good Living Is Coming For You, collaboratively distributed by Feel It, which is handling the domestic release, and Sub Pop Records, which is supplying the rest of the world. The earwormy results again employ unconventional hooks amid rudimentary beats and jagged guitar lines, all anchored by Modal’s fizzy vocal delivery. Yet, contrary to its hopeful title, there’s an

In June, the duo released its latest full-length, Good Living Is Coming For You, collaboratively distributed by Feel It, which is handling the domestic release, and Sub Pop Records, which is supplying the rest of the world. The earwormy results again employ unconventional hooks amid rudimentary beats and jagged guitar lines, all anchored by Modal’s fizzy vocal delivery. Yet, contrary to its hopeful title, there’s an

extra layer of unease here, as if the pandemic-dominated events of the last few years couldn’t help but infect the proceedings — 10 terse, psyche-invading songs in 30 minutes.

extra layer of unease here, as if the pandemic-dominated events of the last few years couldn’t help but infect the proceedings — 10 terse, psyche-invading songs in 30 minutes.

The lead track, “Eraser,” sets the tone in an expected way, coming on like early B-52s as Mondal channels Kate Pierson, complete with an a cappella opening, before the song bursts forth via driving rhythms and guitar, all curiously topped by a sweet keyboard line. The album’s title track commences with a stomping beat and clanging guitar, a gut punch accentuated by Mondal’s yearning voice, which delivers this intriguing lyrical admission: “Wave after wave/Gonna come break the surface/ This interior’s designed to make you nervous.”

The lead track, “Eraser,” sets the tone in an expected way, coming on like early B-52s as Mondal channels Kate Pierson, complete with an a cappella opening, before the song bursts forth via driving rhythms and guitar, all curiously topped by a sweet keyboard line. The album’s title track commences with a stomping beat and clanging guitar, a gut punch accentuated by Mondal’s yearning voice, which delivers this intriguing lyrical admission: “Wave after wave/Gonna come break the surface/ This interior’s designed to make you nervous.”

The duo adds a touring drummer for their live shows, a visceral whirlwind sure to leave your frontal lobe in disrepair and your nerves frayed. But it’s not as if Sweeping Promises hasn’t warned you as Mondal repeatedly pleads throughout the title track, “Gotta brace for it!”

The duo adds a touring drummer for their live shows, a visceral whirlwind sure to leave your frontal lobe in disrepair and your nerves frayed. But it’s not as if Sweeping Promises hasn’t warned you as Mondal repeatedly pleads throughout the title track, “Gotta brace for it!”

Sweeping Promises play MOTR Pub at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Info: motrpub.com.

Etc., Etc., is the following declaration: “Well, I’m a honky-tonk man, and I can’t seem to stop.” Aptly dubbed “Honky-Tonk Man,” it’s one of many covers Yoakam would sprinkle throughout the 20 full-length albums he’s dropped over the last four decades (the most recent being 2016’s Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…). It’s his way of honoring the type of country music that’s rarely played on the radio (today or ever) — a variety of styles that

Etc., Etc., is the following declaration: “Well, I’m a honky-tonk man, and I can’t seem to stop.” Aptly dubbed “Honky-Tonk Man,” it’s one of many covers Yoakam would sprinkle throughout the 20 full-length albums he’s dropped over the last four decades (the most recent being 2016’s Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…). It’s his way of honoring the type of country music that’s rarely played on the radio (today or ever) — a variety of styles that

“I have kids come up to me all the time and say, ‘I never really liked country music before,’” Yoakam told a magazine called Song Hits way back in 1987. “And I always tell them the same thing: ‘That’s probably because you’ve never had it presented to you in a way that you could like or that you’ve even heard real country music before.’” Yoakam’s own music mines the past without coming off as pastiche, even if his lyrical concerns delve into wellworn tales of female trouble and alcoholic intakes run amok. Or, as Robert Christgau once described Yoakam’s approach, “Ricky Skaggs for sinners.”

Yoakam’s own music mines the past without coming off as pastiche, even if his lyrical concerns delve into wellworn tales of female trouble and alcoholic intakes run amok. Or, as Robert Christgau once described Yoakam’s approach, “Ricky Skaggs for sinners.”

The guy appreciates a well-crafted tune, whether it springs from his cowboy-hat-clad head or not. For proof, check out his ongoing radio show for Sirius XM, “Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat,” in which he highlights various songs, interviews artists, performs live and more.

The guy appreciates a well-crafted tune, whether it springs from his cowboy-hat-clad head or not. For proof, check out his ongoing radio show for Sirius XM, “Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat,” in which he highlights various songs, interviews artists, performs live and more.

Expect Yoakam’s twangy tenor to animate a mix of covers and originals from across his discography on his current tour, which hits amphitheaters from California to Florida this summer. For his stop at Riverbend Music Center, it seems reasonable to expect a rendition

Expect Yoakam’s twangy tenor to animate a mix of covers and originals from across his discography on his current tour, which hits amphitheaters from California to Florida this summer. For his stop at Riverbend Music Center, it seems reasonable to expect a rendition

(Jason Gargano)

Sweeping Promises play MOTR Pub at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Info: motrpub.com.

(Jason Gargano)

DWIGHT YOAKAM

DWIGHT YOAKAM

Aug. 4 • Riverbend Music Center

The first thing we hear Dwight Yoakam utter in the opening moments of his debut album, 1986’s Guitars, Cadillacs,

Aug. 4 • Riverbend Music Center

The first thing we hear Dwight Yoakam utter in the opening moments of his debut album, 1986’s Guitars, Cadillacs,

Dwight Yoakam

PHOTO: DIRKHANSEN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: SHAWN BRACKBILLSWEEPING

Dwight Yoakam

PHOTO: DIRKHANSEN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Sweeping Promises

PHOTO: SHAWN BRACKBILL

of “South of Cincinnati,” another tune from his debut, this one an ode to a woman he hopes will get south of the Ohio River sometime soon.

Dwight Yoakam plays Riverbend Music Center at 7 p.m. Aug. 4. Info: riverbend.org. (JG)

BAND OF HORSES

Aug. 5 • Bogart’s Band of Horses frontman Ben Bridwell has the type of voice that echoes on and on and on, the perfect complement to the reverberating guitars he loves so much. He sounds like he means it, a bearded sad bastard who’s delivered a handful of the most durable rock tunes of the last two decades. Bridwell is the only guy left from the band’s original lineup, which formed in Seattle in 2004. Curiously, the Horses’ most recent album, 2022’s Things Are Great, is a return to the grittier grandeur of their early records following a run of glossier efforts. Bridwell seemingly admits to a change of approach on the album’s first single, “Crutch”: “Not, not a long time ago when I knew all the answers/I couldn’t pace myself or raise my standards/But one can hope, you need to know.” Elsewhere, belying the album’s title, “In Need of Repair” is a melancholic rumination about how “shit’s crazy” and that “every single day I hide from hurt” as an acoustic guitar

intertwines with the chiming electric variety that has long carried the Horses’ tuneful drone.

Bridwell is surprised he’s still kicking, still writing songs and playing them for people far and wide.

“It seems so strange that I would’ve fallen into this thing, whatever it is,” Bridwell told Uproxx when Things Are

Great dropped in March 2022. “It’s not a job, but there’s a lot of work to do. I’m still as wide-eyed and surprised as ever. To go through the catalog, I’m like, ‘Shit.’ It is like a personal timeline, especially thinking about all the stuff that was going on and what informed the records.”

If the Horses’ extensive 2022 tour is any indication, expect a healthy dose of Things Are Great material punctuated by longtime staples like “The Great Salt Lake,” “The Funeral,” “No One’s Gonna Love You” and “Is There a Ghost.” The most interesting trend last time out was the inclusion of a cover tune or two each night like INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart,” The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and, most curiously, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.”

Band of Horses play Bogart’s at 8 p.m. Aug. 5. Info: concerts.livenation.com.

(JG)

GZA

Aug. 5 • Ludlow Garage

Has it really been nearly three decades since Liquid Swords emerged from the labyrinthine mind of GZA? The 1995 album remains one of the significant Wu-Tang Clan universe offshoots, a crime-world-infested avalanche of words and beats that influenced an entire generation of hip-hop heads to follow. And if GZA (born Gary Grice) hasn’t exactly been prolific over the years — he’s dropped only five solo

albums under his name, the most recent being 2008’s Pro Tools — he’s long been down to celebrate his bestknown work in a live setting, including performing the album in sequence at the 2007 Pitchfork Music Festival.

“I’m an artist that takes a long time to get something done,” GZA said in a January 2023 interview with GoodTimes when asked about Liquid Swords legacy. “I didn’t deliver fast enough — it takes me a while to write a rhyme. It’s not like I’m sitting on thousands of rhymes. I think with this album, I struck back against the industry. I had something to prove. I had to let (everyone) know that I am a genius of rap. It was a remarkable moment that I needed to share. I needed it to be heard, and I needed to be seen.”

GZA is set to perform Liquid Swords yet again, this time backed by a full band, which should be an interesting endeavor given the textured, cinematic nature of the RZA-produced record. At least that is the advanced word following the cancellation of a previously planned stop at Ludlow Garage in April. The rescheduled show is likely to take place in-between the chess matches that have come to dominate GZA’s life since becoming hooked around the time his vivid rhymes and distinctive, laid-back flow illuminated much of the Wu crew’s iconic 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

GZA plays Ludlow Garage at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Info: ludlowgaragecincinnati.

Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses

PHOTO: STEVIE AND SARAH GEE

GZA

PHOTO: FLOWIZM, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

CROSSWORD

Across

1.  Stimulate

6.  “Act now!”

WHAT’S NEW

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY WWW.BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

31.  Catherine the Great, e.g.

35.  Salt from the 61-Across

36.  William Henry Harrison’s nickname

64.  “Have you no shame?”

65.  Toe the line

66.  Making a racket

18.  Brown paper: Abbr.

23.  Bread with palak paneer

24.  Mohawk River city

25.  Sub finder

10.  Cubs’ president of baseball operations Hoyer

13.  Island ring

14.  Run the road

15.  ___ favor (please, in Spanish)

16.  Other name for the black wildebeest, strangely

19.  ___ Pierce (media mogul on “Succession”)

20.  Recycling collector

21.  Earthquake

22.  Confidentially

26.  Future C-suite test

27.  Art ___

28.  Pull behind

30.  Eastern title

38.  Peeples of “Pretty Little Liars”

40.  Grounded

41.  Bike with pegs

42.  Sci-fi author Chiang

43.  Hops kiln

47.  “Be on the lookout” alerts, for short

49.  “You expected me to have heard of that?”

53.  Mustachioed Nintendo villain

55.  Pitch black material

56.  Growing number 57.  1983 Eddy Grant hit

61.  See 35-Across

62.  Area of support

63.  Cartographic enlargement

Down

1.  Sold to broker?

2.  Fuel gas

3.  Third destination spot

4.  Last: Abbr.

5.  Academy freshman

6.  Product with a Hair Buster Gel variety

7.  “Certainement!”

8.  Sick as a dog

9.  Gym tops

10.  Graphic file

11.  Way, way in the past

12.  Annotation for one keeping the beat

17.  Sn, on a

29.  “Give it to me”

32.  Unwanted blemish

33.  Disorder treated with a somnoplasty

34.  Marsh growth

36.  Routine campaign promise

37.  “Right, right”

38.  Mavericks group

39.  Runs through

44.  Trickster spider of African lore

45.  Smooth transitions

46.  Bird in the “A Street Cat Named Sylvester” cartoon

48.  [Their mistake]

50.  Like some sweaters

51.  Traffic-control grp.

52.  “The Empire Strikes Back” director Kershner

54.  “The Simpsons” bus driver

58.  Orthodox Jewish honorific

59.  Italian ___

60.  Capital One’s virtual assistant (wonder if it’s a fan of Brian)

LAST PUZZLE’S ANSWERS:

Bertha G.

Helmick

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