CityBeat | November 30-December 13 by Chava Communications

2 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 PUBLISHER TONY FRANK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASHLEY MOOR MANAGING EDITOR ALLISON BABKA DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR KATHERINE BARRIER SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR MAIJA ZUMMO STAFF WRITER MADELINE FENING CALENDAR EDITOR, WRITER SEAN M. PETERS CREATIVE DIRECTOR HAIMANTI GERMAIN PRODUCTION MANAGER SEAN BIERI GRAPHIC DESIGNER ASPEN SMIT CONTRIBUTING EDITORS MUSIC: MIKE BREEN ARTS & CULTURE: MACKENZIE MANLEY THEATER: RICK PENDER DINING CRITIC: PAMA MITCHELL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANNE ARENSTEIN, BRIAN BAKER, STEPHEN NOVOTNI, BRIAN CROSS, HAYLEY DAY, JANE DURRELL, BILL FURBEE, JASON GARGANO, GREGORY GASTON, AUSTIN GAYLE, MCKENZIE GRAHAM, NICK GREVER, KATIE GRIFFITH, KATIE HOLOCHER, BEN L. KAUFMAN, DEIRDRE KAYE, JAC KERN, HARPER LEE, MADGE MARIL, ANNE MITCHELL, LAUREN

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Amazon’s Air Hub Workers in Kentucky Are Unionizing, Drawing the Corporation’s Ire

Workers at the Hebron location are the rst to make their unionization e orts public.

BY MADELINE FENING BY MADELINE FENING

Eorts to unionize Amazon’s largest Air Hub facility in the nation are taking o in Hebron, Kentucky, and the company has responded with warning signs to employees.

e massive $1.5 billion dollar Amazon Air Hub located just outside of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport rst opened in August of 2021. e Air Hub, which Amazon often refers to by the airport’s ICAO airport code KCVG, employs about 4,500 workers moving “millions” of packages each week, according to press materials on Amazon’s website.

One of those workers is Jordan Martin, a ramp associate at the Air Hub. He said his job is to move loads of Amazon packages on and o the planes, but that brief description doesn’t begin to cover the danger associated with the position.

“It’s one of those environments where, if you don’t have your head on a swivel … you very well could lose your life,” Martin told CityBeat

Martin is part of the small but organized group of Amazon Air Hub workers at KCVG looking to unionize, adding that the location is the rst Air Hub to make its unionization e orts public. He said that his job is too dangerous to not receive hazard pay.

“If someone accidentally walked too close to the [airplane] engine, you’re going to get sucked up into it,” Martin said. “Or on the o -chance a plane is coming in and someone missed a rock or a piece of metal that was on the taxiway and it got sucked into the jet engine, that will get spat out at a couple hundred miles per hour.”

Holiday rush

of the holiday incentive, but management shot it down.

great place to work.”

“ at was the catalyst,” Martin said.

of the holiday incentive, but management shot it down.

“ at was the catalyst,” Martin said.

Union demands

Holiday rush

Martin said that strenuous working conditions exist everywhere at the Air Hub, especially during the peak holiday season. He said that last year, employees received about $2 extra per hour, or “peak pay,” as the company calls it. is incentive is for working the longer, more strenuous shifts ful lling a signi cantly higher volume of packages to meet the holiday rush, Martin said. He added that there’s usually a freeze on time o during the winter holidays, and employees can expect to work six to seven days per week.

Martin said that in September, employees began hearing rumblings of a holiday season ahead with no “peak pay.” He said employees tried voicing their concerns about the rumors with a petition of about 400 signatures in favor

On Nov. 10, employees at KCVG’s Amazon Air Hub announced their intention to unionize, demanding a $30 hourly wage for all employees, 180 hours of paid time o and more. It’s the rst Air Hub with a publicly organized union, Martin said, also noting that only one Amazon warehouse in the country is openly unionized.

So far, the union is entirely local without a union representative. Martin said there are more than 50 organizing employees, with that number steadily growing.

Mary Kate Paradis, a public relations manager for Amazon, responded to CityBeat’s request for comment about the launch of union e orts at the facility.

“Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. ey always have,” Paradis said. “As a company, we don’t think unions are the best answer for our employees. Our focus remains on working directly with our team to continue making Amazon a

Currently, full-time employees of the Air Hub make up to $19.50 per hour, according to Amazon’s online press center. e burgeoning KCVG union’s rst press release said the company o ered employees an “insulting” costof-living raise of 40 cents per hour, which “[amounts] to a pay cut given the ongoing impact of in ation.”

great place to work.”

“Our most popular demand is for a $30 per hour starting wage,” the release from the workers said. “In ation has sent prices of basic necessities like gas, groceries, and rent through the roof. Winning $30/hr at Amazon KCVG would allow us to a ord a better standard of living, and raise the expectations for all workers to ght for more.” e group’s press release claimed that Amazon’s annual turnover rate is 150% “because we’re running ground support equipment, supervis ing planeside operations and train ing our coworkers without a real pay incentive.”

e group’s press release claimed that Amazon’s annual turnover rate is 150% “because we’re running ground support equipment, supervis ing planeside operations and train ing our coworkers without a real pay incentive.”

But Amazon believes its wages are fair.

“Amazon jobs for front-line employees in customer ful llment and transportation come with an average pay of more than $19 per hour, with

4 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

NEWS

Amazon Air employees are demanding higher wages and more time off. PHOTO: AMAZON MEDIA ASSETS

NEWS

employees earning between $16 and $26 per hour depending on their position and location in the U.S.,” Paradis told CityBeat

Workers also are calling for 180 hours of paid time o with no cap on accrued time.

Amazon told CityBeat that employees have the option to take up to 20 weeks of paid leave, but 14 of those weeks are for pregnancy-related disability.

Martin disputed this, saying rst-year associates only get 40 hours – one week – of paid time o for the calendar year, with incremental increases the more years spent with the company.

According to Amazon.jobs.com, employees would need to work at the company for six years or more to receive 120 hours of annual paid vacation time, or 15 days. e website also says employees get seven paid holidays and that sick time varies by state.

Warning signs

Organizers said that soon after the employees announced their intention to unionize, Amazon began “unionbusting” practices.

“Yesterday, Amazon sent out a facility-wide text warning workers that they ‘have no obligation’ to speak to anyone, ‘including a union organizer.’ ey also warned that if Amazon workers shared their contact information with their coworkers about starting a union, they may be contacted,” the group said in a Nov. 15 press release.

Martin told CityBeat that signs from Amazon started popping up around the Air Hub, warning employees of “third parties” trying to obtain their “personal information.” He said it gives employees a false impression of what a union does.

“ ey kept using the terminology, ‘Beware of third party,’ and again, we’re not some random third party – we’re their coworkers. ey are not giving all the facts with that,” Martin said.

Martin said that the “personal information” organizers collect – such as phone numbers – is used to inform employees of meeting times and locations outside of business hours.

Amazon responded to CityBeat’s request for comment about the signs, saying, “We share this information because we believe it’s important that everyone understands the facts about joining a union.”

Workers will continue unionizing e orts through the holiday season, Martin said. In the meantime, he’s trying to not let what he calls “unionbusting” slow the union’s momentum.

“We are Amazon,” Martin said. “We are the lifeblood of the company. It’s not corporate, it’s not upper management. ey’re not the ones getting into the belly of a plane loading boxes in single-digit weather. We are.”

City Searching for Greg Landsman’s Cincinnati City Council Replacement

BY ALLISON BABKA

There soon will be a new face at City Hall.

With Cincinnati City Council member Greg Landsman preparing to head to the U.S. House of Representatives in January, the city is making plans to appoint his local successor. Landsman announced Nov. 22 that he has designated council member Reggie Harris to appoint the person who will take Landsman’s spot.

“ is is not going to be a popular ity contest. e appointment process is a process of continuity. It’s about thinking about what we’ve established over this year and what we’ll do going into the next year,” Harris said. “And it’s also about choosing someone who has the ability to articulate a clear plan for advancing this council’s priorities: core services, public safety, housing, equity, pedestrian safety and sustainability.”

Generally, Cincinnati’s municipal code says that a designee on Cincinnati City Council must appoint a successor within 60 days of a council vacancy. If the vacancy is not lled, the city’s mayor may appoint someone to the post. A chosen successor would serve as a council member until the end of the predecessor’s original term, when they can choose to run for election to retain their seat.

Landsman won his Cincinnati City Council seat in 2017 and assumed o ce

Jan. 2, 2018. He was reelected in 2021 with a term expiring at the end of 2023.

On Nov. 8, Landsman defeated incumbent Steve Chabot in a general election and will represent the 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Applying for the seat

rough Nov. 27, Cincinnati citizens completed an application to be considered for appointment to Landsman’s soon-to-be-vacant position on the nine-member council. As of press time Nov. 23, Harris planned to present summaries of the applicants and solicit feedback during the council’s Nov. 29 public safety and governance committee meeting. Harris soon will create a public shortlist of candidates for interviews and then will announce the nal appointment during the week of Dec. 5.

Because Harris is Landsman’s designee to appoint the next council member, the council will not need to vote on the replacement as members did in previous situations. Harris said that though the decision ultimately rests with him, he plans to consult with council members throughout the process.

“It’s a condensed process [and] has lots of touchpoints for both community and council engagement,” Harris said.

“It’s de nitely a collaborative process, but as the situation is set up [as a designee], I ultimately do have to make a choice.”

Harris acknowledged that the application timeline and process is short, particularly with applications having been submitted during a holiday week.

“It is a tight timeline, but I think it is a really important kind of rst test.

e city doesn’t stop running on the holidays. We often in this role have to pull together really important and signi cant work in short timelines in spaces that aren’t always opportune,” Harris said. “So I think that this actually is a great opportunity to identify folks who are really passionate about this and really want this.”

Harris added that Landsman has not o ered any input about speci c individuals he’d like to see in his seat.

“He has been adamant about a clear and transparent process, and every conversation we’ve had about this appointment process has been about that,” Harris said. “I even asked him, ‘Hey, do you have some folks in mind, some ideas?’ and he said, ‘I am clear and committed to the process.’”

Landsman said that because he will be sworn in as a congressman on Jan. 3, he plans to formally resign his Cincinnati City Council position on Jan. 2. His successor then would take the city’s oath of o ce that morning.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 5

Cincinnati City Council member Greg Landsman is heading to Washington, D.C. as a new congressman. PHOTO: FACEBOOK/CITYOFCINCY

6 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Cincinnati Reds’ Bronson Arroyo Joins Scott Rolen on BBWAA’s National Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

BY ALLISON BABKA PHOTO: TWITTER.COM/REDS

Two former Cincinnati Reds players could be heading to Cooperstown.

Pitcher Bronson Arroyo and third baseman Scott Rolen are on the 2023 ballot for National Baseball Hall of Fame, with Arroyo in his rst year of eligibility and Rolen in his sixth. Both had spent considerable time with the Reds, hitting major milestones.

ere are a total of 28 candidates on the ballot, with 14 of them being new.

e Hall of Fame’s eligibility rules are somewhat complex and have a variety of exceptions or classi cations, but essentially, Major League Baseball players must be retired from the game for at least ve years, must have played in the majors for at least 10 seasons that touch some part of the last 15 years and must not be on the MLB commissioner’s “permanently ineligible” list. Players who meet the criteria generally are eligible for 10 years, though there also are avenues for enshrinement through speci c committees or eras.

For induction, players must receive 75% of that year’s vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).

MLB announced the class of 2023 candidates Nov. 21. Ballots are being mailed to 400 voting members of the BBWAA, who will make their selections through Dec. 31. Results will be announced Jan. 24.

Bronson Arroyo

Arroyo, who will be inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in July, spent eight consecutive seasons with the Reds between 2006 and

2013. He followed that up with a nal season in Cincinnati in 2017 before retiring from the game.

During his time in the big leagues, Arroyo was an innings eater and shutout machine, and he had at least four go-to pitches – slider, changeup, moving fastball and curveball – that served him well. As a Red, he pitched more than 200 innings in every season except for two, even nabbing 240 2/3 innings in 2006.

Arroyo also was good for strikeouts, routinely throwing more than 120 per Reds season except for in 2017. Over his entire Reds career, Arroyo tossed 1,157 strikeouts – something just ve other pitchers for the club have done.

Arroyo’s big 2012 postseason moment endeared him to Queen City fans forever. As the Reds’ starter for game two of the National League Division Series, Arroyo had a perfect game through ve innings and the team beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0 (Cincinnati would end up losing the series in ve games).

Arroyo won a World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and was traded to Cincinnati in 2006.

Scott Rolen

It nally may be Rolen’s time to shine in the Hall. In 2022, Rolen received 63.2% of the BBWAA vote, and experts are predicting the third baseman to earn more than that for 2023.

Rolen joined the Reds in 2009, playing through 2012 at the corner before retiring. While in Cincinnati, Rolen hit his 300th career home run and helped

the team win the Central Division –something that Cincinnati hadn’t seen in the 15 seasons prior. He also earned one of his eight National League Gold Gloves and was an MLB All Star in 2010 and 2011 (he’d earned the honor ve additional times elsewhere) during his time in the Queen City.

Known for his hustle and reliability, Rolen is right up there with third basemen already enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Over his career, he tallied a .490 slugging percentage (fourth-best), 517 doubles ( fth), 2023 games (sixth), 316 homers (sixth) and .855 slugging (sixth). Rolen is one of just four third basemen ever to compile at least 2,000

hits, 500 doubles, 300 home runs and 1,200 RBI, and he’s one of just three players at any position to post those stats from 1997 to 2012.

Rolen played a total of 17 years in the majors, nabbing the National League Rookie of the Year award when he came up with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997. His most celebrated years came with the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he won a World Series in 2006. Despite a shoulder injury, he and rst baseman Albert Pujols – who just retired after a multimilestone 22nd season – regularly were credited with leading the Birds’ success during that era.

Finalists for Cincinnati Police Chief Announced

BY MADELINE FENING

Cincinnati’s city manager Sheryl Long announced Nov. 18 the four nalists for chief of the Cincinnati Police Department: interim police chief Teresa eetge, assistant police chief Lisa Davis, Larry Boone and Todd Chamberlain. e city conducted a national and local search for the permanent leader.

Eliot Isaac, the department’s former longtime chief, retired on March 1.

Prior to taking on the interim chief role, eetge was the executive assistant chief under Isaac and has been with the CPD for more than 31 years. She’s the rst woman to lead the department.

Lisa Davis is the assistant police chief, serving the CPD since 1992.

Boone is from Norfolk, Virginia, where he was the police chief for the Norfolk Police Department until he retired in April.

Chamberlain has experience as the chief of police for the Los Angeles School Police Department and as a commander for the Los Angeles Police Department.

“Our city faces real challenges with police recruitment and retention. We need strong leadership and a chief with a deep understanding of the [2003] Collaborative Agreement and community problem-oriented policing,” Long said upon announcing the nalists.

e city’s website lists Dec. 5-Jan. 17 as the “negotiation and start date” for the incoming police chief.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 7

Former Reds third baseman Scott Rolen is on the Cooperstown ballot for the sixth time. The Cincinnati Police Department is searching for a new chief. PHOTO: RAY MONDWAMBSGANS, FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS

Winter Guide

76 things to do in Cinci i when , s c d o side

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Winter is set to descend upon Cincinnati, and with it come a ﬂurry of seasonal attractions. Many arrive with the trappings of the holidays — Santa suits, vague Christian imagery, dancing nutcrackers — while others offer an enticing alternative to sitting on your couch under a weighted blanket. So if you’re looking to make merry this December, here’s a list of things to do, from ice skating and checking out light displays to drinking in igloos and catching a live reading of the Die Hard script.

15 Light Displays

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion

A haunted horror town during Halloween and a family-friendly splash zone during the summer, Land of Illusion transforms into a drive-through holiday light display each winter. Christmas Glow o ers more than 3.8 million lights, singing penguins and reindeer, a petting zoo, carnival rides, boozy beverages in the Elf Lounge and a Christmas village with a 45-foot-tall tree.

rough Dec. 30. $9 online. 8762 omas Road, Middletown, lando llusion.com.

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights Drive through this dazzling light display and see “more than 2 million lights synchronized to a mix of traditional and rocking holiday music,” per Coney Island. ere will be a giant Christmas tree, illuminated snow akes, light tunnels and other glowing thematic displays.

rough Jan. 2. $25 Monday- ursday

and $30 Friday-Sunday for 1-8 person vehicles; $50 9-15 person vehicles; $50 16+ person vehicles. 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest

e Florence Y’alls omas More Stadium will be overrun with holiday lights and interactive displays during Deck the Y’alls Lightfest. Guests are invited to walk directly onto the eld and experience the magic of the season, complete with 2 million lights choreographed to music, multiple themed displays and several interactive elements. e centerpiece will be a whopping 50-foot animated tree. ere will also be an ice rink, s’mores-friendly re pits, holiday shopping and Friday reworks displays. rough Jan. 1. $14-$22 adults; $10-$18 ages 4-12; $12-$18 seniors/military.

omas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, decktheyalls.com.

PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Voted the No. 1 zoo light display in

America by readers of USA Today, the 40th-annual PNC Festival of Lights takes over the zoo with more than 4 million LED bulbs. Wander in the “Wild Wonderland” to take in twinkling displays, watch a synchronized musical light show on Swan Lake or walk under giant glowing jelly sh. ere will be wintry treats available, plus hidden Fiona fairies and a 24-foot-tall Fiona nutcracker will greet visitors.

rough Jan. 8. Included with zoo admission (prices vary by day). 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm

Great Parks of Hamilton County has

replaced the Holiday in Lights drive-thru display at Sharon Woods with a new Holidays on the Farm event. Parky’s Farm will be decorated in festive lights, inviting guests to explore lit-up nature trails at Winton Woods. Activities include wagon rides, an illuminated beer garden, food trucks, caroling, holiday movie showings and a meet-and-greet with Santa.

rough Dec. 23. $12 advance and $15 door adults; $10 ages 2-12; free 23 months and under. Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Greenhills, greatparks.org.

e drive-through light show features

Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

THE

Photo: Provided

over a million lights, as well as scenic holiday displays and artist installations, some of which are new this year. e park partnered with independent artists and the community to bring the show to life in new ways, including an expanded installation from the Yarn Bombers and two new displays by projection artist Doug Borntrager.

rough Jan. 1. $25 carload nonmembers; $15 carload members; free for Hamilton residents on Tuesdays. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, journeyborealis.com.

Light in the Forest at the Cincinnati Nature Center

Wander the woods in this themed light display set up along the Cincinnati Nature Center’s trails. is year’s expanded attraction includes more lights, displays by local artists, live music, a decorated historic home, a bon re and shopping.

Dec. 1-Jan. 1. $12 non-member and $10 member adult; $7 non-member and $5 member child. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, cincynature.org.

Light Up the Fair

is Northern Kentucky drive-through light display spans two miles with over a half-million dazzling lights, synchronized to music through each visitor’s car radio. rough Dec. 31. $7 per person or $25 per carload (4-8 people); free for children under 4, active military and rst responders. Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, lightupthefair.com.

Light Up Middletown is “fantasy drive-thru light display” in Middletown’s 100-acre Smith Park not only decks the halls with tons of glowing holiday displays, it also serves as a fundraiser for Middletown City Parks.

rough Dec. 31. Cash donation. Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, lightupmiddletown.org.

Light Up Oakley

e entire neighborhood gets in on the action during Light Up Oakley, a holiday contest that aims to set the streets aglow.

Businesses and residents can enter their light displays in categories such as Best Window, Best emed and even the coveted Griswold Award. Winners announced Jan. 3. Free to wander. Oakley, oakleynow.com/lights.

Winter Nights & River Lights at the Purple People Bridge

e Purple People Bridge will be adorned with thousands of lights, glowing yarn art and themed holiday projections this winter, all set to seasonal tunes. A 25-foot Christmas Wish Tree will help “provide gifts for individuals in need such as troubled teens, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged seniors,” per an event description.

rough Jan. 8. Free admission. 1 Levee Way, Newport, purplepeoplebridge.com.

Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

For the 35th year, Clifton Mill will be decked out in dazzling lights this winter — 4 million of them. e historic Yellow Springs mill, plus the surrounding trees, riverbank and covered bridge, will all be illuminated from bottom-to-top in colorful lights.

rough Dec. 30. $10 MondayWednesday; $15 ursday-Sunday; free for 3 and under. 75 Water St., Yellow Springs, cliftonmill.com.

The Christmas Ranch is winter wonderland features 1 million lights synchronized to music. Drive along

an animated, illuminated route or park the car to visit the Christmas village with six shops, a bakery and café, and train and wagon rides. A portion of proceeds bene t St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Little Miami Food Pantry, Neediest Kids of All and Shriners Hospital for children. Timed tickets required. rough Dec. 23. $22 per carload; $33 oversized vans; free parking. 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, thechristmasranch.com.

Let it Glow at Rockwern Academy is drive-through Hanukkah display celebrates the festival of lights with glowing in atables, handmade decor and more. ere will be a special community night on Dec. 18 with hot cocoa, donuts and food for purchase. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 24. Free admission. 8401 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, rockwernacademy.org.

ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum

Helmed by the fundamentalist Answers in Genesis Christian group, the Creation Museum puts the “Christ” in Christmas as it transforms its botanical gardens into a giant holiday light display, complete with a live nativity, petting zoo, ice skating rink, gift shop and zip line. rough Dec. 30. Outdoor exhibit is free; some attractions require a ticket. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky, creationmuseum.org.

3

Ice Sk ing Rinks

Fifty West Brewing Co. e brewery transforms into a seasonal winter wonderland with the addition of an ice skating rink.

rough Feb. 27. $10 (includes skate rental). 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, ftywestbrew.com.

Fountain Square Ice Rink

is Downtown rink o ers both bumper cars and ice skating. Opt for skating only or split your time. Stop by the heated tent on-site for concessions.

rough Feb. 20. $10 skating; $15 bumper cars and skating. 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Summit Park Ice Rink

Skate under the colored-glass canopy at Summit this winter and enjoy a hot chocolate or boozy beverage. Check the calendar for themed nights. rough Jan. 8. $7 (includes skate rental). 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, summitparkblueash.com.

6 Igl Bars

AC Upper Deck

Get a birds eye view of the Banks from the igloos at the AC Upper Deck. Each can seat eight people and includes a heater. ere is a food and drink minimum.

$32 reservation fee. 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, the Banks, acupperdeck.com.

Bridgeview Igloos

Head to Bridgeview Box Park at Newport on the Levee for some cozy igloo action. Each is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. Igloos seat up to eight people and reservations are required 48 hours in advance. rough Jan. 8. $40 per hour with a twohour minimum. Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, newportonthelevee.com.

Opposite: Deck the Y’alls Lightfest. Left: Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill. Photo: Provided

IGLOOBAR at Braxton Brewing Co.

Keep cozy in one of 10 heated rooftop igloos, featuring a ski-resort theme. Order a butter board or beer cheese, cocktails and Braxton brews. Seats up to eight people for 2.5-hour time slots and includes a Bluetooth speaker. $35 to reserve. 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, braxtonigloo.com.

Frosthaus

Enjoy frozen cocktails, ice cream, tater tots and atbreads in a private igloo for up to eight people. e igloo can be reserved for two or three hours, and there is a food and drink minimum. $35 to reserve, $100 tab minimum for all evening reservations. 115 Park Place, Covington, frosthauscov.com.

The View at Shires’ Garden e rooftop deck at Shires’ Garden has brought back its igloos and special garden greenhouses for the winter. Reservations are required in advance for parties of two, four and up to eight people to snag a spot for up to two hours. Each dome has a heater and individual speakers, plus a food and drink minimum. $50 deposit. 309 Vine St., 10th Floor, Downtown, theviewatshiresgarden.com.

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

311 Pike St., Downtown, vistaatlytlepark.com.

3 Tiny Trains

Celestial Holiday at Krohn Conservatory

e conservatory will be transformed into “a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by sparkling lights and shining

stars,” as well as thematic winter orals. e centerpiece model train display features locomotives zipping through botanical recreations of local landmarks, utilizing material like wood and moss to make mini versions of the spectacular originals.

rough Jan. 7. $10 adults; $7 ages 5-17; free for 4 and under. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams, cincinnati-oh.gov/ cincyparks.

Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center

Holiday Junction features the 75th appearance of the wildly popular and intricate Duke Energy Holiday Trains. e display includes more than 300 toy rail cars and 60 locomotives that run on 1,000 feet of track in a wintry diorama. Guests can get a unique birds-eye view from a variety of walkways, try their hand at a garden railway scavenger hunt or wander the Brickopolis LEGO display. rough Jan. 2. $10; free 2 and under; free for members. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.

Holly Jolly Holidays at the Behringer-Crawford Museum

e museum is o ering an expanded winter display this year, with the return of Holiday Toy Trains and the addition of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: e Exhibit. e show will feature Edith Head-designed costumes from the 1954

holiday classic White Christmas, along with lm memorabilia.

rough Jan, 8. $9 adults; $8 seniors; $5 ages 3-17; free for members. 1600 Montague Road, Covington, bcmuseum.org.

10 Onstage Events

A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens’ feel-good Christmas favorite graces the West Side with “the most famous haunters of all.” e ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visit Ebenezer Scrooge for a whimsical musical production of a truly wonderful holiday tale that everyone should see at least once.

Dec. 1-23. $31 adults; $28 seniors/students. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Cincinnati Ballet presents a true holiday classic: e Nutcracker. e enchanted dreamland comes to life once again thanks to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score and the brilliant Cincinnati Ballet company. It’s a traditional way to get into the spirit with the whole family. Dec. 15-24. Tickets start at $59. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cballet.org.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Acrobat Santa doesn’t need a sleigh. Holiday spirit will soar through Cincinnati in this Broadway-style production featuring contemporary circus artistry, dazzling holiday costumes and festive feats of acrobatics.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3; 1 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets start at $33.75. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents another season of “high-octane jollity and frivolity.” NSFW or true Santa believers, it’s a light-hearted spoof of classic Christmas tales like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that promises an evening of Santa-style belly laughs.

Dec. 8-31. Tickets start at $14. Otto M. Budig eater, 1195 Elm St., Over-theRhine, cincyshakes.com.

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow — the rst rapper ever signed by a major label — emcees the 10th season of this reimagined version of Tchaikovsky’s e Nutcracker. e 130-year-old ballet has been transformed into a dance spectacle and lively holiday celebration. Characters navigate modern-day New York City and nd themselves in the land of sweets. Seasonable rhymes sprinkle holiday cheer as the show makes its way to 30 cities across the country.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets start at $30. Taft eatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.

Holidazed

e Village Players of Fort omas present a series of nine new plays celebrating the season. With titles like Merry Whatever, A Christmas Uncarol and Santa’s Hard Road to Ho, these original stories are merrily unique and sure to be entertaining. A “fun and funny holiday pick-me-up” performed by local talent. Dec. 2-10. $20. e Village Players of Fort omas, 8 N. Ft omas Ave., Ft. omas, villageplayers.org.

Live Script Reading of Die Hard

Yippee ki-yay, motherfuckers. e six-annual script reading of Die Hard comes to Woodward eater as local comedians transform themselves into John McClane, Hans Gruber, Karl and the gang for a one-night-only, actionpacked holiday event. Formal attire recommended.

6:30 p.m. doors Dec. 19. Free admission,

10 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Far left: Summit Park Ice Rink. Left: Braxton Brewing Co. Igloos. Below: Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center. Photo: Provided by City of Blue Ash Photo: Provided Photo: Provided

but reserve seating in advance.

Woodward eater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, instagram.com/ gorillacinemapresents.

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash come together to perform holiday hits and classic songs with a jingle bell twist in this “heartwarming holiday rock ‘n’ roll musical.” It’ll be a hunk of burning Christmas love in this jam-packed night of holiday medleys with a jolly rock n’ roll are. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets start at $39. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig’s Holiday Party is season, while the Cincinnati Playhouse hits pause on its annual production of A Christmas Carol due to venue construction, the Ghost of Christmas Past visits to usher you back to the Victorian-era holiday party of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. Held at the Phoenix, interactive festivities include mingling with carolers and actors, arts and crafts, Victorian-era dance lessons, games, puppet shows and more, all to get you in the holiday spirit. 7 p.m. Dec. 14-17; 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Tickets start at $60. e Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown, cincyplay.com.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.

A spirited adaptation of classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Holly Jolly Christmas, this play glitters with stars like Santa Claus, Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius and one jolly giant who is possibly the most exciting of them all: the Abominable Snow Monster. A perfect expression of holiday magic for children.

Public performances Dec. 10-18. Tickets start at $37.25. Taft eatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, thechildrenstheatre.com.

10 H iday Concerts

Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine

Local folk rockers Over the Rhine bring their annual Christmas concert to Memorial Hall.

8 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 4 p.m. Dec. 18. $44$74. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com.

A Boy Band Christmas

It may be cold outside, but it’s about to be 98 degrees inside Hard Rock Casino for A Boy Band Christmas. is holiday concert features all your favorites from the 1990s: Drew Lachey, Justin Je ree and Je Timmons of Cincinnati’s hometown harmonizers 98 Degrees; members of All-4-One and O-Town; and Ryan Cabrera.

8 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets start at $74. Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Downtown, hardrockcasinocincinnati.com.

A Very Motherfolk Christmas

Local indie group Motherfolk presents their annual Christmas show.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. $20. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, livenation.com.

Christmas with No Promises

Local a cappella ensemble No Promises hosts multiple holiday shows featuring tunes from the likes of Pentatonix, Gordon Lightfoot and Andy Williams.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 ($25) at the Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, thecarnegie. com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 (free) at Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery, nopromisesvocalband.com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 (free) at St. Columban Parish, 894 Oakland Road, Loveland, nopromisesvocalband.com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 ($25) at Warsaw Federal Incline eatre, 801 Matson Place, Price Hill, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer

Music Hall’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ comes to life with holiday classics and vocal performances from the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus. Dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet’s academy will also perform pieces from e Nutcracker. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. $32; $27 students/seniors. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org.

Holiday Pops

John Morris Russell conducts the Cincinnati Pops, with additional appearances by the Annie Moses Band and local high school ensembles, in a program of winter and holiday hits.

11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets start at $26. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Listen to the sound of Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas classics, plus songs by founder and leader Chip Davis. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Tickets start at

$31.50. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Santamania 2022

e self-described “annual wild-ass holly jolly Jingle Ball” is back at the Mockbee with all of Cincinnati’s best underground bands on three di erent stages. Acts include Tweens, Leggy, Vacation, Fruit LoOops, Blood Chill and more, including a handful of acts from Lexington, Philadelphia and Columbus. 6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17. $10, e Mockbee, 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton, facebook.com/themockbee.

The Christmas Schmidtacular with Mandy Gaines

e jazzy Steve Schmidt Trio plays seasonal songs with Mandy Gaines.

7-8:15 p.m. and 9-10:15 p.m. Dec. 15. $10-$40. Ca e Vivace, 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, ca evivace.com.

Maurice Mattei & The Tempers Christmas Show

Local musical storyteller and singer/ songwriter Mattei presents his Christmas show with his band the Tempers.

8:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission.

Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, southgatehouse.com.

7 Shopping Pop-Ups

Art on Vine

Art on Vine o ers two pre-holiday shopping ops at Rhinegeist. Browse goods from more than 80 local artisans and crafters.

Noon-7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18. Free admission. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.

The City Flea

e ea’s holiday market takes place over

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 11

Above left: Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer. Above: Over the Rhine. Left: Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig’s Holiday Party. Photo: Tony Arrasmith, Arrasmith and Associates Photo: Provided by Friends of Music Hall Photo: media assets

the course of two days, with one night session and one during daylight hours to double the charm and double the chance to snag some gifts.

4-9 p.m. with an 11 a.m.-4 p.m. earlybird market Dec. 17; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 18. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecity ea.com.

Fern Holiday Market

More than a dozen local makers will be taking over the Fern College Hill location, including Baqette, Four Eyes Ceramics, Prospect Jam Co. and Una Floral. Local artists will create custom portraits, and Kiki, Mom ‘n ‘em and Goosefoot Cook & Grow will o er concessions.

Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 4. Free admission. 6040 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, fern-shop.com.

Holiday Market at Findlay Market

Farmers, makers and crafters head to the market for a two-day seasonal celebration. ere will be gifts, seasonal cocktails and tree sales, which include a commemorative ornament from Lucca. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Free admission. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, ndlaymarket.org.

Market Bleu

Shop local artist-made goods while taking in the marvel that is the Contemporary Arts Center. ere will be live printmaking demonstrations, as well as live painting and live textile dyeing. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, marketbleu.com.

Wave Pool Holiday Bazaar is holiday bazaar is an art show and sale featuring goods from makers throughout the community.

Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Free admission. 2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, wavepoolgallery.org.

Winter Market at Washington Park Little artisan huts are returning to the

park to be lled each weekend with local vendors.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18, except during the City Flea holiday market hours (see above). Free admission. 1230 Elm St., Over-theRhine, washingtonpark.org.

22 Winter Events

Christmas Nightmare at Dent Schoolhouse

e Halloween ghouls at Dent have been replaced by Krampus, Mrs. Claws and an evil crew of elves, bent on terrifying instead of bringing cheer.

6-9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. $30; $50 fast-pass; $60 front of line. 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, dentschoolhouse.com.

Cincinnati SantaCon

It’s about to get sloppy. Hundreds of humans dressed in Santa out ts will be taking over Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Newport and Covington in a holiday pub crawl. ere will be singing and drinking; proceeds bene t the Cure Starts Now, a nonpro t focused on cancer research. Noon-midnight Dec. 10. $10 registration fee. Check in at Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton, cincinnatisantacon.com.

Downtown Dazzle at Fountain Square

e ice rink and giant tree on Fountain Square will be complemented by Downtown Dazzle, which features Santa rappelling from a nearby skyscraper and a reworks show to close out the night.

6-8:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 17. Free admission. 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Hanukkah on Fountain Square

e Mayerson JCC, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and Chabad of Southern Ohio are hosting this event on Fountain Square featuring an outdoor menorah lighting, a light show and access to the ice rink.

6-8 p.m. Dec. 21. Free admission. 520 Vine St., Downtown, mayersonjcc.org.

Holiday Display at the Taft Museum of Art

e Taft o ers two holiday displays this year. e Duncanson Foyer will feature a tree, produced in collaboration with Wave Pool’s Welcome Project, featuring the work of artists Gabriela Falconi-Piedra (Ecuador), Pedro Moreno (Bolivia) and Fabiola Rodríguez Ornelas (Mexico).

e 6-foot installation, titled “Vuelo Sin Fronteras/Flight Without Borders,” will be covered in paper and fabric birds, butter ies and owers to “explore the concepts of migration, belonging, and diversity,” per the museum. e Taft will also display silver tea and co ee services and holiday decor in the dining room, authentic to the home’s 19th-century heyday.

rough Jan. 8. $12 adults; $10 seniors; free children and members. 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.

Holly Days at Heritage Village Museum

Heritage Village is a recreated 19th-century village and living museum. During Holly Days, go back in time and meet Charles Dickens, listen to a reading of A Christmas Carol, see homes decorated in traditional Victorian holiday decor, listen

to Christmas songs, make some crafts and visit Mother Christmas.

Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11.

$10 adult; $5 ages 5-11; free for members and those under 4. Heritage Village Museum, Sharon Woods, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

Independence Christmas Walk

e 26th-annual City of Independence Christmas Walk features a 5K, strolling Santa, craft vendors, a tree-lighting ceremony and a lighted Christmas parade. 1-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission.

Independence, Kentucky, facebook.com/ cityo ndependenceKY.

Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival

e 33rd-annual parade and festival features two (!) processions of horse-drawn carriages, plus a whimsical festival featuring live entertainment, craft vendors, holiday activities and plenty of food in Lebanon’s quaint downtown. It’s like the

12 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Clockwise from top left: Miracle at Overlook Lodge; Holly Days at Heritage Village Museum; Bird by Gabriela Falconi-Piedra at Taft Museum of Art; Mt. Adams Reindog Parade. Photo: Adam Doty Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Provided Photo: Provided

setting of a Hallmark movie.

Parades at 1 and 7 p.m.; festival 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Lebanon, Ohio, lebanonchamber.org.

Light Up College Hill

Downtown College Hill gets a holiday makeover with a tree lighting, train rides, live reindeer, a visit from Santa and tons of family-friendly winter activities. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8. Free admission. College Hill Business District, College Hill, chcurc. com/lightupcollegehill.

Light Up St. Bernard

St. Bernard is hosting a friendly competition. e seventh-annual event pits home against home to see which has the best holiday light display. Houses will be judged on Dec. 3 and visitors can vote by dropping canned goods in containers outside their favorite. e event gene ts the St. Clement Food Pantry. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. St. Bernard, searchable on Facebook.

Light Up Wyoming

Wyoming will be aglow with luminaria during this community celebration. Santa will be at the Village Green gazebo with a live reindeer display and some holiday vendors. Check out ice carvers, listen to holiday tunes or grab a snack. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Free admission. Downtown Wyoming, Wyoming, jwcwyoming.org.

Miracle at the Overlook Lodge e Shining-themed Overlook gets a holiday makeover and transforms into Miracle, a kitschy winter wonderland. ere will be themed cocktails, such as the tequila-infused Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex (in a dinosaur mug), plus tons of over-the-top decor, including tinsel, fake trees, strands of lights and ornaments stuck in every nook and cranny. Advance tickets are required for a one-hour experience that includes a welcome shot and two drinks.

rough Dec. 25. Tickets start at $35 for a seat at the bar and go up to $280 for eight people. 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, thatshiningbar.com.

Mt. Adams Reindog Parade

For more than two decades, decorated pups have taken to the streets of Mt. Adams for an annual costumed Reindog Parade. is year, Santa leads the procession.

2 p.m. Dec. 10. Free to register (12:30-1:45 p.m.). e Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place, Mt. Adams, mtadamscincy.org.

North Pole Express

Take a ride on the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express. Hop on the vintage-style train for a journey that includes a visit with Santa and his elves, holiday lights and hot

chocolate. Kids can ring a special bell and get a cookie.

rough Dec. 23. $22-$50; $5 infants. 16 E. South St., Lebanon, lebanonrr.com.

OTR Raildog Parade

e 10th-annual costumed puppy parade will take dogs and their owners from Queen City Radio to Washington Park and back for some holiday cheer. Time TBD Dec. 17. Free admission. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Overthe-Rhine, search OTR Kennel Club on Facebook.

Pennifold’s Pub Holiday Magic

e Pennifold’s Pub pop-up brings Christmas to the Wizarding World with a themed drinking experience. Cocktails include a warm butterscotch ale, like Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, and a Pumpkin Delight with whiskey. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m.

rough Dec. 31. $5 bar seat; $10 table for two; $20 table for four. Cosmic Gorilla, 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, pennifoldspub.com.

Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium

e man in red goes underwater in this annual holiday display at the aquarium. Back for the 20th year, Santa will greet fans and listen to wishes while elves and sand tiger sharks keep him company. rough Dec. 24. Tickets start at $29.99 adult and $14.99 child. 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, newportaquarium.com.

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

e Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt aims to bring some European air and holiday traditions to the Banks, with warm glühwein (spiced wine), food, and items like authentic cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, ornaments, candy and more for sale. Visitors can also create personal ized Christmas stockings and ornaments. ere will also be entertainment through out the season, plus rentable igloos. rough Dec. 31. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com.

Shillito’s

Elves at the Foundry

e famous Shillito’s Elves will be on display at the Foundry near Fountain Square. e decades-old elves rst got their start in the storefront window of Cincinnati’s rst department store, Shillito’s, in the 1950s. e mechanized gures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting mail to Santa. rough Jan. 3. Free to see. e Foundry, 505 Vine St., Downtown, downtowncincinnati.com/elves.

Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Tiki Bang Bang

Old Saint Nick is feeling the mele kalikimaka spirit at Tiki Tiki Bang Bang. e Sippin’ Santa pop-up goes tropical for the holidays with island decor and rum cocktails.

Free admission, no tickets required. 965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, discoveryrumclub.com/sippin-santa.

WinterFest at Kings Island

Nostalgia descends on Kings Island for WinterFest, a nighttime holiday experience featuring ice skating under the theme park’s version of the Ei el Tower, millions of lights, live carolers, a Wonderland Parade, shopping, crafts and plenty of food.

rough Dec. 31. Tickets start at $29.99. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Fibonacci Brewing Co. is nanobrewery is celebrating the return of the sun and marks the end of the longest night of the year.

Noon-11 p.m. Dec. 17. Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy, bbrew.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 13

Above left: Shillito’s Elves. Above: Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium. Left: WinterFest at Kings Island. Photo: Provided by 3CDC Photo: Provided Photo: Provded by Kings Island

ARTS & CULTURE

Little Women Grows Up

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company re-interprets ‘Little Women’ for a modern audience.

REVIEW BY RICK PENDER REVIEW BY RICK PENDER

Playwright Kate Hamill has carved out a special niche in today’s theater world, adapting classic novels into playscripts. is season she’s among the most-produced playwrights in the country, including her adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women that’s currently onstage at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (she also created the script for Cincy Shakes’ production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which was interrupted before the worldwide pandemic before it returned last season for a well-received run).

You might imagine that a novel about girls growing up in the 1860s would be sweet and overly sentimental, but Hamill’s intention is in a di erent direction. In a remark published in the production’s Cincinnati program, she says, “I speci cally wanted my Little Women to re ect American women today. All young girls and women deserve to see themselves onstage in a universal story,

particularly with the limitless imaginative bounds of theater.”

particularly with the limitless imaginative bounds of theater.”

e irony of Alcott’s title — and in this play — is that there’s really nothing “little” about the four March sisters. We meet them as spirited girls in extravagant play-acting, but life’s circumstances soon push them into adulthood quickly. e Civil War is raging elsewhere, and their father – a military chaplain – is wounded. When their mother Marmie leaves to care for her husband, her daughters must grow up quickly. e family’s nancial circumstances are perilously unstable, and Jo, the central character, hopes her writing can stabilize them. Reality bears down on all of them with occasional disagreement and con ict, even though their mischievous creativity never completely evaporates. But they take on new responsibilities and concerns as time passes.

Cincy Shakes’ production design by Shannon Moore literally reminds

us that time is passing, as nearly two dozen clocks decorate the set’s rear wall — wall clocks with pendulums, mantel clocks on ledges and ornate timepieces atop pieces of furniture. As the twohour production’s scenes progress through time, the intervals are brie y punctuated by darkness with one clock or another spotlighted, usually accompanied by loud ticking.

If you’ve read Little Women or have seen any of its cinematic incarnations, you will recall Josephine (“Jo,” with all its tomboyish connotations) is an aspiring writer who creates fantastic tales to be enacted by her sisters. Elizabeth Chinn Molloy portrays Jo with spunk and verve, constantly nding fame as a writer just beyond her grasp – success that she desperately hopes will help her family’s di cult straits. Willful and single-minded, Jo has a stubborn temper. She fears there is “no place for me in the world,” but we know she cares and struggles to do her best for her

family.

Jo’s slightly older sister Meg is beautiful and pragmatic, more traditional in her aspirations. Younger sister Beth is shy and musical, but also the family peacemaker. e baby of the family, Amy, is interested in art but rather spoiled, vain and self-centered.

eir mother, caring Marmie, is played with warmth and understanding by Torie Wiggins, a veteran local actor. She also steps into the role of the imperious Aunt March, a judgmental and intolerant older relative, for one scene. Meg (Maggie Lou Rader) is sweet and pragmatic but also is overwhelmed by motherhood once she marries John Brooke. Beth (Angelique Archer) is the thoughtful moral center of the four, and in Hamill’s retelling she is the catalyst for Jo to write stories that are more real and that more accurately re ect the existence that the March family is living. Amy (Emilie O’Hara) is a atter, more comic character, exasperated by

14 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 [CRITIC’S PICK]

The cast of Little Women at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (L-R): Angelique Archer, Emilie O’Hara, Elizabeth Chinn Molloy, Torie Wiggins and Maggie Lou Rader.

[CRITIC’S PICK]

PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO: MIKKI SCHAFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY

stern Aunt March’s parrot, underscoring her harsh remarks by barking the nal few words each time she speaks. is amusing vignette somewhat softens Jo’s disappointment when she’s displaced by Amy to accompany their aunt on a European excursion.

being treated as a child, even as her behavior is little more than childish. She progresses from that position to more of a poised young woman as the story unfolds but remains rather self-centered.

Laurie (Patrick Earl Phillips) is the “boy next door” who obviously is enamored with Jo but whose yearning is constantly de ected. ey are best friends, but he never succeeds in elevating their connection to romance, much to his dismay. Jo demands so much of herself in her pursuit of writing success that she is unable to return Laurie’s a ection. Phillips does a ne job of walking this emotional tightrope, never pushing too hard but always subtly revealing a deeper feeling than Jo won’t acknowledge but that the audience feels deeply.

As John Brooke, Meg’s suitor and eventual husband, Justin McCombs is awkward and endearing – simply a good man trying to do the right things by his wife, even when she feels unable to bear the expectations of raising their children. McCombs’s comic air is used momentarily when he dons a red-crested mask with a beak to play

I suspect that Hamill’s take on Alcott’s story and these characters will trouble some purists. In the program interview, Hamill says, “I believe in radical adaptation — in bringing new lenses to old stories and approaching adaptation very much as a new play speaking to modern audiences, as a collaboration between myself and the original author.”

“I feel that adaptations that bring nothing new to the table are doing a disservice to both the original and the play, which must stand by itself as a work of theater,” she continues.

e show opens and closes with a conversation between Beth and Jo. At the outset, the younger sister implores her imaginative sibling, “Tell me a story,” something that feels more real and close to the lives of these young women. At the conclusion, Hamill has the family gather around Beth’s sickbed. She again begs Jo to tell a story, clearly asking for the “story” of Little Women It’s the progression of growth, love and maturity between the March sisters that she asks Jo to depict – a tale that still has meaning in modern times.

Little Women, presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, continues through Dec. 3 at the Otto M. Budig eater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Info: cincyshakes.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 15

“I feel that adaptations that bring nothing new to the table are doing a disservice to both the original and the play, which must stand by itself as a work of theater.”

Cincy Shakes’ version of Little Women re ects the struggles and triumphs experienced by modern women.

16 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 17

FOOD & DRINK

PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

’s Carni orous Crown ewe Losanti in Over-the-Rhine serves up tantalizing meat-based dishes.

’s Carni orous Crown ewe

Losanti in Over-the-Rhine serves up tantalizing meat-based dishes.

BY PAMA MITCHELL BY PAMA MITCHELL

Do you remember how Overthe-Rhine felt like a post-apocalyptic ghost town throughout 2020 and well into 2021? Back then, I’d occasionally visit a friend who lives near Washington Park and take a walk to enjoy the area within and around the park. Music Hall, Memorial Hall and the brand-new Otto M. Budig eater — a state-of-the-art home for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company — were as beautiful as ever. And absolutely deserted. It looked like the aftermath of a neutron bomb strike: most of the living creatures vanished while the infrastructure stood undamaged.

e rst year of the COVID-19

pandemic devastated many of the businesses in what had become the city’s hub for nightlife and, to a lesser extent, shopping. But the neighborhood now seems to be back close to its 2019 vibrancy, and it’s a little surprising while also encouraging that most of the places I used to patronize on and near Vine Street made it through okay. It’s also remarkable that the steakhouse Losanti has emerged as one of the hottest destinations in OTR.

I base that assessment on how easy or hard it is to reserve a table at a particular restaurant. Losanti serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday with a seating capacity of about 115. When

we decided to go there, we discovered it would take weeks to secure a table for four — let alone six — on Friday or Saturday. We settled for an early seating for four on a Sunday.

Losanti brought a new chef onboard a few months ago. Kevin Ashworth impressed many of us with his cooking at Khora before that restaurant closed during the pandemic (it reopened in September under new management). Losanti’s parent company, Crown Restaurant Group (CRG), added a glassedin, heated enclosure to the restaurant’s patio space last year, giving it a yearround addition of more than 40 seats. As far as we could tell at our Sunday

dinner, those seats plus every one in the interior dining rooms stayed full.

Ashworth hasn’t been onboard long enough to a ect the menu o erings. In fact, Losanti’s menu seemed quite similar to the one it opened with. Looking back at my 2019 review, I found references to many of the same dishes, from appetizers to desserts, though I’m sure there are di erences that I missed.

On this recent visit, the last since 2019, my meal started with a bang.

e French onion soup elicited oohs and ahs from my companions. While they each began with virtuous salads, my appetizer arrived in a warm crock crowned with a towering, cheesy pu

18 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Losanti added a glassed-in, heated enclosure to its patio last year. Losanti added a glassed-in, heated enclosure to its patio last year. PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

pastry. e rich onion broth was piping hot and delicious.

e salads were somewhat disappointing, primarily because the kitchen didn’t have the gem lettuce that was listed as prime ingredients on the two salads we tried. Apparently, that tender, buttery green has been almost impossible to nd this fall. e substitute of an escarole blend didn’t do justice to the delicate chunks of avocado and slender bits of pink grapefruit in the Little Gem salad, although the substitution worked okay in the house salad with heartier ingredients including salami, pepperoncini and olives.

A couple sitting next to us ordered the slow-roasted giant meatballs with roasted tomato sauce and toasted ciabatta bread, another starter. We all stared hungrily at them — the meatballs, not the couple — and tried not to drool. e two diners smiled and gestured a thumbs-up, and we vowed to try the meatballs next time.

We all went with steak entrées this time. Almost everything in the entrées menu section is beef, from the steak and frites to the petite let au poivre and the Losanti Burger, and rounded out with Amish chicken Marsala, Faroe Island salmon and Frenched pork parmesan. But the temptation to order steak by the ounce was irresistible, with one couple splitting a New York strip and the other a let mignon. I almost went for the poivre but was craving béarnaise sauce. us, my choice was made: let mignon with béarnaise sauce. As is common in many steakhouses, there’s a choice of seasonings

and sauces with steak, which ranged from $3 for a hit of port butter to $15 for the Oscar preparation, spears of asparagus and hollandaise sauce atop the meat.

As is also standard in steak-oriented restaurants, all sides are à la carte and many are quite rich and lling. Sides such as the tru e mac & cheese or the three-cheese creamed kale were hefty enough to share even among four diners, but the small portion of perfectly cooked grilled asparagus barely su ced for two.

None of us paid much attention to the pasta section of the menu, caught up as we were in our red meat-craving fever. But the orecchiette with lamb sausage, sa ron cream and roasted tomatoes sounds insanely good, and I won’t pass it up next time.

We split two desserts, the butter cake and an à la mode brownie. One of my companions arrived very hungry after a workout and was still hungry when dessert came, but the cake nally did the trick for him.

A few days after we dined there, I asked CRG corporate chef David Bever to speculate on the restaurant’s postCOVID success. Referring to Losanti as an Italian-themed steakhouse, he said that unlike other steak places in Cincinnati, Losanti has invested in an extensive in-house butchery program.

“A lot of other steakhouses get vacuum sealed pieces of meat, but we get in whole rib loins, whole strip loins, cases of tenderloins, that are broken down by hand every single day,” Bever said. is allows the restaurant to o er

steaks by the ounce, he noted.

“You can tailor your meal,” Bever added. Scraps from the in-house butchery go into Losanti’s meatballs or Bolognese sauce, and some even is used by other CRG restaurants for their ground beef dishes.

During our recent meal, the quality of service was outstanding. Not only was our server, Becca, there exactly when we needed her, but other sta ers I interacted with were equally attentive and helpful.

Regarding the sta , Bever said, “We are getting a reputation around town

that we treat our employees well.” All CRG restaurants (which includes Crown Republic Gastropub, Rosie’s Italian and La Cantina) are closed Monday and Tuesday, so everyone gets two days o in a row. Bever added that after 60 days with the company, employees become eligible for full bene ts.

“Our human resources-positive model will pay o in the long run,” he said.

Losanti, 1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. Info: losantiotr.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 19

The restaurant serves craft cocktails, wine, beer and spirits. PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY Losanti’s mussels PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY Losanti’s prime New York strip PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY A decadent brownie from Losanti PHOTO: BIRD & ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

20 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Chef Jesse Peters Explains How to Deep Fry a Turkey Without Committing Arson

BY SEAN M. PETERS BY SEAN M. PETERS TABLETALK

Editor’s note: writer Sean M. Peters is not related to chef Jesse Peters.

There are safer, more e cient and arguably better ways to prepare a turkey than deep frying.

But because of the inherent appeal of an outdoor culinary spectacle that involves propane tanks and buckets of oil — along with a quicker cooking time — people are always going to try this method no matter the risk or date on the calendar. ings potentially could become a bit ammable for the neighborhood.

For Maximum Deliciousness, Brine and Fry the Turkey

BY SEAN M. PETERS

Deep frying a turkey is a dangerous pursuit if proper precautions are not taken. Beginners would certainly bene t from some solid advice, so CityBeat asked a professional to explain how to do it safely and deliciously. Jesse Peters is the executive chef for the Fort Mitchell Country Club after running the kitchen at Belterra Park, among others. roughout his 22-year career Peters has prepared holiday turkey dinners for thousands of guests and, while it’s not the rst way he’d make it, he’s no stranger to a crispy deep-fried turkey.

rosemary, sage, thyme, butter. Put that underneath the fat and, yeah, that’s if you want to go the extra mile in the oven. But if you’re deep frying, all that stu ’s going to burn.

fry until the turkey reaches 170º.

roughout his 22-year career Peters has prepared holiday turkey dinners for thousands of guests and, while it’s not the rst way he’d make it, he’s no stranger to a crispy deep-fried turkey.

CityBeat: What’s the most important thing to know before you fry a turkey?

Jesse Peters: You should buy the proper equipment. e kit they sell at Home Depot [a 30 quart pot with a propane burner] is pretty good. Cook with propane fuel, and never do it inside. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed out – no ice inside at all. If you do it wrong, you can set a big fucking re.

CB: You don’t want anything too cold or wet to hit that hot oil.

JP: Yep, it’ll bubble up. Next thing you know, you’ve got a re.

CB: Do you do a dry or wet brine for the deep fry?

JP: Either way would be ne. Preferably, for me, is a wet brine, and that’s a cup of salt to every gallon of water that you need to keep the turkey underwater. Use plates on top to keep everything underneath for a couple days. If you want to, throw in whole peppercorns, and you can always throw in some extra sugar. I mean, you could throw anything in that brine, but keep it simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves.

CB: Do you do any avor injections into the bird?

JP: No, I think that’s gimmicky. When it comes to turkey, the best seasoning is salt. If you want to, you can do

rosemary, sage, thyme, butter. Put that underneath the fat and, yeah, that’s if you want to go the extra mile in the oven. But if you’re deep frying, all that stu ’s going to burn.

CB: So, avor aside, how do we safely deep fry this turkey?

JP: Get everything set up outside. Not in your garage, no overhang. One big thing that’s going to help: before you ll your pot with oil, drop your turkey in it, ll it up with water and then mark where that water goes to because it’s kind of hard to guess how much oil displacement the turkey is going to have. If that hot oil comes out of the sides while you’re there lowering it in you’re not going to have a good time.

CB: at’s practical – it tells you how much oil to add to cover the bird without making a mess.

JP: Once you gure out that displacement line, empty it and dry the turkey because, as always, water and oil are not friends when that oil is hot. en get a probe thermometer – something with a cord. Stick that right in the middle of the thickest part of the turkey breast. If it was your own body, you’d be going in from, like, the collarbone down.

CB: Oh, geez.

fry until the turkey reaches 170º.

CB: People like to cook stu ng in their birds. Would you ever try that with a fried turkey?

JP: I couldn’t imagine it not just falling out of the cavity. e biggest problem with stu ng a turkey is now you have this big massive turkey, but it’s got a hollow center that lets the heat ow through it so that it can cook quicker. But with stu ng, you’re trying to get the heat all the way through. It just makes the cooking process super long and then gives it a good chance the breasts are going to dry out.

CB: ermodynamics.

For Maximum Deliciousness, Brine and Fry the Turkey

BY SEAN M. PETERS

The drier the skin, the crispier a turkey will cook – something most people try to avoid when preparing a bird for the holidays. But if properly brined and fried, the meat will not dry out or feel gummy while chewing.

CB: Oh, geez.

JP: Yep. Next, the kits should come with some kind of coat hanger-like lowering device, but if not, just make sure you’ve got a really safe device to lower the turkey into the oil slowly. Also, don’t forget to take out the plastic thermometers that come with a lot of turkeys.

CB: Oil temp?

JP: 350º[Fahrenheit]. Once the oil gets up there, monitor that temperature and then drop the turkey in slowly and let it

JP: Yeah, that’s all cooking really comes down to. Get the oil up to about 350º and try to manage that as best you can. Cut it o once it gets a little high, put it back on when it’s getting low. Stay ahead – you want to stay as close to 350º as you can.

CB: ermodynamics.

CB: Do you save the giblets and neck for gravy?

JP: One of the big drawbacks to frying a turkey is you’re not going to get that leftover juice that you would normally make the gravy with from roasting. You’re always going to have to doctor it up with a little bit of chicken base or turkey base because, unless you’ve got a lot of time and a lot of turkey necks, you’re just not going to get that strong avor.

CB: What’s the best use of leftovers?

CityBeat deep fried its own turkey recently and used chef Jesse Peters’ method. ree gallons of vegetable oil were needed to ll the fryer – something that can be quite expensive and should be factored into the price of the meal. e oil can be reused for other applications (there’s an inherent turkiness) as long as the oil is ltered back into bottles with a sieve or cheesecloth once it has reached room temperature.

Using the deep frying method, a turkey that weighs 12-14 pounds will only require 30-45 minutes to fully cook, compared to the 3-4 hours needed to roast it in the oven. Once done, the bird should rest on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before carving. e propane valve on the deep fryer should be turned o after cooking.

CityBeat ended up with a succulent, juicy, perfectly cooked turkey after about 35 minutes in the pot, which provided many meals worth of leftovers.

deep-fried turkey since it seems to be overly risky and excessive with oil. Do you even like this method?

JP: Soup, usually. Or, you could do something like a KFC Famous Bowl with all of the ingredients – just throw it all in one bowl when needed.

CB: What’s the best use of leftovers?

JP: Soup, usually. Or, you could do something like a KFC Famous Bowl with all of the ingredients – just throw it all in one bowl when needed.

CB: We’ve kind of ragged on

deep-fried turkey since it seems to be overly risky and excessive with oil. Do you even like this method?

JP: It’s super easy, but I’d say it’s not the best way to cook your turkey.

For more information about Jesse Peters and the Fort Mitchell Country Club, visit fortmitchellcc.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 21

Chef Jesse Peters of the Fort Mitchell Country Club gives CityBeat his top tips for deep-frying a holiday turkey. PHOTO: SEAN M. PETERS Properly brining and frying your turkey is the key to success. PHOTO: JUSTIN WARRICK Editor’s note: writer Sean M. Peters is not related to chef Jesse Peters.

TABLETALK

MUSIC

HAYDEN MOLINAROLO

‘Beacons’ of Light

On its latest album Draw Down the Moon, Foxing nds positivity in turbulent times.

BY JASON GARGANO BY JASON GARGANO

oxing is an interesting case. e St. Louis-based band — which currently consists of drummer Jon Hellwig, guitarist Eric Hudson and singer Conor Murphy — has been around more than a decade, building a strong following without quite breaking through to a wider audience. e sound of their four albums has evolved over the years, moving from Sigur Ros-in uenced emo atmospherics to something

FFoxing is an interesting case. e

St. Louis-based band — which currently consists of drummer Jon Hellwig, guitarist Eric Hudson and singer Conor Murphy — has been around more than a decade, building a strong following without quite breaking through to a wider audience. e sound of their four albums has evolved over the years, moving from Sigur Ros-in uenced emo atmospherics to something

close to pop, an indie rock out t with uncommon dexterity and elasticity. But what does “indie rock” mean these days? Is it a sound? Is it doing it yourself through independent means? In Foxing’s case, it’s both. ey released their most recent record, 2021’s Draw Down the Moon, through their own label, Grand Paradise, with distribution help from long-running indie label Hopeless Records. On the sonic side, if

2018’s critical breakthrough Nearer My God was their grandiose, often ominous art-rock opus, Draw Down the Moon is their four-on-the- oor, chorus-rousing attempt at positivity. Take album centerpiece “Where the Lightning Strikes Twice,” a rafter-reaching blast of dance rock juiced by Murphy’s eruptive vocals and featuring an e ects-altered guitar solo from Hudson that sounds like Adrian Belew if raised on Jonny

Greenwood instead of Jimi Hendrix.

But both records have a unifying element: Foxing’s creative trajectory has occurred alongside one of the most contentious social and political eras in memory. And then COVID-19 hit.

“I think Nearer My God was a reaction to this feeling of existential dread and impending doom, feeling like you have no control over anything that is happening, so I guess we’re going to

22 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Foxing is headed to Covington’s Madison Theater in December. PHOTO: Foxing is headed to Covington’s Madison Theater in December. PHOTO: HAYDEN MOLINAROLO

make our silly songs as like a coping mechanism,” Hudson says by phone from his apartment in St. Louis. “With Draw Down the Moon, even though that record doesn’t have as many obvious political references like the third record does, it’s still impacted (by everything going on). It is a COVID record. We made it during quarantine.”

e isolation complicated things in numerous ways, altering the band’s songwriting process. Murphy, who writes all the lyrics, took the lead, investigating themes at once cosmically grandiose and deeply personal. He came out as bisexual during the writing of the record, an admission that didn’t come easy, given his strict religious upbringing.

“It was de nitely a departure in the sense that previously it was like Conor had to nd his space around whatever the band was doing,” Hudson says. “I feel like this time around it was kind of the opposite approach where the band was like, ‘Well, why don’t we create a space for Conor and we will nd our areas of expression around him?’”

Album opener “737” begins pensively with airy synths, lightly strummed guitars and Murphy repeatedly pleading “I can’t do this alone” before erupting into Deafheaven-esque chaos. e quiet, acoustic-based “At Least We Found the Floor” initially seems down and out with Murphy singing, “Well, honey, this isn’t the oor yet/It’s gonna get much worse than this,” but it’s delivered with an oddly subversive acceptance. And “Cold Blooded” is a straight-up anthem in Arcade Fire mode, but with a more versatile singer leading the way.

“Instead of leaning into the negativity, which is something we’ve always done in the past, the positive thing that we got out of making that record was nding peace without having control over everything and nding some amount of acceptance with your existence in your small place in the universe,” Hudson says. “Which in itself is a little sad. It’s bittersweet in a way because if you can accept what you can control and accept what you can’t, and come to terms with it, I think it makes it easier to appreciate the things you do have. A lot of Draw Down the Moon is based around that.”

“Beacons,” via its booming drums and electro enticements, might be the most blissfully exuberant expressions on the new record, as Murphy sings, “Beacons of that shame left behind/For the rst time I felt alive.”

Likewise, the sonic approach is glossier and more approachable than previous Foxing e orts. Hudson handled production duties for the rst time with help from Manchester Orchestra frontman/longtime buddy Andy Hull and a mixing assist from noted nob turner John Congleton, who’s worked with

everyone from St. Vincent to Swans.

“We found that it gave us more control over our process and our sound,” Hudson says of the decision to oversee the production. “In addition to that I think it also allowed us more time to really gure out where we were going as opposed to being under the gun of having ‘x’ amount of studio time and a budget that is ‘x’ amount of dollars. For me, it was just a practical choice that then turned into something that I’ve become passionate about.”

But that’s not to say it was all smooth sailing. Hudson was initially taken aback by some of Congleton’s choices.

“When he sent the rst few mixes back, admittedly I was freaking because I was like, ‘Oh my god, this dude is radically changing these songs, and he is so much more experienced than I am and has done so much more than I have. He has a Grammy! Who am I to say that he’s wrong for doing this?’” Hudson remembers. “I had so much anxiety about it. I talked very frankly with him about that. I was like, ‘Hey, I don’t know how I feel about this.’”

Congleton assured Hudson that the process ultimately was theirs.

“His response was essentially, ‘Look, I understand why you would feel that way. You’ve spent all this time writing and recording these songs, so anything that is a radical change is going to seem crazy to you, but I’m asking you to trust my creative voice and sit with these mixes for a while, and if you still feel that way then we can backtrack,’” Hudson says. “And so I listened to that, and I think he was fully right. I think he made the songs truly a lot better.”

Hudson says he and the band learned a lot from the process, and the cherry on top was the chance to work with longtime creative inspiration Yoni Wolf, leader of Cincinnati’s own indie rock out t WHY?. Wolf contributes some ethereal vocal elements to album closer “Speak With e Dead,” a moody, musi cally adventurous tune about someday connecting with someone no longer with us.

Following the collaboration, Wolf sent Foxing a message explaining “how much the song resonated with him and how emotional it made him while he was working on it,” Hudson says.

“Hearing someone you truly look up to talk to you like a peer and validate the art that you’ve made and also collaborated with, that’s a special feeling,” Hudson says. “Regardless of what happens with our music moving forward, that’s something that I will always remember and cherish.”

Foxing performs on Dec. 4 at Madison eater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Shinra Knives opens the show.

Foxing performs on Dec. 4 at Madison eater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Shinra Knives opens the show. Info: madisontheater.com.

Info: madisontheater.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 23

24 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

MUSIC

Ohio-Based Royal Crescent Mob to Break Nearly Three-Decade Hiatus for Covington Reunion Show

BY KATRINA ERESMAN BY KATRINA ERESMAN PHOTO: PROVIDED BY DETOUR MGMT

It’s been almost 30 years since Royal Crescent Mob played together. e Columbus-based funk rock fourpiece—also known as e R.C. Mob— was active between 1985 and 1994.

Now, for the rst time in decades, Royal Crescent Mob has two live shows on the horizon. e band will play e Athenaeum eatre in Columbus on Dec. 16 and Madison eater in Covington on Dec. 17.

Until recently, Royal Crescent Mob had zero plans for a reunion show. But in the last year, the four friends and bandmates have been confronted with some heavy life circumstances. In May, guitarist Brian Emch — known a ectionately as “Mr. B” — lost his wife to pancreatic cancer. en drummer Carlton Smith was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of cancer. Just weeks ago, singer David Ellison received treatment for prostate cancer.

“Carlton came to all of us after he had his diagnosis,” Ellison tells CityBeat from his home in California. “He really wanted to do [the reunion]. at was just, that was enough. I mean, there was no debate after that. Put everything aside.”

All proceeds from both shows will go to the Tri-State Area Cancer Research Fund. Ellison says that the band also provide literature at each venue about cancer screenings.

“ e men that saw the ‘Mob 30 years ago are the men that should be getting

prostate screenings, and the women should be getting mammograms,” says Ellison, who says his busy work schedule almost caused him to skip the screening that caught his prostate cancer.

e band is using these shows as an opportunity to raise awareness, but Ellison and his bandmates also view them as a celebration of life.

“I’m seeing these, like, healing aspects of getting back together and playing music,” Ellison says. “I feel each member of the band, it’s helping them in di erent ways.”

Royal Crescent Mob achieved a lot in the nine years they were together. ey signed with Sire Records, and toured nationally with acts like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the B-52s, building a devoted fan base in the process. Many of those fans are still reliving their favorite Royal Crescent Mob sets on YouTube, where the comment sections are lled with fond memories of the band’s high-energy performances.

When the group disbanded, all four members stayed connected to music and to each other. All but Ellison still live in the region, and all but Ellison have performed in one context or another in the last 28 years.

Bassist Harold “Happy” Chichester played in projects like Howlin’ Maggie and e Twilight Singers. Smith also was in Howlin’ Maggie and currently plays with Columbus Soul and Salvage.

“Mr. B” has played guitar with a local church in Northern Kentucky and volunteers with Melodic Connections, a Cincinnati-based music therapy program.

music therapy program.

After Royal Crescent Mob ended, Ellison switched over to the management side of the music industry, ultimately relocating to California. Most recently, he’s served as touring manager for Miley Cyrus, Camila Cabello and Kesha. Ellison says that whenever work brings him through Cincinnati, he makes an e ort to get the band together for dinner.

With Ellison on the other side of the country, rehearsing ahead of the reunion show has required some hightech intervention. e band has been working with a JackTrip Virtual Studio from JackTrip Labs to play together virtually, and the three Ohio-based members are getting in some extra inperson rehearsal time.

“B [Emch] just went up to Columbus to do some jamming with Carlton and Harold at Carlton’s place, and they sent me the videos of it,” Ellison says. “ ey all had big smiles on their faces. I think they were really enjoying [themselves].”

Meanwhile, Ellison is doing his own prep work out West.

“I’m starting vocal lessons, believe it or not,” Ellison says. “I was downtown in my town and saw this ier for vocal lessons, and I thought, well that might be a good idea. Because I just never

really… You know, I used to warm up with Jim Beam.”

Ellison admits that the thought of playing for the rst time in so long is a little “nerve-racking,” to the point where he’s had a recurring dream about the show opping. As front person to the band, he’s wondered whether he can still bring the energy that fans loved during Royal Crescent Mob’s heyday.

“ at’s something that goes around in my head. Like, how do I approach this? Because I’m not going to jump out and stage dive and surf the crowd…” Ellison pauses to consider this. “Maybe I will. I don’t know – if I get caught up.”

Even as Ellison deals with the nerves and excitement that come with reunion show territory, he says what really matters to him is playing with his friends again.

“I got past the point of ‘How many people will be there?’ to ‘How ever many people are there, we’re gonna just have a really great celebration,’” Ellison says. “Because this isn’t about that. It’s about these people and what we’ve gone through, and what hopefully we can help other people avoid or bring awareness to.”

Royal Crescent Mob plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at Madison eater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19 protocols in place.

Info: madisontheater.com.

Royal Crescent Mob plays at 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at Madison eater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19 protocols in place.

Info: madisontheater.com.

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 25

“Mr. B” has played guitar with a local church in Northern Kentucky and volunteers with Melodic Connections, a Cincinnati-based

Royal Crescent Mob found national notoriety as an opening act for bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Royal Crescent Mob found national notoriety as an opening act for bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. PHOTO: PROVIDED BY DETOUR MGMT

26 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 27

SOUND ADVICE

AL JARDINE

Dec. 9 • Ludlow Garage

Music legend and founding member of e Beach Boys Al Jardine will perform as a part of his “Celebrating the music of e Beach Boys” tour with his Endless Summer Band and special guests. Born in Lima, Jardine and his family moved to California, where he and Brian Wilson met and became friends. ey later formed e Beach Boys with Wilson’s brothers Carl and Dennis along with their cousin, Mike Love.

As a founding member, guitar player and part of the vocal power of one of the most in uential and signi cant groups in the history of popular music, Jardine sings lead on the anthemic number-one hit “Help Me Rhonda.” A folk music fan, Jardine brought the would-be hit “Sloop John B” to Brian Wilson with an updated arrangement he worked out after hearing a version of the song, and he shares lead vocal on the stunning track “I Know ere’s an Answer,” both from the masterpiece Pet Sounds, which often is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Jardine also sings lead on Smile track “Vegetables” and “California Saga/ California” from Holland. He has written or co-written more in the band’s cult-favorite ‘70s era, along with several other contributions.

Jardine was a core member of the group until the death of Carl Wilson in

1998. He put out solo release Live from Las Vegas in 2001 and studio album A Postcard from California in 2010 , which featured guest stars like Neil Young, Steve Miller and all remaining Beach Boys. He reunited with the band for at’s Why God Made the Radio and a 50th anniversary Beach Boys tour in 2012. Jardine has since toured both solo and with Brian Wilson, with his son Matt Jardine helping with vocals and harmonies.

is tour features Carnie Wilson, the daughter of Brian Wilson and a member of ‘90s pop group Wilson Phillips, along with Matt Jardine. e show will highlight Beach Boys hits with stories and rarer picks in between.

Al Jardine plays Ludlow Garage at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19 protocols. Info: ludlowgaragecincinnati.com. (Brent Stroud)

NIKKI LANE

Dec. 11 • Southgate House Revival

Nikki Lane’s freshly minted fourth album Denim & Diamonds opens with this scene-setting rumination: “I got a car, and it takes unleaded/I know a place with a tab on credit/So I ll the tank and get some Cokes for my friends/Lord, it’s good to be back home again.” e 39-year-old South Carolina native delivers the lines with her signature countri ed twang, the sound

Dec. 11 • Southgate House Revival Nikki Lane’s freshly minted fourth album Denim & Diamonds opens with this scene-setting rumination: “I got a car, and it takes unleaded/I know a place with a tab on credit/So I ll the tank and get some Cokes for my friends/Lord, it’s good to be back home again.” e 39-year-old South Carolina native delivers the lines with her signature countri ed twang, the sound

of a woman nostalgic for a time in the rearview mirror.

But don’t think Lane has jettisoned her rough edges. Denim & Diamonds is her hardest rocking and most introspective e ort yet – 10 songs in 33 minutes with a sonic palate informed by Queens of the Stone Age frontdude Josh Homme, who produced the record at his Burbank, Calif. studio.

Lane wrote several of the tunes during the early COVID-19 days. “For me, it created space because, like so many artists, we don’t know how to say no to anything,” Lane said in a recent interview with Spin. “And then, suddenly, we had time. I was able to dig deeper into myself. Writing has always been therapy, but I think this record shows a lot of self-exploration that so many of us went through during that period. But I was also due for it. I kind of joked my way into this career.”

e results range from the classic country Lane’s long plied (the

melancholy, reverb-drenched “Faded” recalls early Neko Case) to sassy rockers aided by a robust rhythm section and rollicking guitar interplay (the go-yourown-way anthem “Tough Girl”). Most curious of all is the closing cut “Chimayo,” a haunting acoustic number driven by Lane’s emotive vocals as she sings about a beloved object no longer in her possession.

If Lane’s recent performance on CBS Saturday Morning is any indication, a live setting only adds a more raw dimen sion to songs already intimate and to the point. Sure, it was odd to see such grit-encrusted tunes presented via CBS’ glossy soundstage, but Lane and her backing dudes made like it was the dive bar at the end of the street as she belted the de ant lines of the album’s title cut, “Denim & Diamonds”: “’Cause I can do whatever I wanna all by my lonesome/ If that’s a problem, well, you can’t say shit/’Cause I’m going my own way.”

Nikki Lane plays Southgate House

28 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

Al Jardine PHOTO: GLENN FRANCIS, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Nikki Lane PHOTO: JODY DOMINGUE Nikki Lane plays Southgate House

SOUND ADVICE

Al Jardine PHOTO: GLENN FRANCIS, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Nikki Lane PHOTO: JODY DOMINGUE

8 p.m. Dec. 11. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19

Revival at 8 p.m. Dec. 11. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19 protocols. Info: southgatehouse.com. (Jason Gargano)

PETER NOONE

Dec. 16 • Ludlow Garage

Dec. 16 • Ludlow Garage Get into ‘something good’ during a special Christmas performance with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits

Get into ‘something good’ during a special Christmas performance with Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits

Herman’s Hermits helped lead the British Invasion in America in the 1960s. e band had eleven songs in the top ten like “I’m Into Something Good,” “Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat,” “Silhouettes,” “No Milk Today,” “ ere’s a Kind of Hush.” e group also released novelty songs that became massive sellers, like “Mrs. Brown You Have a Lovely Daughter” and “I’m Henry VIII I Am,” along with a handful of others, even outselling e Beatles in America in 1965. eir list of beloved hits all still play on oldies radio daily and have become part of the fabric of pop culture.

Herman’s Hermits records were made under the production and guidance of star producer Mickie Most, who also produced hits by Donovan and Je Beck plus songs like e Animals’

“House of the Rising Sun” and e Nashville Teens’ “Tobacco Road,” among others. Most and Noone began using session musicians – including a pre-Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page – for records, to the frustration of the rest of the band. With members gradually growing apart, the group eventually broke up.

Noone has toured and made appearances over the decades, occasionally as an actor. In recent years, he has hosted shows on satellite radio, including Something Good on SiriusXM’s ‘60s Gold channel, where he tells stories about the bands and songs with his unique sensibility and good-natured English charm is tour, titled “An Olde English Christmas with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone,” features Christmas songs and air alongside all the classics and hits Noone is known for. It’s sure to be a good way to spend an evening during the holiday season for lovers of classic pop or a ne gift for any oldies appreciator in your life.

Peter Noone will play Ludlow Garage at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Doors open at 7 p.m. ere are no known COVID-19 protocols. Info: ludlowgaragecincinnati. com. (Brent Stroud)

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 29

Peter Noone PHOTO: CINDY FUNK, FLICKR Revival at protocols. Info: southgatehouse.com. (Jason Gargano) Peter Noone PHOTO: CINDY FUNK, FLICKR

30 CITYBEAT.COM | NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY WWW.BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 13, 2022 | CITYBEAT.COM 31 CROSSWORD SPECIAL K’S

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