Category Archives: Events

July 9, 2020 · 3:17 pm

High-Flying Circus Acts Meet the High-Energy Swing Band at KSO’s SWINGIN’ CIRQUE REVUE

7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020
Tower Park Amphitheatre, Fort Thomas, KY

KSO_Cirque Devou

Duo Rose. Photo by Jim Faust.

A high-energy Swing Revival band provides high-octane music for high-flying circus acts, performing safely outdoors for free. Prepare to mask-up for this weekend’s SWINGIN’ CIRQUE REVUE in Tower Park. The KSO and City of Fort Thomas will be following Kentucky “Healthy at Work” requirements as musicians and audiences safely return to distanced and safe outdoor activities. Sanitizer will be available and distancing reminders will abound.

The KSO’s Devou-Doo Daddies is a 10-pc group that covers the hits and sounds of 1990s swing revival bands — Royal Crown Revue, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and more. Circus Mojo is based at the Ludlow (KY) Theater to mentor youth in the circus arts and brings together circus acts and performers from across the globe to teach and entertain. The KSO and Circus Mojo have teamed up in the past for hi-jinx and great music. “In these crazy times we decided to scale down the forces and ramp up the energy,” KSO music director James Cassidy enthusiastically announced.

The KSO’s four active subsidiary groups allow the orchestra to add area jazz, studio players and vocalists to the orchestra’s talented roster of musicians to authentically perform varied genres of jazz, fusion and pop across nearly six generations (1898-2020). The Devou-Doo Daddies came about after we put the group together to play a set at our “Jump Jive and Wail” Gala in 2015. It was simply too much fun, so we just kept adding charts and dates, remarked Cassidy.

CGO (Chief Goof Officer) Paul Miller is the mojo in Circus Mojo. A former
Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus clown for 6 years, Paul is plugged into circus acts and entertainers throughout the world. “Ten years ago the KSO helped us launch and introduce Circus Mojo to the community. Since then we’ve been fortunate to bring circus artists from 35 countries and 6 continents to Ludlow,” chortled Pauly the Clown.

KSO_(Re)DEUX 7-12-14-3184 copy

Circus Mojo (silks and fire). Photo by Jim Faust.

Audiences will enjoy many acts backed up by the Daddies, including Dizzy Lizzy of the National Circus Institute of Australia, dancer/unicyclist extraordinaire Eddie Moffit, Ft. Thomas’s own juggler Damien Berkheimer and from Chicago, the international trapeze artists Duo Rose.

The KSO appreciates the generous support of the following local corporate sponsors: St. Elizabeth Health Care, Duke Energy, Bircus Beer, The Milburn Family and the Wohlgemuth-Herschede Foundations, and the City of Fort Thomas for hosting the KSO’s 2020 free series of family-friendly and safe summer programs. Seniors and others who wish to avoid even distanced crowds are invited to attend the Saturday 10:30 a.m. dress rehearsal at Tower Park. Others can join the program streamed live at 7:30 on Facebook Live.

Join the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Saturday at 7:30 p.m. — July 11 at Tower Park in Fort Thomas. Food trucks will be on-site. Bring blankets, picnics or lawn chairs. For more information, registration and directions, visit the KSO at www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216. $5 (per person) suggested donation. Free parking in Tower Park (though it is
limited).

Song | As performed by: | Artist | Act

Jumpin’ Jack | Big Bad Voodoo Daddy(BBVD) | Band | —
Go Daddy-O | BBVD | Ensemble | Intro Parade
Bedbugs | Squirrel Nut Zippers (SNZ) | Karen Lukes | Clown
The Curly Shuffle | Back in the Saddle Band | Circus Mojo Kids | Globes
You & Me & the Bottle… | BBVD | Damien / Pauly | Juggling
The Jitters | BBVD | Tate West | Tight Wire
Hey Pachuco | Royal Crown Revue (RCR) | Hope Miller | Silks
Zoot Suit Riot | Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (CPD) | Casey Crowe | Gym Wheel
Ding-dong Daddy… | CPD | Pauly | Ladder
Mambo Swing | BBVD | Dizzy Lizzy | Hula Hoops

— Intermission —

Mr. Pinstripe Suit | BBVD | Jameson Pellegrino | Cyr Wheel
The Contender | RCR | Damien Berkheimer | Juggling solo
I Wanna Be Like You | BBVD | Dizzy Lizzy | Hoops
Hell | SNZ | Karen Lukes | Clown
In the Mood | Glenn Miller | Eddie Moffit | Unicycle
King of Swing | BBVD | Band | —
Please, Baby | BBVD | Duo Rose | Trapeze
Mugzy’s Move | RCR | Ensemble | LED Cyr Wheel/Hoops
Goin’ Back to New Orleans | BBVD | Ensemble | Fire Act

KSO Devou-Doo Daddies:

  • Reeds: Dwayne Irvin, Paul Batchelor Glader
  • Trumpets: Hank Mautner, Matt Anklan
  • Trombone: Dave Ashley
  • Rhythm: Ben Tweedt, (Keys), Brian Deyo (Gtr), Mike Sharfe, (Bass), Brian Malone (Drums)
  • Vocal: Troy Hitch

Circus Mojo Artists:

  • Shiann Carpenter-Allen
  • Taylor Baresel
  • Damien Berkhiemer
  • Casey Crowe
  • Dizzy Lizzy
  • Cherie Haas
  • Karen Hinrichs Lukes
  • Hope Miller
  • Lucas Miller
  • Paul Hallinan Miller
  • Eddie Moffat
  • Jameson Pellegrino
  • Krissie Roberts
  • Sam & Sylvia Rose
  • Libby Sparks
  • Cass Stewart
  • Emmanual Tawiah
  • Tate West
  • Sebastain Woodward

Additional Summer Program Support provided by
The Milburn Family Foundation
The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

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July 8, 2020 · 11:05 am

trueSUFFRAGE From trueTHEATRE Going Online July 23rd

TRUE_logoFriends,

We sincerely hope all of you are safe and healthy and your friends and loved ones are, as well. Our Board Members and volunteers at True Theatre are healthy and getting by and looking forward to sharing some more stories with you!

Status of our next main-stage show:

While we seem to be on the precipice of some events being held “in-person” again (with social-distancing and other precautions in place), there has also been a lot of news about cases of COVID-19 spiking (particularly in Hamilton County). It is for your (and our and our storytellers) comfort and safety that we have opted  to hold our next show, trueSUFFRAGE (Thursday, July 23rd, 7:30PM), as scheduled, but entirely online.

trueSUFFRAGE celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution — which states that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex” — by being entirely dedicated to stories of female empowerment. Be prepared to be moved and inspired!

As with our last show, trueFAKES, which you can still watch at https://youtu.be/NOMi1cZeWL0, the show will broadcast live via Zoom (webinar format) and Facebook Live the show will be FREE.

The first 100 to register for the Zoom event will be able to take part in a poll which will affect our next season (so you definitely want to be in the Zoom audience, if you can!)
The show will be view-able after the fact, as well. In fact, because you are on our mailing list or are a current ticket-holder for trueSUFFRAGE, you are the first to be able to register for the Zoom event!

Register now by visiting: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D-aWRKy_RzqkvKRQwRiNCw

Those of you who have already purchased tickets to trueSUFFRAGE (including subscription holders) will have the option to get a refund. We did not offer ticket-holders from our last show the option to donate the cost of their ticket to True Theatre, but some of you generously did that, anyway, so we have pre-arranged to make that possible this time, as well. NOTE: if you do nothing by close-of-business on Thursday, July 16 (one week before the show), a refund of your ticket(s) will be submitted. To expedite your refund or to donate the cost of your tickets, please contact the Memorial Hall box office during their normal business hours (Tuesday through Friday, 1-6pm at 513.977.8838).

Another alternative, if you are interested in donating your ticket-cost back to True Theatre, email dave@truetheatre.org and say so. We’ll coordinate the rest with the box office.

And for those of you who won, earned, or were otherwise gifted a ticket to trueSUFFRAGE, know that we will honor those tickets at a future show and will touch base with you about using those tickets as we near Season 11.

And what about Season 11?
As is our custom, we hope to announce details about our next season at our last show of this season, so there’s another reason to join us as we live-stream trueSUFFRAGE on July 23rd!

Stay true!

Thank you for your continued support of Community-building through the sharing of true, personal stories and True Theatre.

Even over the Internet, we believe that live-streaming of stories can break down walls and build bridges between people and that is why we cannot wait to bring you trueSUFFRAGE on July 23rd!

Stay healthy, stay connected, and stay true.

The Board of True Theatre
Ford Clark, Marta Hewett, David Levy, Cathy McCosham, Patrick Romelli, Jackson Short, and Ramona Toussaint

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July 3, 2020 · 9:30 am

KSO Safely Navigates the Summer of 2020 with Distanced Performances in the Park

KSO_Purple logoThe Kentucky Symphony Orchestra moves its 26th Summer Series of free family-friendly programming to the Tower Park amphitheater in Fort Thomas, KY. Adhering to Kentucky’s “Health at Work” guidelines, the KSO’s three socially-distanced (on-stage and off) performances will return musicians to work and offer Northern Kentucky residents a return to a safe semblance of tradition.

At a unique time in history, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra cautiously moves outdoors with its 26th free summer series at the beautiful amphitheater at Tower Park in Fort Thomas, KY. The KSO’s last performance was March 12, after which four scheduled programs and events were canceled due to the pandemic. The KSO eagerly anticipated the Summer, where the ability to physically distance on the lawn and on-stage (with smaller resources), during sunny, warm weather, offered opportunities for all. Providing varying degrees of PPE for volunteers, staff and attendees, together with individual personal responsibility, the KSO and the City of Fort Thomas saw the summer series as a guarded way for musicians to return to work, while providing a safe semblance of tradition and normalcy for residents, as we collectively find our way forward.

In compliance with Kentucky’s June 29, 2020 Healthy at Work Requirements, the KSO and City of Fort Thomas have taken extra measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its musicians, staff, volunteers and audience members. KSO General Manager, Angela Williamson, is coordinating directly with the City of Fort Thomas Recreation Department to meet current public health guidelines.

For those considered to be at risk (health/age), or are sick/exposed can watch on Facebook Live. Seniors are also invited to attend the morning dress rehearsals in the park. Those planning to attend the performance are strongly urged to register on-line, observe distance postings and instructions, don masks as you share close proximity with others and pack your hand sanitizer. The KSO and its guest artists will handle the music, nostalgia and quality entertainment.

For 25 Summers the KSO performed at the WPA-built bandshell in Devou Park. With COVID-19 projections and guidelines evolving and uncertain, Covington city officials thought it best not to host the series at Devou Park this Summer. The KSO, in its efforts to safely employ its talented musicians, turned to Fort Thomas, which after deliberation, agreed to permit these three safe, distanced activities for its residents.

KSO 2020 Summer Series at Tower Park

Swingin’ Cirque Revue
(KSO meets Circus Mojo)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020

The KSO and Ludlow’s Circus Mojo first teamed-up in 2010 to bring high-wire acts, jugglers and hi-jinx to the Symphony. Ten year’s later they are back together with the orchestra’s 10-pc. swing group (The Devou-Doo Daddies), performing the high-energy 1990s swing revival music of The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and more. “Hey Pachuco” — What other symphony would combine zany high-flying acts with Swing? (Full playlist attached)

“The Band Played On”
(An Old-Fashioned Band Concert)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020

100 years ago towns used to gather in the Summer to hear their own local or national touring concert band perform at the bandshell or gazebo. Most wind, brass and percussion players of today’s symphony orchestras started their careers via middle and high-school band programs, playing the warhorse works penned in the early to mid 20th century. Current band students and teachers are invited to experience their musical heritage. The KSO’s wind ensemble re-creates this nostalgic setting and sound, with cornet soloist Michael Mergen from the “President’s Own” Marine Corps Band. (Full playlist attached)

Pop-pourri
(Pop hits for Boomers to Centennials)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020

The KSO’s 21-pc. studio orchestra with vocalists — The KSO Boogie Band — has covered some of the most popular radio hits of the past seven decades. With 300 charts in its repertoire (adapted by arranger Terry LaBolt), the group this Labor Day weekend offers nostalgic hits for all generations attending, including chart toppers from Patsy Cline to Camila Cabello and The Beach Boys to Bruno Mars. Be ready to dance, sing along and toe-tap to music of your youth (1950s-2010s), and say — so long to Summer.

“The circumstances of the last few months have made us all understand how simple gatherings and traditions, like sharing a nostalgic and cultural moment together, are quite fragile and can be lost to significant threats and fears. We hope that those who can attend will take precautions to protect their families and citizens, as well as the right to assemble at a distance.” — James Cassidy, KSO Music Director.

The KSO appreciates the generous support of the following local corporate sponsors: St. Elizabeth Health Care, Fischer Homes, Duke Energy, Schneller & Knochelmann, The Milburn Family and the Wohlgemuth-Herschede Foundations, and the City of Fort Thomas for hosting the KSO’s 2020 free series of family-friendly and safe summer programs.

Join the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. — July 11, August 8 and September 5. Food trucks will be on-site. Bring blankets, picnics or lawn chairs. For more information, registration and directions, visit the KSO at http://www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216. $5 (per person) suggested donation. Free parking in Tower Park (though it is limited).

For 29 seasons the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra has taken the “phony” out of symphony by eliminating traditional barriers and presenting engaging, live, thematic concerts that enrich, educate and entertain the residents of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. The KSO performs three series of concerts annually throughout Northern Kentucky.

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June 29, 2020 · 12:01 pm

Local Young Pianist Performs in Lang Lang’s Virtual Concert Series on July 3

MISC_Sophia Suwirvo

Sophia Suwiryo.

Cincinnati-area pianist Sophia Suwiryo will be a part of Lang Lang’s virtual concert series on Friday 7/3 at 12 PM EST.

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that music can remain a source of inspiration and comfort during these strange and uncertain times. Starting from May 15th, the foundation has adapted Play It Forward to the virtual space with a weekly concert series to connect and inspire audiences across the globe.

Play It Forward is a community service initiative for our Young Scholars, in which they bring classical music performances to schools, retirement homes, and community centers. The goal is to inspire hope by bringing world-class performances straight into the homes of their audience.

The weekly series will be hosted on LLIMF’s Instagram IGTV, and will feature a 20-30 minute performance by one of their Young Scholars, followed by a Live Q&A session from the performer(s) on Instagram Live.

You can see Lang Lang’s announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/LangLangPiano/videos/838518596635554/

For more information: http://langlangfoundation.org/ & https://www.instagram.com/langlangfoundation/

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June 26, 2020 · 11:00 am

CINCINNATI OPERA AT 100, A Televised Celebration of Cincinnati Opera’s First Century to Premiere on CET July 3

co_logoFeaturing performances from home by:

Nicole Cabell, soprano and
Craig Terry, piano

Jacqueline Echols, soprano,
Matthew White, tenor, and
Kevin Miller, piano

Stephen Costello, tenor and
Anthony Manoli, piano

Morris Robinson, bass and
Matthew Umphreys, piano

Members of the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

And performances at iconic Cincinnati locations by:

Jennifer Cherest, soprano
and Henri Venanzi, piano

Joseph Lattanzi, baritone and
Marie-France Lefebvre, piano

CSO musicians Stefani Matsuo, concertmaster and
Michael Chertock, piano

Maria Miller, mezzo-soprano,
Cincinnati Ballet dancer Samantha Riester
with choreography by Oğulcan Borova,
and Carol Walker, piano

Victoria Okafor, soprano and
Henri Venanzi, piano

Rodion Pogossov, baritone and
Elena Kholodova, piano

Michael Preacely, baritone and
Marcellene Winfrey, piano

CINCINNATI, OH—June 25, 2020—Cincinnati Opera and CET have announced plans for Cincinnati Opera at 100, an hour-long televised program commemorating Cincinnati Opera’s centennial. Featuring insights from local and national opera experts and performances by artists from across the country, Cincinnati Opera at 100 will premiere on CET 48.1 on Friday, July 3 at 9 p.m. EST. Additional airings will follow on CET Arts 48.3 through Tuesday, July 7.

The nation’s second-oldest opera company, Cincinnati Opera presented its first performance on June 27, 1920, at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and its annual Summer Festival has become a beloved Cincinnati arts-going tradition. Though the company’s 100th Anniversary Season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cincinnati Opera at 100 transports the opera-going experience into viewers’ homes, including performances by much-loved singers from recent Cincinnati Opera productions and historical highlights from opera experts. Performances take place from the artists’ homes as well as iconic locations throughout the city, including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Music Hall, and other surprise venues.

“In this extraordinary year, we’re honored to partner with CET to tell the story of this ‘opera company that could,’” said Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera. “Our first 100 years are rich with memorable moments, remarkable people and partnerships, and a deeply devoted audience whose enthusiasm is truly inspiring. Cincinnati Opera at 100 is a love letter to all who have made this company what it is today.”

Major support for Cincinnati Opera at 100 has been provided by Monteverdi Tuscany, a luxury boutique hotel centrally located between Rome and Florence, founded by Cincinnati Opera board member Michael L. Cioffi. The celebration of the arts and humanities is central to the Monteverdi Tuscany experience, and the hotel regularly presents performances by some of opera’s most distinguished artists.

“A founding philosophy of Monteverdi Tuscany is that beauty, art and music are fundamental to our nature as human beings, and remain now, as much as ever, integral to us all,” said Cioffi. “We are thrilled to be a part of such an extraordinary moment of Cincinnati Opera’s distinguished history.”

“Michael is a visionary and a great fan of opera and Italian culture,” continued Milligan. “When we shared with him our idea of a televised centennial celebration with singers across Cincinnati and from their homes across the country, he was immediately inspired. It is his support and the sponsorship from Monteverdi Tuscany that has made this program possible.”

For complete program details for Cincinnati Opera at 100, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

CINCINNATI OPERA AT 100
Broadcast Schedule (all times are EST):

CET 48.1

  • Friday, July 3, 2020 | 9 p.m.

CET Arts 48.3

  • Sunday, July 5, 2020 | 9 p.m.
  • Monday, July 6, 2020 | 9 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | 11 a.m., 4 p.m. & 11 p.m.

Description:
Cincinnati Opera at 100 is an hour-long televised program commemorating Cincinnati Opera’s centennial featuring insights from local and national opera experts and performances by artists from across the country.

With commentary by:

  • Anne Arenstein, arts writer and critic
  • Cori Ellison, dramaturg and faculty, The Juilliard School
  • Janelle Gelfand, arts writer and critic
  • Dan Hurley, historian
  • Louis Langrée, Music Director, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
  • Thane Maynard, Director, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, Cincinnati Opera
  • Angela Powell Walker, Artistic Director, School for Creative & Performing Arts, Cincinnati

And performances by:

  • Nicole Cabell, soprano and Craig Terry, piano
  • Jennifer Cherest, soprano and Henri Venanzi, piano
  • Stephen Costello, tenor and Anthony Manoli, piano
  • Jacqueline Echols, soprano, Matthew White, tenor, and Kevin Miller, piano
  • Joseph Lattanzi, baritone and Marie-France Lefebvre, piano
  • Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians Stefani Matsuo, concertmaster and Michael Chertock,
    piano
  • Maria Miller, mezzo-soprano, Cincinnati Ballet dancer Samantha Riester with choreography by Oğulcan Borova, and Carol Walker, piano
  • Victoria Okafor, soprano and Henri Venanzi, piano
  • Rodion Pogossov, baritone and Elena Kholodova, piano
  • Michael Preacely, baritone and Marcellene Winfrey, piano
  • Morris Robinson, bass and Matthew Umphreys, piano
  • Members of the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Major support for Cincinnati Opera at 100 has been provided by Monteverdi Tuscany, A Rare Boutique Hotel.

For complete program details, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

ABOUT CINCINNATI OPERA
Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Critical support for Cincinnati Opera is provided by ArtsWave, Huntington, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. cincinnatiopera.org

ABOUT PUBLIC MEDIA CONNECT
Public Media Connect is Southwest Ohio’s leading provider of education and enrichment in both living rooms and classrooms, serving more than 3 million people in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton communities. Through PBS and local programming, innovative multimedia curriculum projects, parent workshops and professional development for teachers, Public Media Connect—CET and ThinkTV—positively impacts our community with rich and diverse resources. Public Media Connect’s mission is to strengthen the communities and region we serve by providing content and services that engage, inspire
and inform, educate and entertain, fostering culture and citizenship, the joy of learning and the power of diverse perspectives.

ABOUT MONTEVERDI TUSCANY
Monteverdi Tuscany is a luxury boutique hotel centrally located between Rome and Florence, offering stunning panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned worldwide for its scenic splendor.

This unique, luxury hotel is not confined within a single building but instead is infused throughout an idyllic, medieval village, with rooms and suites tucked in among authentic and fastidiously maintained properties. The hotel now comprises eighteen individual rooms and suites plus three elegantly appointed villas, all perfect for individuals, couples, families and groups of traveling friends.

In addition, Monteverdi Tuscany currently boasts an award-winning zero kilometer restaurant, a Culinary Academy, a piano lounge and terrace bar, a separate Enoteca and Library Bar, outdoor swimming pool and indoor heated spa pool, an award-winning holistic spa, yoga studio, a modern gym, an art gallery, and a beautifully restored 700-year-old Romanesque church that serves as Monteverdi’s performing arts venue.

The next year will be a time of growth, expansion, and change at the luxury boutique hotel, always with beauty, authenticity, and guests’ wellbeing at the forefront. Owner Michael Cioffi will once again team with renowned Rome-based designer, Ilaria Miani, to expand upon and enhance the village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro.

Monteverdi’s walls and roots date back to the 12th century, yet its distinctive aesthetic and first-class amenities perfectly fuse past and present to create a truly timeless setting.

For more information or to book a stay at Monteverdi Tuscany after July 1, 2021, please visit www.MonteverdiTuscany.com.

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