Category Archives: Press Releases

May 1, 2023 · 6:20 am

Dancing for the Stars 2023 Announces Winners 

CAA_Dancing with the Stars 2023 Winner

Winner Brock Leah Spears with Amanda Barazza.

Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears (Project Manager, ADM) and Dance Pro Amanda Barraza Crowned New Dancing for the Stars Champs

Litsa Spanos honored as Fundraising Champion

[CINCINNATI, OH] – Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears (Project Manager – ADM) and dance pro Amanda Barraza (Independent Dance Instructor) received a nearly perfect score of 29, taking first place at the Cincinnati Arts Association’s fifteenth annual Dancing for the Stars on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Music Hall Ballroom. Litsa Spanos (President – ADC Art Design Consultants, Inc.) took home the Fundraising Champion Award, as the celebrity who raised the most money for the event through ticket sales and donations – nearly $12,000.

Morgan Owens (Entrepreneur, Author, Consultant, Speaker, and Brand Ambassador) and Josh Tilford (Independent Dance Instructor) took second place, and Fundraising Champ Litsa Spanos and Andrea Stefano (Independent Dance Instructor) placed third.

As CAA’s largest annual fundraiser, the popular annual event raised more than $70,000 in support of the organization’s acclaimed arts education programs, including the Overture Awards – the nation’s largest locally run high school arts scholarship competition. 

The remaining five dance pairs included:

  • David Kapor (Founder & Managing Partner – Kapor, Davis & Associates, LLC) and Bonita Brockert (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Frank Marzullo (Meteorologist – FOX19 NOW) and Alaine Glick (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Diana Nguyen (Owner – Deluxe Nail Salon & Spa) and Jeremy Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery)
  • Tom Parker (Director of External Communications – Lindner Center of Hope) and Melissa Vaughn (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery)
  • Erin Rolfes (Director of Communication & Media Relations – The Kroger Co.) and Rostislav Toporski (Independent Dance Instructor)

Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars 2023 featured eight Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program at which the audience vote and judges scores propelled the winners to victory. The competitive dance for the evening was Disco/Hustle, and each dance pair had 90 seconds to woo the crowd and the judges.

Event emcees were Chris O’Brien & Janeen Coyle (“Married With Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM). The competition judges were Douglas Beal (Independent Dance Instructor), Jon Lawhead (Dancing for the Stars 2022 alum), and Amanda Orlando (WARM 98.5 Morning Show host).

In addition, Dancing for the Stars 2023 featured:

  • Wine tasting (compliments of Heidelberg Distributing) during a meet-and-greet reception with the stars and the pros before the competition
  • Dinner-by-the-Bite provided by A Catered Affair, Metropolitan Club, Moerlein Lager House, Prime Cincinnati, Primo Italian Steakhouse, Skyline Chili, Street City Pub, That’s So Sweet, Vonderhaar’s Catering
  • Dance music by popular DJ and 103.5 WGRR personality JD Hughes
  • Open dancing before and after the competition
  • Entertaining and amazing exhibition dances by the Dancing for the Stars talented pros.
  • An inspiring video about the Overture Awards, featuring interviews with the six student winners of the 2023 Overture Awards finals competition.
  • Two big screens that featured live video of the competition and engaging video introductions of the stars and pros (interviews and rehearsal footage) before their dances.
  • Humorous, astute, and supportive comments from the Dancing for the Stars panel of judges.
  • Exceptionally responsive, raucous, and energetic audience reactions, which included large cheering sections holding signs with various messages in support of their favorite Stars.
  • Lots of flashy, retro, Disco outfits and big hair worn by the dance celebs and pros.

Dance Pair Song Selections

  • Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears / Amanda Barraza: “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
  • Morgan Owens / Josh Tilford: “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer
  • Litsa Spanos / Andrea Stefano: “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees and N-Trance
  • David Kapor / Bonita Brockert: “Living With a Hernia” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
  • Frank Marzullo / Alaine Glick: “Car Wash” by Rose Royce
  • Diana Nguyen / Jeremy Mainous: “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
  • Tom Parker / Melissa Vaughn: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
  • Erin Rolfes / Rostislav Toporski: “Le Freak” by Chic

Presenting Sponsor: TriHealth

Event Sponsors: Arthur Murray – Montgomery, Amanda Barraza, Bonita Brockert, Alaine Glick, Harlan Graphics, Punky’s Pixels, Andrea Stefano, Josh Tilford, Rostislav Toporski 

Libations Sponsors:  Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio Valley Wine & Beer, Pepsi 

Event Committee:  Doreen Beatrice, Michael Betz, Amal Daoud, Terry Foster, Ginger Loftin, Rosemary Schlachter, Phil Schworer, and Dr. Tracey Skale 

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION’S EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT PROGRAMS

CAA’s Education & Community Engagement Department cultivates diverse, inclusive, and accessible arts engagements, seeking to remove barriers preventing arts participation. Committed to a practice of antiracism, the Education and Community Engagement Department encourages the use of CAA venues, develops diverse arts supporters, and fosters an appreciation and understanding of diverse arts disciplines, while encouraging and supporting practicing arts educators and administrators, audiences, and aspiring artists.

SchoolTime presents a series of programs that feature nationally recognized artists at the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. The Artists on Tour program brings a variety of arts experiences directly to schools, community centers, and other organizations. The finest local teaching artists in the region enhance learning with unique programs that vary in culture and art form.

The Arts in Healing Initiative integrates the performing and visual arts in medical and community healthcare settings and other non-traditional settings to promote community wellness and encourage the community to explore the arts as an active part of their healing and ongoing wellness.

The Overture Awards is a program that recognizes and rewards excellence in the arts among Greater Cincinnati students in grades 9-12. Its mission is to encourage arts education as an integral part of a student’s academic experience and to create an environment that encourages training in, and appreciation of, the arts. The Overture Awards is the area’s largest solo arts competition and offers awards in six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music.

Now in its 27th year, the Overture Awards has granted over nearly $1,000,000 to youth and schools in the Tri-state region. The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce program).

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 700,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies.

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April 27, 2023 · 4:07 pm

Matt Distel Appointed Executive Director of The Carnegie

TC_Matt DistelAfter 9+ Years as The Carnegie’s Exhibitions Director, Distel will undertake a new role as the organization’s leader

COVINGTON, Ky. (April 27, 2023) – The Carnegie has announced the appointment of Matt Distel as its next Executive Director.

An accomplished curator and arts administrator, Matt Distel brings nearly 30 years of experience to the Executive Director position. Distel is stepping into this new role with a long history at The Carnegie and a decorated career leading community-centered arts organizations.

Distel first joined The Carnegie staff as its Exhibitions Director in 2013 and has been organizing exhibitions since 1994—with a particular focus on artists from the region. Prior to joining The Carnegie, Distel held curatorial roles at the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center as well as served as Executive Director of Visionaries + Voices in Cincinnati and HVCCA in Peekskill, NY. He was also the co-founder and director of Country Club, a commercial gallery based in Cincinnati and Los Angeles.

Notably, Distel has curated and organized numerous exhibitions and installations including projects with SIMPARCH, Kendell Geers, Temporary Services, The Yes Men, Beth Campbell, Alexis Rockman, Jay Bolotin, Future Retrieval, Terry Berlier, Design 99, Courttney Cooper, Ryan McGinness, Ellen Berkenblit, Edie Harper, Tom Wesselmann and Atlas Group.

“We feel very fortunate that Matt will be our next Executive Director,” said Jamie Horn, Carnegie Board President. “We have an exceptionally strong team at The Carnegie—and Matt has been a foundational member of the staff for nearly a decade. I am certain The Carnegie will thrive under Matt’s leadership and believe he will usher in a dynamic era for the organization.”

The Carnegie is a three-tiered organization and Distel’s new role as Executive Director oversees each department: Gallery, Education and Theatre. Under his direction as Exhibitions Director, The Carnegie Galleries expanded its mission while deepening local relationships. In an effort to generate opportunities for regional artists, Distel experimented with several exhibition models that nurtured connections between guest curators, writers, gallerists and fellow artists. The Carnegie’s most recent FotoFocus exhibition These Things Are Connected beautifully illustrates Distel’s philosophy: he brought together five curators working inside and outside of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region to select and develop projects based on linking artists across different geographies. In the same way, The Carnegie Galleries prioritizes connecting artists with a range of curatorial voices that provides new contexts for their work—an effort that subsequently nurtures the region’s vibrant and growing art community.

“Since my very first experiences in the art world nearly 30 years ago, I have always worked to amplify regional voices of both the performing and visual artists—and believe that a vibrant art community’s impact reaches beyond a single studio, stage or classroom.” Distel added “I’m honored to continue building upon the successes established by previous Executive Directors Kim Best and Katie Brass. Thanks to my predecessors, especially Kim’s Capital Campaign initiative, The Carnegie will continue to connect artists to each other and communities beyond our region.”

Distel’s appointment follows some major milestones for the organization, including The Carnegie’s inaugural Summer Theatre Series and the successful production of Singin’ in the Rain. The Theatre’s new season format led by Tyler Gabbard produced significant growth in audience and record sales for the organization. Under the guidance of Alissa Paasch, The Carnegie’s Education department has also seen a notable expansion in recent years, facilitating in-school arts integration programming in Covington school systems and beyond—plus on-site programming in their Eva G. Farris Education Center.

In conjunction with Matt Distel’s appointment, The Carnegie will also be announcing their search for a Development Director. This position will be pivotal in securing ongoing financial support and facilitating organizational growth.

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About The Carnegie 
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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April 27, 2023 · 6:14 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Announces 2023-2024 Season Featuring World Premiere and an All-New Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

PIP_FacilityPhotos_09_newsroom

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s all-new mainstage theatre complex designed by BHDP Architecture. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park announced its 2023-2024 season today, including an all-new production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre, which opened in March. The season also includes the return of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, a world premiere adaptation of DRACULA and regional premieres of modern stories from Pulitzer-winning playwrights including Lynn Nottage.

“Our 2023-24 season promises to inspire, entertain, celebrate our differences and lift up our shared humanity,” says Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director. “It features stories that feel familiar, that stand the test of time, and that are fresh and contemporary. We’re looking forward to the first full season in our mainstage theatre complex with a lineup of shows that exemplifies the best of American theatre.”

The 2023-24 Season includes:

  • The return of the toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH.
  • Unmissable modern stories from three powerhouse playwrights who have each earned Pulitzer Prize acclaim, including Martyna Majok’s SANCTUARY CITY, Lynn Nottage’s CLYDE’S and Zora Howard’s STEW.
  • A world premiere adaptation of the vampiric classic DRACULA, brought back to life with humor and thrills by playwright/performer Vanessa Severo (Frida…A Self Portrait) and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz
  • Chaim Potok’s timeless story about the human ability to reach out across differences through an exploration of Jewish culture in THE CHOSEN.
  • Stories that will capture your heart and make you laugh like the love story in VIETGONE and the interactive Catholic comedy of LATE NIGHT CATECHISM.

2023-24 ROUSE THEATRE SEASON
Presented by Schueler Group

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH
Created by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Conceived by William Meade
Directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Aug. 26 – Oct. 1, 2023
Sponsored by U.S. Bank

SHORT DESCRIPTION:
The hit musical returns! Ring of Fire celebrates the iconic Johnny Cash — the Man in Black. As the story of Cash’s life unfolds, five actor-musicians deliver crowd-pleasing renditions of Cash’s musical catalog, including “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I’ve Been Everywhere” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Revisit this toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography like never before in The Rouse Theatre!

ONE-LINER:
Celebrate the music of Johnny Cash in this toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography.

CLYDE’S
By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Timothy Douglas
Oct. 14 – Nov. 5. 2023

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Every sandwich has a story at Clyde’s, a truck-stop operated by a group of people recently released from prison. Under the no-nonsense authority of Clyde, the small kitchen crew finds purpose through the art of sandwich-making. As they express themselves creatively, the crew attempts to reclaim their lives in this witty and inspiring dramedy from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage.

ONE-LINER
A crew of people recently released from prison find purpose in the art of sandwich making in this witty and inspiring dramedy.

First Financial Bank presents
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Blake Robison
Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023 
(Tickets not included in regular season subscriptions, but subscribers get first access.)

SHORT DESCRIPTION:
The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion with a brand-new production specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre! Charles Dickens’ classic tale of the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge combines with dazzling new set, costume and lighting designs for a magical holiday experience like never before!

ONE-LINER:
The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion with a brand-new production specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre.

Leading Ladies presents
DRACULA
A world premiere
By Vanessa Severo in collaboration with Joanie Schultz
Directed by Joanie Schultz and Vanessa Severo
Feb. 3 – March 3, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Bram Stoker’s classic vampire tale comes back to life in this evocative world premiere where everyone has a secret…and those secrets are deadly. Tensions rise and temptation lures the characters into double lives as they unmask one man, Count Dracula. Pulsing with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills, this bold and highly theatrical re-telling breathes new life and new blood into the most famous vampire story of all time.

ONE LINER
Pulsing with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills, this bold and highly theatrical world premiere breathes new life and new blood into the most famous vampire story of all time.

THE CHOSEN 
By Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok
Directed by Aaron Posner
April 13 – May 12, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
How can two directly opposing ideas exist together? Chaim Potok’s classic novel intimately explores such complex and thought-provoking questions as it comes to life on stage. It’s 1940s Brooklyn, and two boys from two very different Jewish communities forge a life-changing friendship. This hugely popular adaptation is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences.

ONE-LINER
This thought-provoking adaptation of Chaim Potok’s classic novel is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences.

2023-24 ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE SEASON
Presented by the Vontz Family

SANCTUARY CITY
By Martyna Majok
Directed by Kareem Fahmy
Sept. 16 – Oct. 22, 2023
Sponsored by Digi and Mike Schueler

SHORT DESCRIPTION
In this strikingly intimate play, two young people become one another’s sanctuaries as the children of U.S. immigrants in the wake of 9/11. Through years of late-night conversations, they see each other through adolescence and fight to find their place in the world. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok has created a searing and unconventional love story that’s as timely as it is unforgettable.

ONE-LINER
This unconventional love story about two children of U.S. immigrants fighting to find their place in the world is as timely as it is unforgettable.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM
By Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan
Nov. 3 – Dec. 17, 2023

SHORT DESCRIPTION
One of the longest running shows in Chicago and U.S. theatre history, this one-nun comedy is part catechism class, part stand-up routine. A playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, the audience becomes Sister’s class in this uproarious piece of interactive theatre. The Hollywood Reporter said it’s “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”

ONE-LINER
A playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, the audience becomes Sister’s class in this uproarious piece of interactive theatre.

STEW
By Zora Howard
Directed by Stori Ayres
March 2 – April 7, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Three generations of Black women gather in Mama’s kitchen to cook an important meal — and things are about to boil over. As they take turns preparing a stew, closely held details of their lives rise slowly to the surface. Stew tells a captivating, funny and intimate story about the relationship between mothers, daughters and the realities that bind them together.

ONE-LINER
Three generations of Black women gather in Mama’s kitchen to cook an important meal, and closely held details of their lives rise slowly to the surface.

VIETGONE
By Qui Nguyen
Directed by Joanie Schultz
April 27 – June 2, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
An all-American love story about two very new Americans. Vietgone tells a partially true and endlessly entertaining tale of how the playwright’s parents met in a refugee relocation camp in Arkansas during the Vietnam War. With irreverent humor, hip-hop and heightened theatrical storytelling, this original story reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart.

ONE-LINER
This all-American love story about two very new Americans reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart.

2023-24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Season subscribers who renew by June 2 can save their existing seats or make requests to change them. Subscribers also enjoy exclusive benefits with the best prices, payment installments, discounted parking and more. And only subscribers get first access to tickets for our brand-new adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which was specially designed to make the most of the enhanced theatrical capabilities in the Rouse Theatre. Purchase A CHRISTMAS CAROL with your subscription and add the cost to your payment plan (Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are not part of the season subscription offerings.)

Subscriptions can be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com or by calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888 or 800-582-3208 toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. For TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) access, call 513-345-2248. The Playhouse is fully accessible.

2023-2024 OUTREACH TOUR SEASON

In addition to full seasons in the Rouse and Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatres, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will present new Off the Hill outreach productions that will perform at schools and community theatres throughout the region. For more information on outreach touring plays, visit cincyplay.com.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
By Saskia Janse
Based on the book by Margery Williams
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences

Schools: Sept. 25 – Nov. 10, 2023
Off the Hill (at various community theatres across the region): Oct. 6 – Nov. 4, 2023

Jamie receives a velveteen rabbit for Christmas, but he prefers his mechanical toys which seem more “real.” The Velveteen Rabbit is sad that he is not loved by Jamie and is instead tossed in his already full toy cupboard. But another toy, Skin Horse teaches Rabbit that what makes a toy real is when its owner truly loves it. When Jamie’s china dog is misplaced, the Velveteen Rabbit becomes Jamie’s constant companion. Even though the Rabbit becomes shabby, Jamie continues to love him no matter what.

THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
By le Clanche du Rand
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

Schools: March 18 – May 10, 2024
Off the Hill (at various community theatres across the region): March 29 – May 11, 2024

The classic C.S. Lewis story gets an entertaining and innovative treatment in this two-actor adaptation. The heroic tale of love, faith, courage and giving; the life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of the triumph of good over evil has enthralled audiences of all ages.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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April 27, 2023 · 6:13 am

SWING REVIVAL MEETS ELECTRO SWING On May 13

KSO_Electro SwingSwing Revival meets Electro Swing
(Millennial vs Gen Z Swing)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023
Newport Car Barn
1102 Brighton St. Newport, KY

Hey, Hep Cats & Hip Hoppers, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra closes its 31st season with a battle of generations —1990s vs 2020s The event center at the Newport Car Barn is the venue for the region’s (likely the nation’s) first Neo/Electro Swing mixer— 7:30 p.m., May 13th.

Swing Revival or Neo-Swing was a musical phenomenon of the 1990s as west coast bands rooted in the Swing era of the 1930-40s began seasoning their sound with rock-a-billy, boogie woogie, jump blues and ska. Groups like Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy even made on-screen cameos in the films like The Mask (1994) and Swingers (1996), and brought this high energy swing into the mainstream and dance clubs across the nation. Brian Setzer covered Louis Prima’s original “Jump Jive and Wail,” which became a swing dance commercial for The Gap’s khakis line (1998).

The KSO launched its original 10-pc subsidiary group the Devou-Doo Daddies in 2015 to cover tunes by the groups above and others. Remaining relevant and current in all music means continually investigating the new music scenes world-wide. Electro Swing combines vintage and neo-swing influences with hip-hop, drum’n’ bass, and electronic dance music. Its popularity today is huge in Europe with arists like Caro Emerald, DJ Parov Stelar, Swingrowers, Atom Smith, Cut Capers and others, bringing (a feet don’t fail me now) swing to yet another generation. Whether you are a Millennial or Gen Z-er you won’t be sitting or standing still as the KSO throws down your swing music live and in person (See the full playlist and band roster attached).

The Newport Car Barn is an 1890s block-long building with a high ceiling in southwest Newport, and is evolving into a unique historic event center. The former trolley and bus depot features bars, and patron drop off on Brighton Street.

Don your retro look, grab your dance partner (or simply hang and finger wag) with the KSO’s Devou-Doo Daddies at the Newport Car Barn — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Tickets are $35. The KSO continues to live stream its concerts for at home access for the price of a single ticket. For tickets and info go to kyso.org, or call (859) 431-6216.

Swing Revival meets Electro Swing
(Millennial vs Gen Z Swing)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023
Newport Car Barn
1102 Brighton St. Newport, KY

Song | As performed by
Go Daddy-O* | Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD)
Bad Girls† | Atom Smith
Zoot Suit Riot* | Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Get Down and Boogie† | Deladap
The Curly Shuffle• | Back in the Saddle Band
Healing Dance† | Swingrowers ft Davide Shorty
Bedbugs* | Squirrel Nut Zippers (SNZ)
Hey Pachuco | Royal Crown Revue
Say What?• | Cut Capers
Mambo Swing* | BBVD

The Jitters• | BBVD
What Chu Got?• | PiSk w/ Caro Emerald
You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3* | BBVD
Ghost of Stephen Foster* | SNZ
Jump Jive and Wail* | Brian Setzer
Champagne† | Swing’it
Tango Del Fuego† | Parov Stelar w/ Georgia Gibbs
I Wanna Be Like You* | BBVD
Get Movin’• | Cut Capers
So Long, Farewell* | BBVD

Arrangements adapted by Scott Woolley*, Terry LaBolt† and Tim Olt•

The KSO’s Devou-Doo Daddies
Troy Hitch – vocal
Emily Jordan – vocal
Dwayne Irvin – tenor sax, Cl
Phil Hilger – bari sax, Fl
Hank Mautner – trumpet
Dominic Marino – trombone
Ben Tweedt – keys
Brian Deyo – guitar
Mike Sharfe – bass
Jim Leslie – drums
Brian Malone – percussion
Manami White – violin
Laurynn Smith – back up-voca

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April 26, 2023 · 9:37 am

From Campus to Community: NKU Announces Exciting On-Tour Theatre Season

NKU_2023-2024 season on tourHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts is excited to announce its upcoming 2023-24 Theatre and Dance season. With the Fine Arts Center set to undergo major renovations to its theatre spaces, SOTA is taking its productions on tour to various locations, including the NKU Digitorium and The Carnegie, offering theatergoers the chance to experience these shows like never before.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sept. 28 – Oct. 8, 2023 | NKU Griffin Hall Digitorium

The season opens with the Tony Award-winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens. The story follows 15-year-old Christopher, a boy with an extraordinary brain that is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he discovers his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, he finds himself under suspicion and sets out to solve the mystery, leading him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. This production will be staged at NKU’s Griffin Hall Digitorium from September 28 to October 8, 2023.

9 to 5 The Musical
Nov. 3-11, 2023 | The Carnegie

Next up is the hilarious musical “9 to 5 The Musical,” featuring music and lyrics by country icon Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick. Set in the late 1970s, the story centers around three female coworkers who are fed up with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. They come up with a plan to get even and, in a series of outrageous events, give their workplace a dream makeover while taking control of the company that had always kept them down. This production will take place at The Carnegie in Covington, KY, from November 3-11, 2023.

Dance ‘24
Feb. 16-18, 2024 | NKU Greaves Concert Hall

The annual dance concert “Dance ‘24” celebrates the incredible versatility of dance and explores the power of storytelling and emotion through movement. Featuring a company of the best young dance artists, Dance ’24 will present a concert of new and innovative works created by faculty, guest artists, and nationally renowned choreographers. Whether you’re a seasoned patron of dance or attending your first concert, Dance ’24 has something for everyone – favorite traditional forms such as musical theatre, tap, and ballet, as well as contemporary dance forms that include modern, jazz, vernacular, improvisation, and African/Afro-Fusion. Get ready to experience the transformational power of dance! The concert will take place at NKU’s Greaves Concert Hall from February 16-18, 2024.

Amélie
March 15-23, 2024 | The Carnegie

Following that is the enchanting musical “Amélie,” based on the beloved French film. With a book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Daniel Messé and Nathan Tysen, this whimsical story follows Amélie, an imaginative young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness, she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. This production will run from March 15-23, 2024, at The Carnegie.

The Play That Goes Wrong
April 11-20, 2024 | The Carnegie

The season concludes with “The Play That Goes Wrong,” a comedy by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields that promises to be a smash hit. From Mischief, Broadway masters of comedy, comes a farce about the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The show has everything you never wanted to see, including an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). Nevertheless, the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier Award–winning comedy is a global phenomenon that’s guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter! The production will be staged at The Carnegie from April 11-20, 2024.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at nku.edu/tickets. More information about the season will be available at theatre.nku.edu.

About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

About SOTA: The Theatre and Dance, Art and Design, and Music programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Theatre and Dance relies on intensive student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. Our staff, resources and facilities serve the developing artist. At the program’s center is a vital balance of process and production, giving each student opportunities to stretch boundaries and discover new possibilities. Graduates are working in professional theatres in every major city in the United States and on five continents, having successful careers on Broadway and in regional theatre, on cruise ships, in theme parks and film and television. For more information, visit theatre.nku.edu.

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