Category Archives: Press Releases

Jazz at the MEMO and Jazz in the Park

Popular Demand for Jazz Extends Memorial Hall Lineup &
Inspires Encore Summer Series at Washington Park

CINCINNATI, OH – Twenty new jazz concerts are on tap in Over-the-Rhine as live performing arts continue to gain footing.

Since January, Memorial Hall has provided safe, socially distant live jazz experiences on Monday nights for both in-person and livestreaming audiences. Responding to popular demand, 3CDC has extended that program in the historic venue, and is launching a 17-show series at Washington Park. The result: eight consecutive months of weekly jazz programming in Over-the-Rhine’s arts corridor in 2021, featuring the finest local and regional jazz talent.

MEMO_Jazz at the MEMO logoJAZZ AT THE MEMO EXTENDED:

Jazz at the Memo is adding three performances to its winter 2021 roster:

Shades of Blue, featuring The Duo Tachoir
Monday, April 12, 2021, 7 p.m.

Internationally demanded vibraphone / piano collaboration The Duo Tachoir debuts selections from their brand-new album, Shades of Blue. Veterans of jazz festivals including Montreaux, Northsea, Montreal, Pittsburgh and more, Nashville-based Duo Tachoir offers their first Cincinnati performance in recent memory.  Featuring Marlene Tachoir (piano, voice) Jerry Tachoir (vibraphone).

Soulful Songs of Love with the Dixie Karas Quartet
Monday, April 19, 2021, 7 p.m.

One of the Queen City’s best-loved divas, Dixie Karas brings lends her powerhouse vocals to an evening of treasured love songs from every generation. A full-time music professional, Dixie effortlessly leaps from soothing melodies to fierce soulful deliveries, her commanding presence connecting with listeners in a way that makes them a part of the magic. Featuring Dixie Karas (vocals), Ted Karas (guitar), Aaron Jacobs (bass), John Taylor (drums).

Brasilia Plays Jobim
Monday, April 26, 2021, 7 p.m.

Brasilia is a Cincinnati based band that fuses the improvisational influences of American jazz with the wide pallet of Brazilian musical styles, featuring an all CCM Jazz faculty lineup. For this concert they feature the music of Brazil’s most internationally celebrated composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Featuring Phil DeGreg (piano), Kim Pensyl (trumpet), Rusty Burge (vibraphone), Aaron Jacobs (bass) and John Taylor (drums).

All Jazz at the Memo performances are 7-9 p.m. at Memorial Hall (1225 Elm Street, Over-the-Rhine). Tickets are $8 ($6 for students) and may be purchased online (MemorialHallOTR.com) or over the phone (513.977, 8037; Mo – Th, 1-6 p.m.). Cash bar available. Complimentary wine tastings for all Jazz at the Memo performances will be provided by Over-The-Rhine’s own Revel OTR Urban Winery.

WP_Jazz in the ParkWASHINGTON PARK SERIES ANNOUNCED:

Washington Park announces its Jazz In The Park series, presented by GBBN and the Segoe Foundation, taking place Monday nights May 3 through August 30, 2021 (excluding Memorial Day). A complete lineup can be found at WashingtonPark.org.

Jazz in the Park 2021 is the series’ sophomore effort, having launched in 2020 to provide safe entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a lineup transferred from Memorial Hall (which remained closed for much of last summer), the 2020 offerings were a big hit for music lovers and Over-the-Rhine residents.

All Jazz in the Park performances are 6-9 p.m. at The Porch, presented by PPG Paints, in Washington Park and are free and open to the public, though space may be limited. No reservations required. Cash bar available. Jazz in the Park is programmed in collaboration with Jazz at the Memo.

COVID-19 INFORMATION:

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is committed to keeping patrons and performers safe through the following measures:

  • 6’ social distancing between all parties
  • Masks required for patrons at all times
  • Hourly disinfecting of “high-touch” surfaces throughout the building
  • Placement of hand sanitizing stations throughout the building
  • Utilizing safer steam heat to warm the building
  • Constant cycling of fresh air into the building via our Dedicated Outdoor Air System.

To learn more, visit MemorialHallOTR.com/jazz.

Washington Park

Due to health concerns posed by COVID-19 we are taking extra precautionary measures at The Porch in addition to our standard operating procedures regarding sanitation, including:

  • Seating at The Porch presented by PPG Paints has been greatly reduced to accommodate social distancing.
  • No cash will be accepted; credit cards and contactless payment only please.
  • Once seated, please remain in your designated spot. Patrons may take their drinks throughout the park. Please observe alcohol perimeter signage at the park exits.
  • Our staff will ensure a clean space, keeping disinfectant at the ready and wiping down tables/chairs/areas in between patron usage.
  • Masks are required when moving thru the space and while ordering, and can be removed once your beverages are served.
  • We are asking our patrons to please be sure to clean up after themselves, leaving no napkins, tissues or food product behind.
  • Games will not be available at this time.

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About Memorial Hall: Memorial Hall, managed and programmed by 3CDC, is conveniently located in the heart of the revitalized arts district of Over-the-Rhine. This exquisite venue overlooks Washington Park, and is adjacent to Music Hall in addition to being down the street from both the School for Creative and Performing Arts and soon-to-be completed new home of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Designed by Samuel Hannaford, the hall features marble staircases adorned with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 550-seat proscenium theater, dubbed the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater. Exceptional acoustics, decorative murals and Tiffany chandeliers enhance this historic theater. Memorial Hall offers an elegant setting for performances and unique spaces for social and business events.

About 3CDC: 3CDC is a private, non-profit, real estate development and finance organization focused on revitalizing Cincinnati’s urban core in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. 3CDC’s work is specifically focused on the Central Business District and in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 3CDC also manages The Cincinnati Equity Fund (CEF) and the Cincinnati New Markets Fund (CNMF). These investment funds play an important role by providing needed financial capital to 3CDC’s development projects. For more information, visit http://www.3cdc.org.

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TDW releases INDIAN SIGN on Home View Theatre

TDW_Indian Sign logoThe Drama Workshop’s Home View Theatre series continues with the release of INDIAN SIGN,
written by Clint Bramkamp, and directed by Richard Zenk

INDIAN SIGN is a clever piece about a campaign to save a classic yet controversial piece of roadside Americana, and the objections raised by someone who takes the sign personally. The video version of the play written by Clint Bramkamp is directed by Richard Zenk.  The stage version of INDIAN SIGN made its debut on our stage during Home Brew in 2019. The video features John McInerney and Jessie Faye. Ms Faye was also the author of the first video in Home View Series II: The Rules. Technical support was given by Director of Photography Lon Nease and Sound Engineer Shannon Nease, who both teamed up to edit the video as well. Mr. Nease has also appeared on the Glenmore Playhouse stage in The Philadelphia Story. Director Richard Zenk also directed the prize winning “Brave” on stage as part of Home Brew Theatre in 2019.

Tickets to stream any of the Home View Theatre productions can be purchased at https://thedramaworkshop.org/homeview-series2 or by calling the box office at (513)598-8303. Single videos are $5 or you can subscribe to the series of six videos for only $25.

Besides INDIAN SIGN, the second series of Home View Theatre plays includes:

The Rules, a comedy by Jessie Faye. As they prepare for a first date, a man and woman reflect on societal pressure, self-doubt, and the complexities of the perfect outfit. TDW is excited to welcome Jeff and Maddy Weinkam to their TDW debut. They will play the couple, and Jeff is directing. The Rules is available now.

Vir:Us, a collection of monologues written by a group of TDW artists who began a writer’s group during their pandemic downtime. Each monologue, performed by its author, explores how people try to make connections with others during the pandemic. The group of actor/playwrights consist of Chris Bishop, Betsy Bossart, Stephanie Klein, Lindsey Pullum, Fred Tacon and Eric Thomas. Vir:Us is available now.

Second Story Jobs, a comedy by Fred Tacon that portrays what happens when an extremely overworked tooth fairy visits an adult man. The video will be directed by Lynne Aronson and feature Michael Sharon and Rusty Lacy. Second Story Jobs is available now.

Goodwill, a play by Teri Foltz. While clearing out the garage after their mother’s death, a brother and sister learn of a family secret. The cast includes Linda Callahan and Steve Phelan under the direction of Julie Jordan. Goodwill will be released later in April.

I’m Bloody Retired, a comedy by Eric Thomas. Retiring Detective Sergeant Royal is given one last assignment – to train rookie Detective Francis – and one last case — to finally bring down his arch-nemesis. Dennis Murphy will direct and play Detective Royal. The cast also includes Nicholas Dunker, Lindsey Pullum, Chris Bishop, Karen Romero and Stephenie Klein. I’m Bloody Retired will premiere on later in April.

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THE DRAMA WORKSHOP was founded in 1954. TDW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of the theatrical arts. The Drama Workshop is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Association of Community Theatres of Greater Cincinnati. TDW’s 2019 production of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” was selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theatre Association annual conference. TDW was also honored to represent the state of Ohio at the 2013 and 2017 American Association of Community Theatre regional conferences. The Drama Workshop has been recognized by the Cincinnati Preservation Association for their efforts to rehabilitate the former Glenmore Bowl into The Glenmore Playhouse. Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in becoming involved or in helping advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by phone at 513-598-8303.

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PRETTY WOMAN and THE BAND’S VISIT Rescheduled at Broadway in Cincinnati

BIC_UpdateWe’re looking forward to welcoming you back for the best of Broadway. Unfortunately, the continued effects of COVID-19 on the touring Broadway industry are making it necessary for us to reschedule our first two shows this fall. THE BAND’S VISIT will now be playing the Aronoff Center July 19 – 24, 2022 and PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will open our season with an engagement running October 19 – 31, 2021.

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Cincinnati Playhouse New Events for Spring – Online, Outdoors and in the Marx Theatre

PIP_logoOfferings include the return of in-person performances to the
 Marx Theatre and three outdoor events

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will present a slate of new events for the spring – including the first in-person performances in the Marx Theatre in over a year with two limited engagements featuring nationally recognized theatre artists. Also planned are three outdoor performance events, two new pod plays, 25 different virtual enrichment workshops and two streaming productions.

“We are thrilled to be re-opening the Marx Theatre and re-entering the realm of live, in-person performances in more than a year,” says Artistic Director Blake Robison. “The outdoor events and virtual programs provide a variety of alternatives for anyone who’s craving a theatrical experience.”

Upcoming performances and programs:

  • Schueler Group presents nationally recognized theatre artists in the Marx Theatre with socially distanced seating:

PIP_Higher and HigherHigher and Higher: A Rock ‘n Soul Party with Chester Gregory
April 30 – May 2
Broadway star and recording artist Chester Gregory honors the legends of Rock and Soul. The star of Motown: The Musical, Hairspray and Dreamgirls won acclaim for his outstanding portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story. In concert, Gregory offers his considerable talents to the music of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown and more. Presented by Artists Lounge Live.

PIP_The Skivvies_ShowThe Skivvies: Live and Literally In-Person!
May 26 and 27
The Skivvies are Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, singer/actor/musicians performing stripped down arrangements of eclectic covers and eccentric originals. Not only is the music stripped down – cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, melodica – but the Skivvies literally strip down to their underwear to perform. Cearley and Molina were last seen at the Playhouse in 2019’s You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Cearley previously starred as Seymour in the 2017 production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Seating in the Marx Theatre has been reduced for proper social distancing to a maximum of 30 percent capacity. Masks are required. Tickets are $54 and $39 and are on sale now for Higher and Higher. Tickets to The Skivvies go on sale April 14.

  • Upstanders Onstage: Performances for Social Change

Outdoor events featuring an eclectic mix of scenes, monologues, spoken word and music – May 8, 16 and 23

The Playhouse is partnering with The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center and the Cincinnati Music Accelerator to present a series of live, outdoor events featuring theatre artists, musicians and poets who are using art to create dialogue and affect change in the world. The socially distanced events will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. in the parking lots of Cincinnati Union Terminal on May 8, Cincinnati Art Museum on May16 and the Mayerson JCC on May 23. Each evening will feature a different line-up of artists and content, which will be announced at a later date. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. The events are free, but an advance reservation is required to ensure appropriate social distancing. Reservations open on April 14.

  • Two streaming productions in April and May:
    • Dragons Love Tacos will be available to stream for free on weekends as part of the virtual Off the Hill series from April 16 to May 16. As a boy and his dog watch a television show about dragons, they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to feed them. Appropriate for ages 3 and up.
    • The Catastrophist by Lauren Gunderson, a co-production of Marin Theatre Company and Round House Theatre Company, will have its exclusive Cincinnati presentation April 26 – May 23. Cost to stream is $25.

About the play: Virologist Nathan Wolfe, named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for his work tracking Ebola and swine flu, proposed pandemic insurance years before the novel coronavirus outbreak. No one bought it. Now, in a post-COVID world, we hear his story. The Revolutionists playwright Lauren Gunderson’s time-jumping tale takes a deep dive into the profundities of scientific exploration and the harrowing realities of facing your own mortality. The Catastrophist is a critically acclaimed theatrical experience built of and for this moment in time.

  • Virtual Enrichment Workshops

The Playhouse is offering 25 different virtual enrichment workshops on Zoom for kids, teenagers and adults this spring. They are taught by professional theatre artists and include a variety of crafts, writing, design and performance activities. The workshops begin the week of April 22. Cost is $30 – $60, depending on the number of sessions in the workshop.

  • The Pod Plays Project rolls out two brand-new stories in June that make use of technology, storytelling and a unique location in Cincinnati to experience an audio play.
  • The Edge of Town by Cincinnati musician and hip-hop artist Deuces is a musical pod play about Black empowerment in a suburban neighborhood and takes place in the city of Wyoming.
  • Cincinnati playwright Carolyn Guido Clifford’s pod play (title TBD) takes place in Eden Park and tells the story of a young woman who undergoes an unexpected change and must relocate to Cincinnati to live with her aunt.

The pod plays are free. Those launched last fall – The Aviators by Trey Tatum and Richie and Blanche by Isaiah Mikel-Reaves – can be streamed now.

Tickets and information for all performances and programs, including Covid-19 safety guidelines for in-person events, can be found at cincyplay.com.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the 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.

The special event series in the Marx Theatre is presented by Schueler Group. Higher and Higher is sponsored by Digi and Mike Schueler.

Upstanders Onstage: Performances for Social Change is presented as part of the Playhouse Perspectives series, funded by a generous grant from Roderick and Barbara Barr.

Seasonal support of Education and Outreach programs is supported by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation and Linda and Gary Greenberg. Off the Hill is supported by KeyBank and John C. Griswold Foundation. Off the Grid is sponsored by The William Baude-Maurice Oshry Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

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The Carnegie Presents THE WONDERFUL MUSIC OF OZ Cabaret at Outdoor Amphitheater at Behringer-Crawford Museum

TC_The Wonderful Music of Oz LogoFamily-friendly outdoor performance set for April 17-18, 2021

COVINGTON, KY – The Carnegie is inviting families throughout the Tri-State to enjoy the start of spring on Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. with The Wonderful Music of Oz Cabaret at the Outdoor Amphitheater at Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy the production featuring a fantastical mix of songs from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Wicked. In addition to the Oz-inspired tunes, the 75-minute show also includes behind-the-scenes stories from the movies and stage shows that inspired them. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students and children and can be purchased here.

“Our mission at The Carnegie is to inspire creativity for all,” said Maggie Perrino, Theatre Director for The Carnegie. “The Wonderful Music of Oz is the perfect kickoff to our outdoor performance series. Whether you love The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, Wicked – or all three – this outdoor production will inspire the whole family to sing along, dance and enjoy the show in a safe outdoor venue.”

The Ensemble

  • Heather Hale
  • Renee Stoltzfus
  • Ria Villaver Collins
  • Jared Roper
  • Joshua Carandang
  • Cian Steele

Production Staff

  • Jason Alexander Holmes, Music Director
  • Maggie Perrino, Director
  • Doug Stock, Technical Director
  • Shauna Nelson, Stage Manager

Social Distancing Policy: Patrons will be asked to practice social distancing at the outdoor venue. Masks are required for admission and when patrons are away from their seats. Seating will be spread out to follow social distancing guidelines. Hand sanitizing stations will be available and additional cleaning regimens will be in place between performances. 

Content Advisory: This is a family-friendly production. Appropriate for all ages.

Tickets for The Wonderful Music of Oz at the Outdoor Amphitheater at Behringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park (1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY 41011) are $25 for adults, $15 for students and children. There will be four showings, on Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. To purchase tickets and learn more about The Carnegie’s outdoor performance series visit thecarnegie.com. 

The Carnegie’s 2020-21 Theatre Series is presented by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Support for The Carnegie Creative Disruption Committee programming series is provided by the John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust.

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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 thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030. 

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the City of Covington. The Carnegie is also supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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