Tag Archives: Cincinnati Arts Association

July 28, 2016 · 6:29 am

LAST POET STANDING III | Fri., August 19 | Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

MISC_Last Poet StandingThe Signature: A Poetic Medley Show
to Host Spoken Word Competition –

LAST POET STANDING III

Friday, August 19
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Cincinnati, OH – Oral Funk Poetry Productions is taking the show on the road! Last Poet Standing III is a head-to-head spoken word competition which will be featured as a part of the ninth season of the Off-Broadway Theatrical Revue, The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show. See some of the greatest talent from across the Midwest perform at the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater in downtown Cincinnati at 650 Walnut Street on Friday, August 19 from 8:00 – 11:00 PM. The Signature Lounge opens in the lobby at 7:30 PM, featuring live music and a full bar.

Tickets are $25.00 and are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], or at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.  STUDENT DISCOUNT (on sale now):  $15.00 with a valid student I.D.  Limit (1) discount ticket per student. Available only in person at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

The winner of Last Poet Standing III will receive a grand prize of $1,000 and the second-place winner will be featured during the 2017 season of The Signature. This event is designed to spotlight the word-play, story-telling, fiery aesthetic of spoken word and will be hosted by DJ Vader and nationally-renowned performing artist “Just Greg.”

“Artist often want to experience and participate in diverse projects.  Last Poet Standing III is a universal platform that crosses generational and cultural divides,”  said Sierra Leone of Oral Funk Poetry Productions. “It opens the door for everyone to come together and share the same space. It takes a lot of heart to be a part of this. Past years’ competitions have been amazing and even featured two high school students from Stivers School for the Arts [Dayton , OH]. The production serves as an homage to the spoken word genre and will be a night of exciting, fast-paced, engaging and spontaneous fun.”

Host for the evening, Greg “Just Greg” Corbin, is a poet, writer, teacher, hip hop artist and community activist. He has performed across the globe from England to South Africa and shared stages with India Arie, Mos Def, Nikki Giovanni , and Saul Williams, among others. Founder of the Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (featured on the HBO program “Brave New Voices”), Greg is a socially and politically engaged artist, frequently conducting workshops in prisons and schools and tackling controversial topics including religion, the politics of education and love, bullying, racism, and parenting in today’s world.

Music will be provided by Cincinnati-based DJ Vader, who has been recognized as “Best DJ/Radio Personality” by Best of Black Cincinnati. You can hear him spinning your Old School favorites on Cincinnati’s 100.3, or on his podcast, WTFU Radio.

“Last Poet Standing III is a great opportunity for the community to support Urban Creative Arts and Midwest performing artists,” Leone said. “It is a wonderful theatrical experience for those who love the arts and appreciate all the genres within spoken word and poetry.”

FREE WORKSHOP:  The Art of Word – Friday, August 19, 4:00- 5:30 PM

Whether you are starting out as an amateur artist or you are a professional that wants more out of your craft, it all starts with a thought for success. This workshop will demonstrate how to turn those thoughts into tangible things. In this dynamic visual concepts and imagination workshop, participants will apply concept-imaging for creativity that focuses on innovative tactics to revolutionize the way artist think, create, and perform. This creative art-themed holistic system provides the foundation necessary for artists of all genres to transcend from amateur to professional.  The holistic approach will help artists reach their full potential.  Today, more artists are learning the four elements of the human personality – body, mind, soul, and spirit – and the Natural Laws under which these artists operate to produce achievement in their craft rather than failure.  Transform your creative world with the power of ideas and application.   Attendees will be able to demonstrate artistic restructuring and concept –imaging techniques used to build a positive foundation of thought and action easily applied to everyday life for success  in business, personal development, and relationships.  This interactive  session, featuring Just Greg among the panel of presenters, will offer expert advice from those seasoned in the fields of performance & spoken word as well as DJ/radio hosting. Professionals are welcome to attend as well, and encouraged to contribute their experiences to the conversation.

The Signature is supported by the Cincinnati Arts Association, the University of Dayton ArtStreet, and DeLish Cafe Dayton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local businesses interested in increasing their visibility while investing in the arts in Cincinnati. For sponsorship information, contact Oral Funk Poetry Productions at (937) 241-4957.

The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show has earned a reputation across the Midwest for being edgy, thought provoking, groundbreaking, funny, engaging, sexy, diverse, and spontaneous. More information and details are available online at www.tripplecroxxent.org, the home of Urban Creative Arts.

CLICK HERE to watch Last Poet Standing III video

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May 26, 2016 · 6:47 am

All-Liverpool-Born Beatles Tribute Band Extends U.S. Debut Tour

CAA_Mersey Beatles promoAll-Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band extends U.S. debut tour
Meet John Lennon’s sister and The Mersey Beatles

Friday, July 22, 2016
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

(Cincinnati, OH) – The Mersey Beatles, an all-Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band and the house band for over a decade at the world-famous Cavern Club, are coming back to the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater on Friday, July 22 at 8:00 PM after a sold-out show last fall.

Tickets are $41.75, $51.75and $71.75-VIP (includes meet & greet with the band and Julia Baird) and are on sale now at www.cincinnatiarts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. The show is appropriate for all ages.

John Lennon’s sister Julia Baird, author and director of the Cavern Club, will be in attendance selling and signing copies of her book Imagine This: Growing Up with My Brother John Lennon at the general merchandise table before, during, and after the show.

The Mersey Beatles are no ordinary tribute band. The lads grew up as childhood and schoolmate friends, just like The Beatles! They are the official Beatles tribute band representing the City of Liverpool, and from 2002 to 2012, they were the resident tribute band at The Cavern Club, the nightclub in Liverpool, England, where The Beatles perfected their act before launching a global rock music revolution in the 1960s.

Since 1999, the band has played sell-out shows in more than twenty countries, recreating The Beatles’ most popular hits. The show spans the Fab Four’s entire catalogue, with four costume changes and authentic Liverpool accents, wit, and charm. The Mersey Beatles recreate The Beatles’ image and sound with amazing accuracy using replica Hofner, Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars, and VOX and Ludwig gear.

Photo identification: The Mersey Beatles, and all-Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band, will perform in Cincinnati as part of their debut U.S. tour.

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May 2, 2016 · 7:06 am

THE OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE – LIVE | Wed., Nov. 2 | Aronoff Center

CAA_Octonauts promoTHE OCTONAUTS DIVE INTO FIRST U.S. THEATRE TOUR!
* * * * *
ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS
November 2, 2016

(Cincinnati, OH – 4/29/16) – Explore. Rescue. Protect! “Octonauts” announced a brand new, action-packed and interactive theatre show for the very first time in the U.S.  MEMI is proud to present this tour at The Aronoff Center for the Arts on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 6:30 PM!  The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure features brand new and fan favorite songs led by the entire Octonauts eight-member crew including Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso, as they invite audiences aboard an underwater quest through a world full of adventure, interactivity, and tons of sea life surprises.

Reserved tickets, $39.50, $34.50 & $29.50 (plus applicable fees), go on sale Saturday May 7th at 10:00 AM at www.cincinnatiarts.org or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.  Charge by phone at 513.621.ARTS [2787].

The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure is a high-tech production featuring costume characters and animated projections to a massive screen on stage.  “We are thrilled for kids and families to see Octonauts come to life on stage,” said Amy Koudelka, SVP of Product Development and Brands, Silvergate Media. “The Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure is an opportunity for Octo-Cadets to be a real part of the action.”

The tour comes on the heels of new Octonauts episodes premiering throughout the year on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Seasons one, two and three are also available on Netflix, and the first ever Octonauts 4D movie adventure is coming later this year.

“We are calling on all cadets and their families across the country to assist our very dynamic team of adventure heroes on their fast-paced, exciting underwater adventure,” says Jonathan Shank, executive producer at Red Light Management. “This stage show is packed with sing-a-longs. Audiences can expect a high level of interactivity with their favorite characters on stage.”

# # #

For more information:
www.cincinnatiarts.org
www.octonautsliveus.com

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April 21, 2016 · 6:28 am

Student Art Show | April 30 – May 8 | Aronoff Center – Fifth Third Bank Theater

STUDENT ART SHOW
Local Students Display “Day at the Park” Artwork 

April 30 – May 8, 2016
Aronoff Center – Fifth Third Bank Theater

CAACincinnati, OH – How do the children of Greater Cincinnati see and interpret the world around them? The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) explores this question through its annual Student Art Show, which exhibits artwork by local students. This year’s theme is “Day at the Park.” The exhibition will be on display in the Aronoff Center’s Fifth Third Bank Theater (7th & Main Streets, downtown Cincinnati) from Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 8, 2016. Exhibition hours are Friday, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; and Sunday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Student Art Show is free and open to the public.

Representing students from grades K – 8, the diverse collection of two-dimensional artwork will include mediums from pencil drawings to printmaking to textiles. Now in its 14th year, the Student Art Show is organized and presented annually by CAA’s Department of Education & Community Relations, with the assistance of the Weston Art Gallery.

“CAA is excited to continue to present the Student Art Show annually. Every year students create a unique interpretation of the theme,” says Kathleen Riemenschneider, CAA’s Assistant Director of Education & Community Relations. “The program has been a wonderful opportunity for students to creatively express and share their views with their friends, family, and the public.”

The 2016 Student Art Show has 120 entries. Student artwork from the following schools will be on display: Berry Intermediate (Lebanon, OH), Children’s Meeting House (Loveland, OH), Clinton-Massie Middle School (Clarksville, OH), Delshire Elementary (Delhi, OH), Eastern Junior High School (Sardinia/Winchester, OH), Guardian Angels (Mt. Washington, OH), JF Dulles Elementary (Bridgetown, OH), Mariemont Elementary (Mariemont, OH), Mariemont Junior High School (Mariemont/Fairfax/Terrace Park, OH), Mercy Montessori Center (Walnut Hills, OH), Montgomery Elementary (Montgomery, OH), New Miami Elementary (New Miami, OH), Newport Intermediate (Newport, KY), Newport Primary (Newport, KY), Oakdale Elementary (Bridgetown, OH), Our Lady of the Victory School (Oak Hills/Delhi, OH), Our Lady of the Visitation School (Bridgetown, OH), Riverside Academy (West Side, OH), Springer School and Center (Hyde Park, OH), Springmyer Elementary (Green Township, OH), St. Francis de Sales School (East Walnut Hills, OH), St. Ignatius School (Montfort Heights, OH), St. John the Baptist School (Hamilton, OH), Terrace Park Elementary (Terrace Park, OH), and Wilmington Middle School (Wilmington City, OH). 

The student artwork includes such titles as “Lunch in the Park,” “Old Faithful: Yellowstone,” “On an Evening Walk,” “Soccer at the Park,” “Ohio Birds at the Park,” “The Gatlinburg Trail,” “Sunflower,” and “Kites in the Clouds.”

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April 15, 2016 · 6:24 am

CAA’s 10th Annual DANCING FOR THE STARS Annouces Winners

Lenox Wealth Management’s Jay Lame
and Dance Pro Leigh Bradshaw
Crowned DANCING FOR THE STARS 2016 Champs
After Historic Tie-Breaking Dance-Off

Jamie Humes named ‘Fundraising Champion’

CAA_Dancing for the Stars 2016 logoCINCINNATI, OH – After a first-ever, historic two-way tie for first place that resulted in a dance-off between the top-two competitors, Jay Lame (Financial Analyst, Lenox Wealth Management) and his dance pro Leigh Bradshaw (Cincinnati Ballroom Company) were crowned the champions of the 10th Anniversary edition of Cincinnati Arts Association’s (CAA) annual Dancing for the Stars on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Music Hall Ballroom.

The teams of Lame/Bradshaw and Jamie Humes (Vice President of Marketing, Traditions Building & Development Group) and Josh Tilford (Independent Dance Instructor) both received perfect scores of 40 (out of 40). First-runner-up Humes also took home the ‘Fundraising Champion’ Award, as the celebrity who raised the most money for the event through ticket sales and donations.

With an audience this year of nearly 650 guests, the popular event is CAA’s largest annual fundraiser, and raised more than $90,000 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.

Conrad Thiede (Director of Gifts, Cincinnati Public Radio) and Bonita Brockert (Independent Dance Instructor) placed third in the competition.

The remaining five dance pairs included:

  • Stephen Beck, MD (Chief Medical Information Officer, Mercy Health) and Desiree Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati)
  • Eric Combs (Trial Lawyer and Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl) and Doreen Beatrice (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Casey Hilmer (Co-owner and Founder, Power Ryde) and Alyenendrov Tsorokean (Phoenix Rising Ballroom)
  • Lakshmi Sammarco (Hamilton County Coroner) and Jeremy Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati)
  • Marianna Vardaka, MD (Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist) and Jozsef Parragh  (Independent Dance Instructor) 

Inspired by the hit ABC-TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars 2016 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, and each dance pair had 90 seconds to woo the crowd and the judges.

Event emcees were Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle (“Married With Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM). The four competition judges were Douglas Beal (independent dance instructor), Doug Bolton (Managing Principal, Cushman & Wakefield; Dancing for the Stars 2015 Fundraising Champion), Carri Chandler (External Affairs Specialist, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North American, Inc.; Dancing for the Stars 2011 alum), and Joe Rigotti (creative director, Accent on Cincinnati; event planner; Dancing for the Stars 2012 alum).

Currently in its tenth year, Dancing for the Stars has become one of the most-anticipated fundraising events of the season.  Since the event’s debut in 2007, more than 70 local notables have ‘danced for a cause’. The impressive list of past champions includes:  2007 – Dr. O’dell Owens (former president, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; former Hamilton County coroner); 2008 – Jenell Walton (reporter, WLWT-TV5; former reporter, The List; former WCPO-TV9 anchor and reporter); 2009 – Phil Schworer (Attorney, Frost Brown Todd; former president, Cincinnati Bar Association); 2010 – Donna Speigel (owner, The Snooty Fox); 2011 – Dr. Tracey Skale, M.D. (chief medical officer, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral  Health Services), 2012 –  Regina Russo (chief of communications, Contemporary Arts Center; former director of marketing and communications, Cincinnati Art Museum; former anchor/reporter, WXIX-TV19), 2013 – Chris Seelbach (Cincinnati City Councilman), 2014 – Neal Schulte (founder & president, Schulte Financial Group, LLC), and 2015 – Johnny Chu (owner, KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia restaurant).

In addition, Dancing for the Stars 2016 featured:

  • Dinner-by-the-bite provided by A Catered Affair; Alfio’s buon cibo; Eddie Merlot’s; Incredible Delights; Jeff Thomas Catering; Kroger; Lala’s Blissful Bites; Metropolitan Club; Oriental Wok; Palomino Restaurant & Bar; Prime 47; Skyline Chili; Urban Artifact (beer tasting); Vonderhaar’s Catering, Inc.; and Whole Foods Market
  • Silent Auction
  • Popular DJ and 103.5 WGRR personality Rockin’ Ron Schumacher
  • Pre-event wine tasting and meet-and-greet with the stars
  • Open dancing before and after the competition

Event highlights included:

  • An inspiring 20th Anniversary video about the Overture Awards featuring interviews with many of the student competitors.
  • 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.
  • Decked out in a gold lamé disco shirt and black pants, Champion Jay Lame showed his best disco moves with Pro Leigh Bradshaw accompanied by Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff.”
  • Fundraising Champion Jamie Humes and Pro Josh Tilford wowed the audience with expert spins and lifts to a mash-up of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration” and Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Until You Get Enough.”
  • Third-place finisher Conrad Thiede was ‘stayin’ alive’ for an extended Saturday Night Fever solo dance break that whipped the crowd into a ‘night fever’; he and Pro Bonita Brockert danced to an extended medley of hits from the popular disco film.
  • Stephen Beck showed off his ‘worm dance’ moves and ‘70s leisure suit during his routine with Pro Desiree Mainous to the hit song “Disco Inferno.”
  • “Oh, behave, Baby” is what Eric Combs, dressed head to toe as Austin Powers (wig covering his bald head), seemed to be saying to Pro Doreen Beatrice as the pair disco-ed to a medley of the Paul Oakenfold’s “1975” and the Guess Who’s “American Woman.”
  • Casey Hilmer and her Pro Alyenendrov Tsorokean amazed the crowd with a disco routine featuring numerous, jaw-dropping lifts; the pair entered the dance floor with raincoats and umbrellas and performed to Gloria Gaynor’s dance mix of “It’s Raining Men.”
  • In the intro video before their charming disco routine, Pro Jeremy Mainous revealed that Hamilton County Coroner, Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco, thinks Zombies are real and is an A-Type personality who likes to take the lead.
  • One of the night’s best-dressed dance pairs was Dr. Marianna Vardaka in a shimmering and colorful disco body suit and her Pro, Jozsef Parragh, in a ‘70s-inspired outfit complete with wig, sunglasses, and gold chain.
  • An encore dance by last season’s champions Johnny Chu and Doreen Beatrice to James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing” featured Johnny in a James Brown wig performing some of Brown’s best solo moves.
  • Humorous, astute, and supportive comments from the Dancing for the Stars panel of judges.
  • The event had an exceptionally responsive, raucous, and energetic audience, which included large cheering sections holding signs with various messages in support of their favorite Stars.
  • After the competition, the dance floor at the Music Hall Ballroom filled with hundreds of guests who danced the night away to music by DJ Rockin’ Ron from 103.5 WGRR.

Dancing for the Stars 2016 Presenting Sponsor: TriHealth 

Dancing for the Stars 2016 Event Sponsors:  Arthur Murray – Cincinnati, Doreen Beatrice, Bonita Brockert, Cincinnati Ballroom Company, Crest Graphics, Inc., Heidelberg Distributing, Jozsef Parragh, Pebble Creek Group, Phoenix Rising Ballroom, Josh Tilford

Dancing for the Stars 2016 Committee:  Dr. Tracey Skale (co-chair, Dancing for the Stars 2011 winner), Phil Schworer (co-chair, Dancing for the Stars 2009 winner), Christina Bolden, Terry Foster, Sue Gilkey, Jim Howland, Ginger Loftin, and Rosemary Schlachter.

CAA’s OVERTURE AWARDS AND ARTS EDUCTION PROGRAMS
Cincinnati Arts Association’s Education and Community Relations programs promote life-long engagement in the arts, while contributing to individual, organizational, and community success.  With a mission to educate, inspire, and engage the Tri-state region, these accessible arts programs ignite the imagination of students of all ages.

The Overture Awards is one of several programs (which also include Artist on Tour, SchoolTime, Emerging Arts Leaders, and more) that have served more than 1.4 million children and adults since the inception of CAA’s Education and Community Relations programs nearly two decades ago.  CAA is proud of its newest initiative, “Arts in Healing,” that will promote wellness through the arts.

The Overture Awards – the largest locally-run, high school arts scholarship competition in the country – recognizes, encourages, and rewards excellence in the arts among Tri-State students in grades 9-12.  It also provides students an opportunity to share their talents and interests among their peers in a supportive environment outside of their individual schools.

Each year, more than 450 students are nominated by their schools to compete, and this year’s competition awarded $42,000 in scholarships for excellence in Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, and Vocal Music. To date, the Overture Awards has awarded more than $665,000 to support artistically-talented students in pursuit of their dreams.  Now in its 20th year, the Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce program).

For more information about CAA’s Education and Community programs, visit www.cincinnatiarts.org/education-community.

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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