Tag Archives: Cincinnati Arts Association

April 21, 2014 · 5:19 pm

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT with the Mighty Wurlitzer | Thu., May 15 | Music Hall Ballroom

CAA_Thats EntertainmentCINCINNATI, OH – Refresh you musical memory with a selection of classic melodies when The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall (SPMH) presents That’s Entertainment with the Mighty Wurlitzer at Cincinnati’s Music Hall on Thursday, May 15 at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM. The popular theatre organ concert series is presented in cooperation with the Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Organ Society.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center or Music Hall Ticket Office. For groups of ten or more, call (513) 977-4157.

What’s ENTERTAINMENT? … One of the Mighty Wurlitzer series’ most requested “Theater Organist of the Year,” Jelani Eddington; PLUS, a concert of your favorite music from operettas, movies, Broadway, and maybe even TV; PLUS, featured vocalists Adria Caffaro and Joseph Lattanzi from the Cincinnati Opera’s Young Artist program, who will bring back memories of Nelson Eddy & Jeanette McDonald, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, and Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland. Get ready for the ultimate hum-along and smile-along good time…. Now that’s ENTERTAINMENT!

“If you are a fan of great songs from the Golden Age of operettas, film, Broadway, and TV, then you will want to be at the Music Hall Ballroom on May 15th,” said Don Siekmann, SPMH President. “With one of our favorite theatre organists and the fresh vocals from Cincinnati Opera’s Young Artist program, this is sure to be one of our most entertaining Mighty Wurlitzer concerts ever, guaranteed to bring back lots of musical memories and put a big smile on your face!”

The Mighty Wurlitzer
The Mighty Wurlitzer was installed in the ornate Albee Theater on Fountain Square in December 1927 – one of only 2,200 theatre-organs produced at that time to accompany silent feature films. When talkies took over in 1929, the theatre organ was mainly silenced. The Albee organ was donated to the Emery Theater in 1969 (where it played for movies and other events) and was partially rebuilt by the Ohio Valley Organ Club. It was removed from the Emery in 1999 and put into storage.

The leadership at SPMH thought the historic Music Hall Ballroom would be an ideal location for the instrument, and in June 2007, Ronald F. Wehmeier, Inc., Pipe Organ Service in Cincinnati was contacted to completely rebuild and install the Wurlitzer. A donor foundation funded the entire project in the amount of $1.41 million. Only a small number of Wurlitzers of this size still exist, and Cincinnati (the home of the Wurlitzer Company) is one of the few cities in the country to have an instrument of this quality.

The Wurlitzer was expanded in tonal colors and effects, from 19 ranks of pipes to 31 ranks (a rank is made up of 61 pipes, and represents orchestral sounds, such as trumpets, flutes, tubas, strings, etc.). A full array of percussion effects is also present – xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel, chimes, and even a large Steinway grand – all playable from the giant three keyboard and pedal console, decorated in 22-karat gold leaf. Wind for the pipes is provided by a 15 HP high pressure turbine, the electrical switching is controlled by computer, and pipes range in size from 16 feet to the size of a pencil. In addition, the Wurlitzer is now fully computerized, so that it can be played without an organist through a digital input system.

Jelani Eddington
Jelani Eddington is one of the most prominent and sought-after theatre-organists on the concert circuit today. During the course of his concert career, Jelani has been featured at numerous national and regional conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society, and has toured extensively throughout the world, including numerous concert appearances in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. He has also accompanied numerous silent films and appears regularly at film series. In 2007, Jelani accompanied the classic film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, for an international organ festival in Finland on the country’s largest pipe organ.

Jelani has also produced and marketed over 30 theatre organ albums on some of the best-known and most dynamic instruments in the country. In August 2001, the American Theatre Organ Society honored Jelani’s extensive career as a concert and recording organist by naming him the 2001 Theatre Organist of the Year. Jelani retains the distinction of being the youngest-ever recipient of this prestigious honor.

For a full bio, visit Jelani’s website at http://www.rjeproductions.com.

The Corbett Foundation Opera Fusion Program
Funded by a generous grant from The Corbett Foundation, the Opera Fusion program has formalized the exciting partnership between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with collaborative academic programming and enhanced young artist and internship opportunities during Cincinnati Opera’s season. In addition to talented singers such as Adria Caffaro and Joseph Lattanzi, Opera Fusion also includes accompanists, scenic artists, production personnel, and administrative interns, as well as master classes and lectures given by Cincinnati Opera staff at CCM.

That’s Entertainment with the Mighty Wurlitzer Radio Partner: WMKV-FM

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April 17, 2014 · 2:03 pm

Schulte & Bradshaw New DANCING FOR THE STARS Champs

Neal Schulte
and Dance Pro Leigh Bradshaw
Crowned New Dancing for the Stars Champs 

Schulte also named ‘Fundraising Champion’

CAA_Dancing For the StarsCINCINNATI, OH – Neal Schulte (Founder & President, Schulte Financial Group, LLC) and his dance pro Leigh Bradshaw (Cincinnati Ballroom Company) received a near-perfect score of 28 (out of 30), taking first place at the Cincinnati Arts Association’s eighth-annual Dancing for the Stars on Saturday, April 12, at the Music Hall Ballroom. Schulte 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 of more than 800 guests (a new attendance record), the sold-out event raised a record amount in support of CAA’s acclaimed arts education programs, including the Overture Awards – the nation’s largest locally-run high school arts scholarship competition.

Keith Wilson, MD, FACS (Chief of Staff, UC Health) and Desiree Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati) took second place; and Britney Ruby Miller (Director of Operations, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment) and J. Patrick Clements (Step-n-Out Studio) placed third.

The remaining four dance pairs included:

  • Linda Bessey (Faux Painter) and Jeremy Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati)
  • Rick Pawlak (Managing Director, Ultimate Air Shuttle) and Grace de Guia (Dare to Dance)
  • Kay Smith-Yount (Philanthropist; Wife of The Cincinnati Herald Editor-in-Chief, Dan Yount) and Jozsef Parragh (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Christianna Stephens (Philanthropist; CEO, A Lice in Wonderland) and Brian McNamee (Cincinnati Ballroom Company)

Inspired by the hit ABC-TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars 2014 featured seven Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program, at which the audience vote propelled the winners to victory. The competitive dance for the evening was Swing, 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 three competition judges were Douglas Beal (independent dance instructor), Doreen Beatrice (Step-n-Out Studio; Dancing for the Stars 2013 champion), and Dr. Michael Leadbetter (cosmetic surgeon, Plastic Surgery Group; Dancing for the Stars 2012 celebrity alum and Fundraising Champion)

The Dancing for the Stars 2014 Committee: Dr. Tracey Skale (chair, Dancing for the Stars 2011 champ), Phil Schworer, Christina Bolden, Terry Foster, Sue Gilkey, Jim Howland, Ginger Loftin, and Rosemary Schlachter.

Dancing for the Stars 2014 Presenting Sponsor: UC Health

Dancing for the Stars 2014 Event Sponsors: Stock Yards Bank & Trust, Arthur Murray – Cincinnati, Bonita Brockert, Carey Digital, Cincinnati Ballroom Company, Dare to Dance, Heidelberg Distributing, Jozsef Parragh, Pebble Creek Group, and Step-n-Out Studio.

Currently in its eighth year, Dancing for the Stars has become one of the most-anticipated fundraising events of the season. Since the event’s debut in 2007, 57 local celebs have ‘danced for a cause’, and the impressive list of past champions includes: 2007 – Dr. O’dell Owens (President, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; former Hamilton County Coroner); 2008 – Jenell Walton (Reporter, The List; former WCPO-TV9 Anchor and Reporter); 2009 – Phil Schworer (President – Cincinnati Bar Association / Environmental Lawyer); 2010 – Donna Speigel (Owner, The Snooty Fox); 2011 – Dr. Tracey Skale, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services), 2012 – Regina Russo (Director of Marketing and Communications, Cincinnati Art Museum), and 2013 – Chris Seelbach (Cincinnati City Councilman).

In addition, Dancing for the Stars 2014 featured:

  • Dinner-by-the-bite provided by A Catered Affair, Brio Tuscan Grille, Carlo & Johnny, City Barbeque, Eddie Merlot’s, Funky’s Catering, Jeff Thomas Catering, Kroger, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Palomino Restaurant & Bar, Prime 47, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Skyline Chili, The Bliss Factor, Tres Belles Cakes, Valet Coffee, Vonderhaar’s Catering, Inc., and Whole Foods Market.
  • Silent auction
  • The swinging sounds of Sound Body Jazz Orchestra
  • 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:

  • Financial guru and body-builder Neal Schulte scored the night’s only perfect 10 with a dance routine to Great Balls of Fire, complete with a bright-red jacket, a set of push-ups, and impressive choreography with his dance pro Leigh Bradshaw.
  • A West Coast swing tribute to Michael Jackson, featuring a moon walk and a flash mob of more than a dozen dancers, from second-place finishers Dr. Keith Wilson & Desiree Mainous.
  • Third-place winner Britney Ruby Miller showed off her splits and spins in a sailor-attired, spirited swing with partner J. Patrick Clements.
  • This season’s senior celeb, Kay Smith-Yount, graced the dance floor with her inimitable style, elegance, and charm, winning the heart of her dance partner, Jozsef Parragh.
  • Rick Pawlak paid tribute to The Great Gatsby by dancing with not one, but two, lovely ladies, including his dance pro Grace de Guia.
  • Christianna Stephens wowed the audience with her stunning, beaded, form-fitting dress with a fringed skirt and her equally impressive dance moves with pro Brian McNamee.
  • Linda Bessey played hard to get with Jeremy Mainous in a country-themed swing to Toby Keith’s “I Like Girls That Drink Beer.”
  • An encore dance by last season’s champions, Chris Seelbach and Doreen Beatrice, to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
  • Creatively-choreographed and expertly-executed exhibition dances by the Dancing for the Stars pros, including a department-store-mannequin themed cha cha / hip hop routine danced by Grace de Guia & Terri Ann Atkinson.
  • Broadway razzle-dazzle in the showcase performance by 2014 Overture Award dance winner, Lauren Slouffman, who danced to “All That Jazz” from the hit-musical Chicago.
  • Humorous, astute, and supportive comments from the Dancing for the Stars panel of judges.
  • The sold-out event had an exceptionally responsive, raucous, and energetic audience, which included large cheering sections holding signs with various messages.
  • After the competition, the dance floor at the Music Hall Ballroom filled with the evening’s guests who danced the night away to music by DJ Rockin’ Ron from 103.5 WGRR.
  • Emcees Chris & Janeen kept the crowd entertained between the stars’ dance routines.

CAA’s OVERTURE AWARDS AND ARTS EDUCTION PROGRAMS
The Overture Awards Scholarship Competition is the largest locally-run arts scholarship competition in the country. The program annually provides a $3,500 scholarship to six area high school students for education and training, with 18 finalists each winning a $750 scholarship. Each year, more than 450 students are nominated by their schools to compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art or Vocal Music. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Final, and Final.

The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward 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. Now in its 18th year, The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce program).

Since its inception in 1995, the Cincinnati Arts Association’s (CAA) Education and Community Programs have reached more than 1.3 million Tri-state students and have promoted learning through the arts by developing opportunities that are diverse, multi-disciplinary, and accessible to all ages and cultural groups. Through projects with artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions, CAA promotes the arts as an integral part of our community. For more information, visit http://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 more than 600,000 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 7, 2014 · 7:08 pm

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: 40TH ANNIVERSARY | Sun., April 27 | Aronoff Center‏

CAA_Sweet Honey1CINCINNATI, OH –­­ Internationally-renowned a capella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK brings its new 40th Anniversary concert to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 7:00 PM. The event is presented by the Cincinnati Arts Association as part of its 2013-14 Season.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK – 40TH ANNIVERSARY is the group’s most ambitious live performance presentation to date. Helmed by noted Director/Choreographer Dianne McIntyre, this is the first scripted show in the group’s history. The evening will feature medleys comprised of some of SWEET HONEY’s most popular songs, special guest musician/bassist Parker McAllister, and intimate personal stories by each member that will be woven into a retrospective look at their seminal artistic and musical journey (and social justice work) over the past four decades. The ensemble has titled their anniversary year (January 2014 – January 2015), SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK – 40TH ANNIVERSARY…FORTY & FIERCE, and will be celebrating with shows across the country throughout the year.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Group discount tickets for 10 or more are available by calling (513) 977-4157. HALF-PRICE STUDENT RUSH discount tickets are available two hours before curtain (5:00-7:00 PM); limit (2) tickets with a valid student ID.

Challenge and change are the themes underlying the 40-year career of this revered female African-American a cappella ensemble. In the course of creating its adventurous and diverse mixture of blues, African, jazz, gospel, and R&B music, with excursions into symphonic and dance theater, 23 vocalists have passed through the group, formed as a quartet in 1973 at a workshop at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company in Washington. Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, and Mie drew their name from the first song they learned, “Sweet Honey in the Rock,” based on a Biblical psalm. “Sweet Honey speaks of a land that is so rich when you break the rocks open, honey flows. And we thought it was something like us African-American women . . . strong like a rock, but inside [there’s] honey – sweet,” explains Robinson.

With political and social activism as much a cornerstone of its objective as vocally painting a multi-genre rainbow of music with an a cappella (aside from its members’ hand percussion) approach that is part of its African American legacy, SWEET HONEY began performing in 1974 and was soon performing various festivals in the US and Canada. After the 1976 release of its eponymously-titled first album, the group expanded its touring, which included appearances at the 1979 Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts in New York City that became the No Nukes concert film and album. In the summer of 2011, SWEET HONEY and other MUSE musicians (Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills & Nash, et. al.) performed a benefit concert for disaster relief efforts in Japan.

The ever-growing list of SWEET HONEY’s musical and activist achievements since its creation is beyond stunning. The ladies have performed in Nairobi and Beijing at the U.N. World Conference on Women; toured the UK, Japan, Africa, Australia, and various European locations; been the subject of two PBS documentaries (Gotta Make This Journey and SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: Raise Your Voice); recorded film soundtracks; received Grammy® nominations for several of their albums for children; and shared a Grammy® Award for their participation in the multi-artist record Folkways: A Vision Shared – A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. They again honored Guthrie in a Centennial Celebration of his birthday presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in November 2012. The group appeared in a 1986 PBS special, The Dream and the Drum, on the first national observance of Martin Luther King Day, and in early 2012 performed at the unveiling ceremonies for the monument for Dr. King on the National Mall. The same year, SWEET HONEY also debuted their first ever orchestral collaboration, providing the lyrics for composer William Banfield’s “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The backgrounds of the current members of SWEET HONEY are as varied as one would expect. Founder member Carol Maillard, who took a sabbatical from the group between 1976 and 1992, is an accomplished actress and has performed on stage, film, and television. The other founding member, Louise Robinson, returned to the group in 2004 after a 27-year hiatus during which she formed and toured with Bay Area a cappella quintet Street Sounds for 14 years. Aisha Kahlil (the most tenured member of the group at 32 years, joining in 1981) is a master teacher in voice and dance who studied extensively at the Alvin Ailey School. Nitanju Bolade Casel was previously active in studying, performing, and organizing in Dakar, Senegal. Her compositions earned her finalist status in the 2006 and 2007 International Songwriter’s Competition. Her experience producing the Grammy®-nominated Experience . . . 101 was good training for her role as producer of A Tribute – Live! On-stage sign- language interpreter Shirley Childress, who learned sign language from her deaf parents, is a founding member of the Black Deaf Advocates organization. She has interpreted for SWEET HONEY since 1981 and for such stellar authors as Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Audrey Lorde.

For more information, visit SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK at www.sweethoney.com.

PROMOTIONAL PARNTERS

  • Cincinnati Herald
  • Radio One
  • The Voice of Your Customer

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS: AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), FURNITURE FAIR, LOCAL12 WKRC, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

“CAA PRESENTS” SPONSORS: Coldwell Banker/West Shell, Heidelberg Distributing, Macy’s, Ultimate Air Shuttle, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Millennium Hotel, Pepsi, Skyline Chili

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 more than of 600,000 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. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than 1.3 million students.

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March 20, 2014 · 11:35 am

FORTUNE FEIMSTER | Sat., June 21 | Aronoff Center

FORTUNE FEIMSTER
One of the most sought after and electrifying performers in comedy
announces her first theater tour!

CAA_Fortune Feimster

With Sold Out Engagements Nationwide, Nat Promotions presents
Fortune Feimster’s 2014 Theatrical Tour!

Saturday, June 21, 2014
Aronoff Center – Jarson Kaplan Theater

CINCINNATI, OH – Comedy performer Fortune Feimster brings her 2014 Theatrical Tour to the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater for one night only on Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $50, $30, and $20, and are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

Fortune has become one ofthe hottest performers in comedy. A writer and regular on E!’shit talk show Chelsea Lately,Fortune flaunts the sharp, improvisational wit she honed at the world renowned Groundlings Theatre Company. Fortune has since become a staple on prime time television as a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, as well as guest starring on CBS’s 2 Broke Girls and TBS’ Conan. This fall you’ll catch her in her first Comedy Central Stand Up special as well as starring in Tina Fey’s upcoming FOX sitcom Cabot College!

Fortune’s live show is fresh, brilliant and real. She inspires and invigorates, and her raucous energy brings audiences to their feet.See her and rave!

Fortune Feimster’s 2014 Theatrical Tour presented by Nat Promotions begins June 19th at The Battell Center in Mishawaka, IN and will continue to span the US through 2014.

Dates:

  • 6/19: The Battell Center – Mishawaka, IN
  • 6/20: Peter Wege Auditorium – Grand Rapids, MI
  • 6/21: Aronoff Center, Jarson Kaplan Theater – Cincinnati, OH

More dates to be announced soon.

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March 6, 2014 · 6:01 pm

CAA Announces 2014 Overture Award Winners

$34,500 Awarded in Arts Scholarships

CAA_Overture Awards logoCINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Arts Association is pleased to announce the winners of its Overture Awards Scholarship Competition, held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. The competition annually awards $3,500 scholarships to six area students for education and training, with 18 runners-up each winning $750 scholarships.

Students are nominated by their schools and/or private studios to compete in one of six disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art or Vocal Music. The scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the United States and was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tri-state students in grades 9-12. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Final and Final.

2014 OVERTURE AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

CREATIVE WRITING: Zoe Cheng – Walnut Hills High School, grade 11

HOMETOWN: Hyde Park, OH – Zoe has collected awards from national institutions like the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and YoungArts. She owes her current passion to her supportive family and a childhood filled with books. She plans to pursue a screenwriting career, and wishes that her writing always be a reflection of the truth.

DANCE: Lauren Slouffman – Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, grade 10

HOMETOWN: Anderson Township, OH – Lauren has studied dance at Just Off Broadway since the age of three. She has received numerous awards for her dance achievements including being named as an Overture Awards semi-finalist in 2013. She aspires to dance on Broadway and continue to share her love of performing with audiences of all ages.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Joseph Vaz – Practice to Prosper Piano Studio / Sycamore High School, grade 11

HOMETOWN: Blue Ash, OH – Joseph has played the piano for eight years and plans to pursue it in college. He has played at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall and has opened for Sean Chen, Crystal Award Winner at the Van Cliburn Competition. Recently, he won the New Horizons Piano Competition and DePauw University’s Piano Competition.

THEATER: Melissa Campbell – McCready Voice Studio / Wyoming High School, grade 10

HOMETOWN: Wyoming, OH – Melissa has loved singing since she performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for Santa Claus at the age of four. She was introduced to musical theater when she was nine, and has been training and performing ever since. She hopes to major in musical theater in college and make it her profession.

VISUAL ART: Paige Schlosser – Kings High School, grade 12

HOMETOWN: Maineville, OH – Paige’s love of drawing and painting started at an early age, but through a growing digital art program at her school she’s been introduced to digital design, photography, and film. She has loved experimenting with many art forms. Her scope of interest goes all the way from her series in digital collage to taking classes such as woodworking at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Paige says she finds a lot of inspiration in Cincinnati’s local artists. “Cincinnati is developing into more of an arts district. Just from being around and meeting other local artists, I’ve been challenged to develop my art further outside the scope of the small community I’ve grown up in.” She plans on studying documentary film at Columbia College in Chicago starting this fall.

VOCAL MUSIC: James Rootring – Karl Resnik Studio / Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, grade 10

HOMETOWN: Hyde Park, OH – James became interested in vocal performance after attending a CCM Prep musical theater summer camp in 2009. Today, he performs in the Young Artists Professional Program at the Musical Arts Center, his church band, and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s theater, choir, and band. He would like to thank the teaching team at the Musical Arts Center for their expert vocal coaching and encouragement.

 

The Overture Awards Regional Competitions were held on January 11 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Immanuel United Methodist Church (Lakeside Park, KY), Saint Ursula Academy, University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College, and Xavier University. The top 20 percent of competitors in each discipline advanced to the Semi-Finals, which were held at the Aronoff Center on January 17 & 18.

Now in its 18th year, The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation (now Duke Energy) and Leadership Cincinnati (a program of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce). The Overture Awards is funded and administered by the Cincinnati Arts Association, which operates and manages the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. The Overture Awards also relies on hundreds of volunteers from the community who help raise funds, adjudicate and manage the competitions, and nurture the program.

Overture Awards Program Sponsors: Carey Digital; Citi; The Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee; Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Scholarship Sponsors: Arthur Murray – Cincinnati; Doreen Beatrice; Douglas Beal; Bonita Brockert; Cincinnati Ballroom; Dare to Dance; The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation; Jozsef Parragh; Step N Out Studio; Stock Yards Bank & Trust; Summerfair Cincinnati; Western & Southern Financial; The William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation.

Competition Sponsors: Buddy Roger’s Music, Immanuel United Methodist Church (Lakeside Park, KY), St. Ursula Academy, University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash College, Xavier University.

THE 2014 OVERTURE AWARDS FINALISTS
Winners listed in bold.

CREATIVE WRITING

  • Zoe Cheng – Walnut Hills High School, grade 11
  • Katie Hibner – William Mason High School, grade 11
  • Bridget Nicholas – Scott High School, grade 12
  • Rachel Zinck – Mt. Notre Dame High School, grade 11

DANCE

  • Claire Barrington – Northern Cincinnati Youth Ballet (NCYB Dance) / Ohio Virtual Academy, grade 11
  • Ally Garcia – Campbell County High School, grade 12
  • Megan Kernan – Just Off Broadway / Turpin High School, grade 11
  • Lauren Slouffman – Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, grade 10

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

  • Emma Burge – Sycamore High School, grade 10
  • Caroline Gao – Leung Studio / Sycamore High School, grade 10
  • Isabella Geis – Walnut Hills High School, grade 10
  • Joseph Vaz – Practice to Prosper Piano Studio / Sycamore High School, grade 11

THEATER

  • Melissa Campbell – McCready Voice Studio / Wyoming High School, grade 10
  • Eli Davis – Cincinnati Actor’s Studio / School for Creative and Performing Arts, grade 12
  • Keegan Doyle – St. Xavier High School, grade 12
  • Kalie Kaimann – Seton High School, grade 11

VISUAL ART

  • Ruby Brooke – School for Creative and Performing Arts, grade 12
  • Kathryn Holaday – Lakota West High School, grade 12
  • Kyle Perrigo – Lakota East High School, grade 12
  • Paige Schlosser – Kings High School, grade 12

VOCAL MUSIC

  • Mackenzie Jacquemin – Wyoming High School, grade 11
  • James Rootring – Karl Resnik Studio / Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, grade 10
  • Elizabeth Rosenberg – Karl Resnik Studio / Sycamore High School, grade 12
  • Natalie Sheppard – Dixie Heights High School, grade 12

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