NEWS
Welcome to the ICE Age: Economic Impacts of Immigrant Arrests Felt by East Price Hill Small Businesses
With the help of a translator, CityBeat spoke with business owners along Warsaw Avenue and the message was consistent across the board: anxiety is high and business is down.
BY MADELINE FENING
This story is part of CityBeat’s “ICE Age” series about the Trump administration’s crackdown on community members who are undocumented.
East Price Hill has been quiet since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested four men in the Warsaw Avenue Kroger parking lot on Saturday, May 31.
“If you’re white, they’re not going to stop you, but if you’re brown?” said Walter Vasquez, director of Hispanic/ Latino outreach for Bloc Ministries. “It doesn’t matter if you are a citizen or if you are not, you are being a target, thinking that they might be undocumented.”
The arrests were part of a “targeted operation,” according to an ICE spokesperson. President Donald Trump has
charged The Department of Homeland Security with carrying out “the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America,” but Vasquez said Alonzo Mendez is no criminal – he was just stopping at Kroger to get supplies for a birthday party. Like those arrested, Vasquez was stopping by this Kroger on that very morning out of happenstance.
“This beautiful family — it’s really a simple, humble, beautiful family that I know — they were going to a birthday party that would happen at 9 a.m. for a relative,” Vasquez said. “And the relative called them and said, ‘We are short of some items, would you stop at Kroger?’ So that’s when they stopped at Kroger. And then [Mendez] left the car and he said, ‘I’ll be right back. I won’t take a long time.’ So his family stayed in the car.
Vasquez said Mendez’s wife and
two young daughters watched as men dressed in tactical gear stopped her husband as he approached the store entrance. His wife remained in the car, quiet and scared. Then the men approached her car.
“Two guys came to their car and they tried to open the door, and she did not open the door. They told her to open the door, many times, and she did not move. She was, of course, shocked, so they go back to Alonzo — the guy who was arrested — and they took their keys from him. So the officers themselves opened the car, and that’s when they came to question the woman. They told her, ‘Give us all you know, give us your information,’ and she says she remained silent until the fourth attempt. They told her, ‘If you don’t collaborate, we are going to arrest you, too. We are going to take you.’ So that’s when she said her
name and the information.”
Vasquez said the woman told him the agents then took her fingerprints and her photo right there in the parking lot. He suspects they were using the information to look up any outstanding warrants for the mom, which yielded nothing. ICE declined to answer CityBeat’s questions about this arrest or any others carried out in the Warsaw Avenue Kroger parking lot, but a spokesperson for the agency said two of those arrested “had criminal history to include DUI and public intoxication,” and that “all four were illegally present in the United States.”
CityBeat could not find any prior criminal charges of any kind against Alonzo Mendez. Vasquez said he knows the father of three to be a “simple, humble man.”
“He’s a church man, he’s a good man,
Inside the Guatemex grocery store on St Lawrence Avenue, a clerk named Egner told CityBeat he's seen a noticeable drop in customers after the nearby ICE arrests on May 31.
PHOTO: MADELINE FENING
he’s a simple, humble man who I’ve known because of the community,” Vasquez said. “It’s a scary scenario for this family to now be separated, but not know what’s going to happen.”
ICE set a record on June 3 with more than 2,200 arrests in a single day, according to the agency. This comes as senior ICE officials urged officers to “turn the creative knob up to 11” by arresting “collaterals.” These are undocumented immigrants they encounter while serving arrest warrants for others, according to internal agency emails viewed by the Guardian.
U.S. Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH) told CityBeat this level of enforcement isn’t reflective of what Americans want.
“Most people wanted border security and immigration reform, not the chaos and cruelty we’ve seen so far,” Landsman said. “There’s bipartisan support to hire more judges, but they seem to be okay defying court orders and the Constitution. It’s frustrating because of what it’s doing to our communities, but also because there is bipartisan support for real reform and the kind of action that will solve our border and immigration issues.”
Vasquez sees the recent shift in enforcement tactics as more than just an arrest quota: it’s a message.
“They are not going to look for people because they committed a crime,” Vasquez said. “They are just trying to bring more fear and scare the community.”
And it’s working. The arrests at the Warsaw Kroger have sent a chill down the spines of immigrants living in Price Hill, causing many to stop moving about their lives and retreat into their homes for fear they may be next in handcuffs.
With the help of translator Ana Maria of the Cincinnati Language Services Cooperative, CityBeat spoke with business owners along Warsaw Avenue. The businesses were different — a barber shop, a restaurant, two grocery stores — but the message was the same: anxiety is high and business is down.
A walk down Warsaw
David Lopez works at Latinos Barber Shop across the street from the Warsaw Kroger. The shop is normally packed with men waiting for their turn in the barber chair. On June 4, only two customers were inside.
“Not a lot of people came into here Sunday — Monday as well. Not a lot of people came in,” he said. “Everybody’s staying home. I can imagine from like, all the group chats and the talks in the community, and everyone’s still afraid of leaving and getting caught as well.” Lopez has lived in the neighborhood for more than 10 years. He said the
community feels “terrorized” by the weekend’s arrests and wishes people could return to normal life.
“[Don’t] be afraid to go out. Not everyone has had issues with the law in terms of DUIs and things like that,” he said. “The Latino community here, being here over 10 years, there’s never been any issues. If anything, it’s been with the American community that we’ve had issues, but not within the Latino community, there’s never been any problems.”
Down the street is Restaurante y Taquería Valle Verde, a colorful restaurant with a full bar serving street-style tacos, sopas, menudo and more. During CityBeat’s visit, customers populated about a quarter of the available seating. Gelin Blanco works front-of-house at the restaurant. She was taking to-go orders from behind the bar when she spoke to CityBeat about the neighborhood vibe shift following the arrests.
“It’s definitely a little strange mixed in with a little fear,” she told CityBeat through our translator. “That was such a surprise that something like that could happen.”
Like Latinos Barber Shop, she sees a void previously filled by immigrant customers after the arrests.
“There’s a lot of people in the area, like Latinos of all different communities,” she said. “A lot of them come to the restaurant, and with everything going on, that number has diminished because they’re afraid to come out here and get food. And that’s a large part of the people that come here.”
A neighborhood of immigrants
Nancy Sullivan is the director of Transformations CDC, a small organization working with and for immigrants in Price Hill and beyond. She said the neighborhood has a long, rich history for immigrants.
“It’s an area which, for generations, has attracted immigrants because of some formerly affordable housing; it is a very mixed neighborhood,” Nancy said. “There are very old German Price Hill families that are still here, but over generations, they have been Italians, Greeks, they’ve been Irish. I mean, the St. Joseph Cemetery on West 8th Street has the German side and the Irish side. During or right after the Vietnam War, Catholic Charities settled a lot of Vietnamese refugees around the couple of local Catholic churches, so there was a Little Saigon here for a while.”
In more recent decades, Sullivan said most immigrants settling in Price Hill have been from Guatemala.
“Almost all the Guatemalans were here from the same [area of Guatemala],” she said. “There are, depending on whom you speak to, 24-25 different
Mayan dialects. So virtually all the people here speak one of those dialects, which is Mam. And people have a lot of family ties here, even though they haven’t been here for very long.”
According to a 2020 study from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly 20 percent of over 3,100 interviewees migrating in family units from Guatemala identified violence — including death threats, extortion, gang recruitment and domestic violence — as the main reason behind their decision to leave their communities.
Sullivan was attempting to document ICE arrests in another part of Price Hill on May 31 — she also connected with family members of those who were arrested in the Kroger parking lot. She said she spoke to the brother of one of the men who was arrested in the Kroger parking lot; his family left Guatemala to escape targeted death threats.
“They have another brother who was detained in Georgia, and they have stronger-than-most asylum cases because of their grandfather,” Sullivan said. “The man’s father was murdered when he refused to let robbers into a factory, and when they denounced the killers who got out on bond and did not go back to court, they said, ‘We’re going to kill everybody in your family for denouncing us.’”
The fear of being deported back to a country that may be unfamiliar or unsafe is enough to make people think twice about shopping or eating out, said Vasquez, who also lives in the neighborhood.
“That is affecting the livelihood of people,” he said. “That is affecting the livelihood of kids who are U.S. citizens, who are afraid of what would happen to mom.”
Grocery sales dip
Diagonal to Restaurante y Taquería Valle Verde is one of several Guatemex Supermercado locations — a local Hispanic-owned convenience store chain, according to the Cincinnati Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The store had just one customer inside when CityBeat spoke with two men behind the counter — one declined to share his name and one introduced himself as Egner.
“They didn’t really see anything,” Maria translated for CityBeat. “He did hear about some people that were caught over at that restaurant.”
Maria pointed across the street to El Sabor De Mi Tierra, a restaurant sitting on the corner of Warsaw Avenue and St. Lawrence Avenue. CityBeat tried to speak with the front-of-house employees at El Sabor De Mi Tierra, but they declined. The restaurant was empty during lunchtime.
Inside Guatemex, Egner said the
grocery store is also seeing far fewer customers.
“People are afraid to leave since Saturday,” he said. “People are afraid to go outside, to leave their house. Usually it’s very lively here — especially Saturday, Sunday — but since Saturday, it’s been pretty quiet.”
Egner thinks it will take time for customers to feel safe leaving their homes and returning to local businesses; it all depends on ICE.
“So as long as the deportations continue, people are going to continue being afraid of coming [into the store], not knowing if ICE is going to show up and take them. Just like that Saturday, they had no idea that [ICE] was going to show up,” he said.
One employee at another local Hispanic grocery store spoke with CityBeat on the condition of anonymity — he also didn’t want the name of his store published.
“They are nervous, especially everyone here, being Latino, everyone is an immigrant,” Maria interpreted for CityBeat. “Like, they’re just here to find a way forward for their family, to help their family.”
That way forward, the financial side of feeding their family, feels less certain after the arrests at Kroger. Like every immigrant-owned business CityBeat interviewed, this grocery store is uncharacteristically quiet.
“To be honest, it has slowed down greatly since it’s happened,” the man said. “Business has been down. And of course, our people, they’re gonna be scared, not wanting to come outside.”
Shelves with rows of brightly colored snacks, home supplies and toys sit fully stocked, awaiting untouched baskets. A butcher behind the counter waits to commiserate with regulars not seen in days. While everyone in this store speaks Spanish, the clerk told CityBeat that everyone — no matter their race — is welcome to shop and fill the business gap.
“They would ask for everyone to come and support,” Maria interpreted for CityBeat. “There’s no, I would say, prejudice against anyone of any kind; American or not, everyone’s welcome here. All are welcome to come in here and support.”
Beyond shopping at Hispanic-owned businesses, Vasquez offered another piece of advice for people who want to be there for the immigrant community.
“Be a good neighbor; take care of each other,” he said. “We have an expression in Spanish, and it says, ‘Hoy por ti, mañana por mí.’ Which means, ‘Maybe today is for me, but tomorrow might be for you.’ So we want to come and support each other. Because at the end of the day, there are games and plays from politicians; they will be gone, but we stay together as a community.”
Private Firm Praises Evendale Police Handling of Nazi Demonstration, Offers Recommendations
BY MADELINE FENING AND AVERY PADGETT
The city of Evendale has released an independent report examining law enforcement’s response to the Feb. 7 neoNazi demonstration outside Lincoln Heights.
Independent consulting firm 21CP Solutions released their findings on May 28, which largely backed up the officers’ handling of the neo-Nazis and counter-protester backlash.
During this demonstration last February, the neo-Nazi demonstrators were confronted by a group of Lincoln Heights residents as they rushed into a U-Haul after speaking with police. Police officers on the scene repeatedly told the counterprotesters the neo-Nazis were leaving as they attempted to stop the confrontation from escalating, according to body camera footage. Residents protested in the days following, saying officers were protecting the neo-Nazi demonstrators. But the report from 21CP applauded the officers for “displaying excellent deescalation skills.”
“Regarding both the situation involving the demonstrators and the approaching crowd on the Vision Way Overpass, as well as the parking lot where the Jeep was located, the police officers present displayed excellent de-escalation skills,” the report reads. “Without threats or harsh words, and without weapons or force, the officers quelled the chaotic situation by ordering the demonstrators to leave and asking, almost pleading with the community to retreat.”
The report lists recommendations for advanced training for Evendale officers, including training in protest management and crowd control. The firm made several notes regarding a controversial decision from an Evendale officer to instruct the U-Haul truck full of Nazis to pull into an alleyway along the Lockland Educational Annex after the demonstration. The Lockland Schools Board of Education demanded answers after reviewing security footage from the Lockland Educational Annex that shows the officer speaking to the neo-Nazis on school property.
21CP’s report says the officer didn’t know it was school property at the time.
“The EPD Supervisor’s stated reason for stopping at this location was simply that it was close to the exit, it was available, and it looked like an empty alleyway between a
gas station and a church that likely wasn’t having services on a Friday afternoon,” the report reads. “The EPD Supervisor told 21CP that, in his approximately ten years of working in the neighboring jurisdiction of Evendale, he had known that building to be a church and was not aware that it had been renovated and repurposed as a school.”
The report goes on to say the Evendale supervising officer should have notified the Lockland Police Department that he was stopping in their jurisdiction to talk to the neo-Nazi demonstrators.
“This might have offered him some assistance had the follow-up encounter with the demonstrators not been safe – and, more importantly, would have allowed the Lockland officers to realize and react more quickly to the proximity of the school facility,” the report reads. “Stopping at a school to converse with a truck full of armed white supremacists is a mistake, even if good-faith and unintentional, and nothing in this report is intended to take away from that fact. School was set to be dismissed within minutes (at 3:05 PM), and it was mere luck that the demonstrators departed just
before the children emerged from the school.”
While there were no arrests during or after the incident, many residents are still demanding harsher repercussions for the Nazi demonstrators. The firm recommended that the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office “review the traffic codes and determine if any demonstrator actions warrant filing charges.”
“The rule of law must prevail, and persons who engage in outrageous but lawful behavior are protected from governmental action or retaliation,” the report reads. “Conversely, persons that engage in outrageous behavior that causes the risks and chaos that ensured on February 7, 2025, deserve to have their actions reviewed and they deserve to be held accountable under the law if any violations are noted.”
In a previous story about the lack of neo–Nazi arrests during the incident in Lincoln Heights, CityBeat spoke with a legal scholar about why arresting Nazis for being Nazis is so difficult in the United States.
“I think, as a general matter, the Supreme Court has been very permissive toward hateful speech that is likely to offend and even to
deeply offend the general public or particular communities,” said Ryan Thoreson, assistant professor of constitutional law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. “A lot of the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence has been particularly wary of what it calls a hecklers veto, this idea that if an audience strongly disagrees with a message, that they should be able to override the speaker’s right to convey that message, and that applies even when the speech is particularly upsetting to the audience who hears it.” Mayor of Lincoln Heights Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey released a statement today expressing her discontent with the report.
“What is missing from the report – and has been missing all along – is the complete lack of understanding of the impact of the Nazi rally on Lincoln Heights. As a predominantly African-American community, a Nazi rally right on our borders is nothing short of terrifying,” wrote KinseyMumphrey. “I understand that this report only looked at policies and procedures. But what African Americans like me will never understand is why the Nazis were treated with a level of respect and familiarity rarely shown to our community.”
Body camera footage shows one of the unmasked neo-Nazi demonstrators outside the Lockland Educational Annex on Feb. 7.
PHOTO: BODY CAMERA SCREENSHOT VIA EVENDALE POLICE
Whether you’re a lifelong Cincinnatian, a recent resident or just passing through for a long weekend, there’s always something new — or shockingly old — to explore in the Queen City. From skyline views and canoeing trips to drive-in theaters and mystery meat festivals (if you know, you know), this is your ultimate guide to a summer in the 513.
Take a scenic tour of Cincinnati from the skies
Cincinnati is a big city, and sometimes there just isn’t enough time to cover it all in one day. But, with some of Cincinnati’s helicopter tour options, you can enjoy a scenic, bird’s-eye view tour. Stratus Helicopter Tours, operating out of Cincinnati’s historic Lunken Airport, is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon or evening with close friends, family or even with a date. Stratus offers scenic tours, sports fan tours and park view tours — and this year, it’s also offering a Father’s Day tour, all exploring some of Cincinnati’s most well-known landmarks, stadiums and rivers.
Celebrate Cincinnati’s favorite mystery meat at Goettafest
Nothing says “I’m proud to be from Cincinnati” like an appreciation for the German-inspired meat and grain
Rhinegeist’s rooftop
PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER
sausage, goetta, and what better way to celebrate that love than at the annual Glier’s Goettafest? The festival takes place over two weekends, July 24-27 and July 31-Aug. 3, at Newport’s Festival Park on the Levee and features live music, games and all things goetta. No, seriously, the festival features goetta pizza, goetta vending machines, goetta donuts and even goetta fudge, if you’re feeling adventurous. True goetta lovers can also get their photos with the official Glier’s Goetta mascot, the Goetta Guy.
Tailgate with FC Cincinnati group Die Innenstadt
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, firsttime watcher or even a bandwagoner — we don’t judge — you’re guaranteed to be full of FC Cincinnati pride after you celebrate with Die Innenstadt. The group, whose name means “The Inner City,” is the largest independent supporters group for FC Cincinnati. Founded in 2016, the group strives to create a community of FCC fans across Cincinnati neighborhoods and to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcome, no matter your knowledge of sports — just be sure to sport your best orange and blue. Die Innenstadt celebrates each FC Cincinnati match day at OTR Stillhouse, where you can enjoy local craft beers and small bites as well as their famous march to TQL Stadium with flags waving, chanting and singing, all out of love for the home team.
Grab your favorites from Findlay Market and have an afternoon picnic
There’s just something so quintessentially summer about a picnic in your favorite park, and lucky for you, Cincinnati has plenty of perfect options for this summer activity. Head over to Findlay Market and grab your favorites to stock your basket. Whether you’re looking for tacos with the most savory chips and salsa from Mama Lo Hizo, or those classic picnic snacks with a twist from Gibbs Cheese, Findlay Market has all the goods, and we mean all. Cincinnati is also home to dozens of scenic parks, from Devou and Eden Park to Sawyer Point and Stanbery, so no matter what side of town you’re from, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your summer picnic.
Go on a creamy whip crawl
If there’s one thing the Queen City has down pat, it’s ice cream — and summer is the perfect season to explore some of the most well-known seasonal creamy whips and soft-serve novelty shops. Grab your friends, and choose some of your favorite creamy whips — whether you’re a fan of The Cone, The Mt. Washington Creamy Whip, Pendleton Parlor or a good old-fashioned scoop from Graeter’s — and spend the day trying a variety of their offerings. You may head home with the stomach ache of a lifetime, but it will be well worth it. Bonus points if you create a rating system to determine the best creamy whip spot for the summer.
Go kayaking or canoeing down the Little Miami River Trade in screen time for an afternoon on the Little Miami River with one of Cincinnati’s many excursion options for canoeing and kayaking. Scenic River Canoe Excursions, a fan favorite, offers a six and eight-mile option, where you can coast down the Little Miami River and even dock for a swim and a snack along the way. All that paddling definitely works up an appetite, so be sure to stop for a late lunch at Little Miami Brewing Company and treat yourself to a local craft beer and a slice of pizza.
Check out the Newport Aquarium’s new jellyfish exhibition
Need a break from the summer heat? The Newport Aquarium’s new jellyfish exhibit, Jellies: Go With the Flow, is the perfect reason to spend an afternoon with friends and family. The exhibition features an underwater dreamscape with five different jellyfish species. Guests can explore the life cycle of a jellyfish or relax in a cozy lounge surrounded by the magic of the jellies. Tickets are available at newportaquarium.com.
Find your rhythm at Salsa on the Square
You can find your rhythm every Thursday night at Salsa on the Square in Fountain Square. Get your groove on with friends and enjoy the sounds of local and regional Latin bands like The Amador Sisters,
Tropicoso, Latin Beat Project and more. Are you hoping to perfect your salsa moves? Salsa on the Square features large basic and intermediate dance classes, all free of charge. Each Salsa on the Square event takes place from 6-10 p.m., but be sure to come early for happy hour from 4-6 p.m.
Pig out at the Sharonville Root Beer Stand
Craving a little nostalgia this summer? Stop by The Root Beer Stand in Sharonville, where the root beer and good vibes are always flowing. The Root Beer Stand has been a Cincinnati summer tradition and sweet escape for many since it opened in 1957 as an A&W Root Beer Stand. The Cincinnati institution offers anything from chili dogs and hamburgers to refreshing root beer floats and ice cream sundaes.
Get your hands on an order (or two) of the seasonal Skyline Nachos
What’s better than a mouth-watering plate of chips and melted cheese? Adding a generous helping of Skyline Chili to the mix. Since 2024, Skyline has been blessing Cincinnatians with their seasonal Skyline Nachos, featuring crisp chips, white queso and Skyline Chili, topped with that unreplicable Skyline shredded cheese. Feeling extra adventurous? Try the deluxe option, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and sour cream. But act quickly — the nachos are only available for a limited time.
Ziegler Pool
PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER
Spend a magical afternoon at the Krohn Conservatory’s Gothica Botanica butterfly show
The Krohn Conservatory got a gothic makeover this summer, and you don’t want to miss it. Take a few hours out of your afternoon and immerse yourself in the Gothica Botanica butterfly show, featuring shadowy black foliage, deep-hued blooms and iridescent butterflies creating a beautiful fusion of lights and shadows. This new exhibition is on display from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until August, and tickets are available for purchase at cincinnatioh.gov.
Explore one of Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods on a pedal wagon
Ever wondered what it would be like to drink and ride a bike at the same time? Well, you can try your hand at it (sort of) with one of Cincinnati’s pedal wagon rides. Cincinnati’s pedal wagon is a multi-passenger crossover between a bike ride and a party bus, and revelers can choose between a variety of different cruise options in downtown and OTR, and they even offer a two-hour pub crawl before Cincinnati Reds home games. Each pedal wagon is BYOB, and offers 15-, 13- and six-passenger options, so grab your crew and get peddling.
Catch a double feature at one of Cincinnati’s drive-in theaters
Tap into that retro vibe and spend a cool summer evening under the stars with a good movie and maybe one too many concession snacks (but hey, we don’t judge.) Cincinnati is home to a few drive-in theater options to enjoy a vintage-inspired summer evening, including Amelia’s Starlite Drive-In and Holiday Auto Theatre in Hamilton. Each weekend, these drive-ins offer double features of the newest films, and if you’re lucky, even a throwback or two.
Boogie down at a Cincinnati Sunshine Session
Cincinnati is a melting pot of musical talent, spanning jazz and classical to DJs and singer-songwriters. Cincinnati’s Sunshine Sessions are the perfect opportunity to check out some local DJs — free of charge — in some of the city’s coolest outdoor spots. Sunshine Sessions take place on the first Sunday of each month from 2-9 p.m. and typically feature a lineup of four to five local and regional DJs spinning house tracks, EDM, ‘90s-inspired tunes and more. Each Sunshine Session takes place at an outdoor venue, with its most recent held in Washington
Park. This event makes for the perfect Sunday to grab lunch and wind down with some local music after a hectic weekend.
Cool off and get your tan on with friends at Ziegler Pool
Ohio’s stubborn weather is finally giving way to sunshine — perfect for a poolside afternoon at Ziegler Pool in Over-the-Rhine. This public pool, located in Ziegler Park, is open seven days a week. Season passes are available for purchase, allowing unlimited access to the pool’s facilities with no reservations needed. Not a pass holder? Not a problem — Ziegler Pool offers day passes for just $4 — just make sure to reserve your spot.
Try the “9-9-9” challenge — 9 beers and 9 hot dogs in 9 innings — at a Cincinnati Reds game
This daunting yet delicious twist on a Cincinnati Reds game challenges you to complete one beer of your choosing and one hot dog for every inning — so, nine hot dogs and nine beers over the course of the game. It’s a bucket list item for many Cincinnatians, but only a brave few can actually pull it off. Maybe you’ll try a variety of Great American Ball Park’s beer options and experiment with various hot dog toppings, or stick to your old reliable favorites. Lucky enough to make it to the end of the gauntlet? Unfortunately, there’s no trophy (yet),
but you’re certain to go home with a stomach ache and some pretty sweet bragging rights.
Catch a Shakespeare in the Park performance
This summer, pass on the Love is Blind rerun and spend an afternoon watching classic live drama at Shakespeare in the Park. This summer-long event series features free performances from July 11-Aug. 31. This year, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is performing its rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at multiple locations throughout Greater Cincinnati. And the best part? Each Shakespeare in the Park performance is completely free to the public, with no tickets or RSVPs required.
Enter your cottage-core era and pick some berries at Blooms & Berries Farm Market and Garden Center
There’s something so picturesque about putting on your cutest outfit, picking some berries to bring home for a summer treat and taking a million pictures along the way. Lucky for you, you can fulfill your Instagram dreams at Blooms & Berries Farm Market in Loveland. Blooms and Berries offers u-pick hours, which begin in early to mid-July and run through at least Labor Day weekend in September. During u-pick hours, guests can bring containers or use the ones provided to pick from a variety of blackberries and blueberries. If you want to make a day
of it, check out Bloom & Berries Tulip Trail and Petting Farm as well.
Get your Barbie on at the Cincinnati Museum Center
The Barbie movie left a lasting impression on all of us, and honestly, left most of us wanting more. The Cincinnati Museum Center is bringing us just that with Barbie: A Cultural Icon, their newest exhibition, which runs through September. The exhibit explores the history of Barbie chronologically, starting back in the ‘50s, and features over 300 artifacts from the Barbie franchise, behind-the-scenes prototypes and even some of the most infamous Barbie dolls in history. You can step back into your childhood for an afternoon and get tickets at cincymuseum.org.
Sip on a Mango Bubbles ale and chat with friends on the Rhinegeist rooftop
What’s more summer in Cincinnati coded than spending an evening on a rooftop bar? Probably spending an evening on a rooftop bar while sipping on a seasonal Cincinnati beverage, and at Rhinegeist, you can do just that. The local brewery has brought back a fan favorite for the season, Mango Bubbles, a bubbly blend of mango and tropical fruit, and you can sip on one (or three) while overlooking the Queen City on Rhinegeist Brewery’s iconic rooftop. The rooftop often features live music and performances, so keep an eye on Rhinegeist Taproom’s Instagram to plan your visit.
Salsa on the Square at Fountain Square
PHOTO: TY WESSELKAMPER
ARTS & CULTURE
Braided Lives, Tangled Dreams
In Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati brings humor, heat and humanity to a Harlem hair salon.
REVIEW BY RICK PENDER
Ineed to admit that I’m a white guy who knows next to nothing about beauty salons, especially those catering to Black women. But thanks to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s current production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a recent Broadway hit by Jocelyn Bioh, I’ve had a 90-minute lesson in the artistry, socializing and humanity of women who inhabit this unique universe. Bioh’s play is funny, sassy comedy with a great deal of heartfelt contemporary relevance.
Bioh’s swift script runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on a very hot single July day in 2019. The shop is designed by Brian c. Mehring with hot pink walls and a neatly tiled floor. Each stylist’s personal station is decorated to the hilt with the help of Shannon Rae Lutz, including images of elaborate braid patterns. Jaja’s has the air of a business that has flourished due to hard work. It’s stylish, but with a slightly rough edge — starting with the heavy-duty grate at the door on Harlem’s 125th Street, tucked beneath an overpass and framed by a view of buildings with fire escapes. The salon’s cranky air conditioner can barely keep up with the summer heat.
Jaja (Burgess Byrd) is a Senegalese immigrant who has established a successful business. She provides work for a handful of West African immigrants who are independent contractors — they step out onto the sidewalk to negotiate their fees — working in close proximity to one another, sharing stories and spats. Jaja doesn’t appear until late in the show because it’s her wedding day: Wearing an ornate white ensemble, she’s about to embark on a marriage of convenience to a white landlord, her ticket to legal immigration status.
Jaja’s fate affects her daughter Marie (Samantha Russell), a recent high school grad who actually runs the shop. She was the valedictorian of her class and has aspirations for further education. However, her immigration status — she came with Jaja to the U.S. as an infant — is an obstacle. While running the salon, Marie is busy buying supplies, refereeing arguments and fretting about her future.
The competitive relationships between the stylists are always on the brink of explosion, for countless reasons. Veteran Bea (Keisha L. Kemper) is often outspoken about how things should be run and quick to express her dismay when a newer, faster braider from Nigeria lands one of her longtime clients. Bea spends much of her time gossiping and commiserating with charming and opinionated Aminata (Candice Handy), whose wayward husband James (Samuel Stricklen) gives her fits. She is committed to scratch-off lottery tickets, and a modest win sets off a dancing celebration. This pair are often glued to a TV screen showing Nollywood soap operas.
Miriam (Brianna Miller), a softspoken Sierra Leonean braider, has a past, including a child still in Africa and a distant romantic relationship. She slowly reveals details as she works a daylong job of styling for Jennifer (Elexis Selmon), an aspiring African-American
journalist. Bea and Aminata push Jennifer off to Miriam, unwilling to take on the arduous job. Ndidi (Jasimine Bouldin) takes on ambitious styles for clients with high expectations, including Chrissy (A.J. Baldwin), who wants to look like Beyoncé.
Actors Baldwin and Beasley (who uses a singular name) each portray three clients. In addition to the Beyoncé wannabe, Baldwin portrays Michelle, Bea’s former client who gets anxiously caught in the crossfire when she books an appointment with Ndidi, as well as LaNiece, a DJ who likes to eat while she’s being styled. Beasley is hilarious as Vanessa, a rude customer no one wants; stuck with her, Aminata is surprised when Vanessa falls deeply asleep. Beasley also portrays Sheila, a loud-talking businesswoman, and Radia, a one-time high school classmate of Marie.
In addition to Aminata’s useless husband, Stricklen plays an array of distinctly different small-change entrepreneurs who frequent the shop. Franklin is a “sock man,” hawking colorful footwear; charming Olu sells jewelry and has a crush on Ndidi; and Eric, who sells DVDs and keeps his eye out for immigration trouble that might affect them.
This versatile cast is guided with directorial skill by Cincinnati theater veteran Torie Wiggins. She keeps the
action ping-ponging between these vivid women and their hopeful customers. Kemper’s self-centered Bea is a standout, as is Handy’s ebullient Aminata, who keeps things light with dancing and a celebratory toast for Jaja’s wedding. The actors playing multiple roles are especially entertaining, donning an array of wigs designed by Tiara M. Jones and Aniya Williams. Jones is also responsible for the characters’ vibrant attire — especially Aminata’s vibrant orange-green shirt and skirt and Bea’s royal blue dress with African designs, as well as Jaja’s spectacular wedding ensemble.
The play is a satisfying slice of life that Cincinnati audiences might not know. These women work hard to make ends meet, struggling with the constant threat of immigrant enforcement, even more menacing today than in 2019 when the show debuted. But their spirited camaraderie, even in the light of momentary rivalries, reveals deep-seated caring and respect. Bioh’s script takes a dramatic turn at the end that underscores the firm, warm foundation behind these characters’ daily existence. That’s a lesson I’m very glad to have witnessed.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, continues through June 22. More info: ensemblecincinnati.org.
The cast of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Brianna Miller, Elexis Selmon, Samantha Russell, Candice Handy, Keisha L. Kemper) at Ensemble Theatre
PHOTO: RYAN KURTZ
FOOD & DRINK
A Festival That Tastes Like Cincinnati
With classic staples, global flavors and a hint of chaos, the 46th Taste of Cincinnati proved why this city’s food scene is second to none.
REVIEW BY CAROLINE
BECKMAN
You could say Taste of Cincinnati is my Super Bowl. I’ve been preparing for this year’s Taste of Cincinnati since last year’s festival. This year, Taste of Cincinnati celebrated 46 years of tantalizing palates — and quite possibly its biggest and best yet, if the large crowd was any indication.
Taste of Cincinnati offers not just a taste of the city but a taste of the entire world. Nepali, Thai, Syrian, Argentinian, Italian, Nigerian, Jamaican, Mexican, Hawaiian and Creole are just a few of the cuisines represented at Taste of Cincinnati. Decades-old Cincinnati institutions, such as Izzy’s, LaRosa’s and Pompilios, compete for festivalgoers’ attention alongside new additions to the culinary scene like Vintage on Race. Findlay Market even has its own section, featuring current vendors based out of the market, as well as
graduates of Findlay Kitchen. Taste of Cincinnati lives up to its name, representing all that is delicious and delightful about Cincinnati: the diversity, the unique regional charm and the juxtaposition of modern and classic.
Every Memorial Day weekend, Taste of Cincinnati takes over Fifth Street downtown, from Main Street to Columbia Parkway, spilling into the crossing streets. Taste of Cincinnati is the country’s longest-running food festival, and it even has its own food contest every year prior to the actual festival, where voters determine the best dishes offered at the culinary event. I attended all three days of the festival with an empty stomach and a full list of stops. I would recommend going at least twice, to taste as much as you can.
The weather was perfect during the first day of the festival, with a mild
temperature and without a hint of wind or rain. I started with a slice of LaRosa’s cheese pizza ($5).
I then moved on to the Findlay Market section. As a frequent customer of Findlay Market, I was already familiar with most of the offerings, but I was pleased to stumble upon something completely new to me: Rocky’s Home Flavor, a Cameroonian catering company. Cameroon is located in Central Africa and shares a border with Nigeria, and the food served at the Rocky’s Home Flavor booth shared some similarities with Nigerian food, such as the puff-puff ($5), a delicious fried dough snack with a crispy outside and a soft inside. These joyful little treats came with the choice of sweet powdered sugar or a hot sauce option. I went with the powdered sugar, and I wanted to go back and try the hot option, but alas Rocky’s
Home Flavor was only at the festival on Saturday.
I moved on to other tried-and-true Findlay Market offerings: a Singapore empanada from The Empanada’s Box ($6) and a Red Summer Sun from Jane’s Bar ($12). The delicious, gooey Singapore empanada was filled with spinach and mozzarella, and the Red Summer Sun, perfect for a warm day in late May, consisted of El Jimador Blanco tequila, lime, watermelon and jalapeño. As usual, neither vendor disappointed.
Next, onto the food truck section. I first stopped at two of my favorites, MamaBear’s Mac and Twisted Greek. MamaBear’s Mac, as the name suggests, serves mac and cheese. At MamaBear’s Mac, I had the Vermont Cheddar ($6), a delightfully simple concoction of cheddar cheese and panko. (I would return to MamaBear’s Mac on the third day.) I then
Taste of Cincinnati
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/TASTEOFCINCINNATI
went to Twisted Greek, another truck I would return to, and I had the fried cheese hand pie with hot honey ($5), a delicious, creamy, savory take on the tiropita. (The second time I had twisted tater tots with feta and hot honey ($6). I enjoy feta and hot honey, so I liked this, but I preferred the fried cheese hand pie.)
On Sunday, I came in the evening, when it was starting to get even more crowded. I started with the signature cocktail designed for the event, the Cincy Cooler ($10). Made of vodka, cranberry juice and Sprite, it was available at several booths devoted to just that drink.
My first dish of the evening was a plate of party potatoes ($9) from Juniper Seed’s booth in the Findlay Market section, followed by cheese tequeños from Queen Tequeños ($5). Cheese tequeños are a Venezuelan snack reminiscent of mozzarella sticks, which happen to be one of my favorite snacks.
I soon made my way to CC’s Empanadas for another South American cheese snack, the most delicious cheese empanada I’ve had in a long time ($6). Garnished with a delicious garlic sauce and hot sauce, the filling in this empanada had a cheese pull a mile long. (I had to go back for this empanada.) CC’s Empanadas had several creative options, including goetta and lentil, but nothing could top the humble yet spectacular cheese empanada. Taste of Cincinnati is a cheese lover’s paradise; even the vegan cheese used in the party potatoes was delicious.
For dessert, I had cinnamon roll beignets from Maw Maw’s Creole Kitchen ($5). Combining an American classic with a Creole classic, this beignet was a pure delight.
I had to take one last trip to Taste of Cincinnati on Monday, and I started off with a light, tasty chardonnay ($9) from Delicato Family Wines and a red velvet cupcake ($5) from Best of Taste gold medalist The Cheesecakery. The Cheesecakery’s claim to fame is a cupcake made of cheesecake, an absolutely genius idea. (The German Shepherd who tried to steal my cupcake agreed.)
Next, I had a veggie jerk bowl from Jay’s Nyam & Jam ($7). The chicken bowl won a gold medal at Best of Taste, but the veggie bowl was a winner, too. Made with rice and peas, slaw and a special white sauce, this bowl was abundant in flavor, from tangy to spicy.
I got my caffeine fix with a Thai iced coffee ($6) from Lotus Street Food and an ube latte from Ramblin’ Roast ($9). Ramblin’ Roast won a gold medal for best beverage for its lemon vanilla latte, which is probably very good, but that ube latte should have won. The subtle sweetness and bright purple color of ube, a bright purple yam from the Philippines often used in desserts, was made for iced coffee.
Cincinnati’s food scene is expansive, diverse and intriguing, and Taste of Cincinnati is just the tip of the iceberg. Even in three days, I couldn’t fit everything in. Oh well — there’s always next year.
The twisted tater tots from Twisted Greek
PHOTO: CAROLINE BECKMAN
MUSIC
The Sounds of Summer
We’ve curated the perfect summer soundtrack — all by Cincinnati musicians.
BY BRENT STROUD
Summer is one of the most freeing times of the year — a time of transformation and when fun really begins. CityBeat has put together a playlist of Cincinnati summer sounds from local artists to help you soak up the magic of the season.
It’s safe to say there’s something for everyone on this playlist of Cincinnati artists — spanning just about every genre imaginable and reflecting the rich, diverse culture that surrounds the city’s music scene. If you’re checking out this list, chances are you’re already curious, but consider it your invitation to discover new sounds, plan a night out, and immerse yourself in all the good times the Queen City’s creative community has to offer.
Hopefully, you find something you play over and over again, show a friend or fall in love with. Maybe it’ll even help put a soundtrack to some summer memories. These are just a few of the songs — 15, to be exact — from Cincinnati artists that represent the Queen City’s music scene right now.
“Western Front” by Motorbike
There’s no better way to start things off than with a song from local supergroup Motorbike, featuring members of Vacation, Tweens and The Drin, among others. “Western Front,” from the band’s second record, Kick It Over, sounds like an engine turning over and firing right up — a perfect beginning for jumping into the car and getting things started. Rev it and turn it up loud.
“Lucky You” by Lung
Recently released as a single from the local duo’s fifth full-length album, Swankeeper — which came out at the end of May on Feel It Records — “Lucky You” showcases the band’s
signature sound. The track pairs melody-rich vocals from classically trained musician Kate Wakefield with the driving, tension-filled rhythm of her distorted cello and drummer Daisy Caplan. The two ends of the spectrum work almost in competition but somehow complement each other.
“Springtime” by Knotts
This sunny track incorporates elements of neo-soul and synth-pop to create a mood-inducing, atmospheric feeling of spring and new chapters. Driven by the vocal delivery of Adalia Boehne, along with an overall inventive and textured arrangement, the track is perfect for sunny drives on a summer day.
“Bubble Pop” by Bootsy Collins
From Bootsy Collins’ well-received recent release, Album of the Year #1 Funkateer, “Bubble Pop” is a vivacious and — no pun intended — bubbly three-plus minutes of layered hooks, signature Bootsy vocals and bass with groove and atmosphere to spare. The track features pop singer FANTAAZMA, who helps drive the song to new heights, along with a verse from rap legend Ice Cube who throws in a nice Cincinnati mention. “Bubble Pop” is the perfect track for a summer day cruise or get-together.
“Sunsets”
by GrandAce
“Sunsets” sets the tone from the start with its free-flowing feel and atmospheric, forward-driving groove. “These songs were written with the summer in mind!” according to GrandAce, so you know it’s certified for summer playlists.
“Bus” by BPA
From the anticipated second edition of the Cincinnati punk history compilation — We Were Living in Cincinnati, Volume 2: 1982–88 — curated by author and musician Peter Aaron, this 1983 track shows just how in step Cincinnati was with the most inventive edges of the punk movement, even in its early days. It also reveals how refreshingly out of step the city could be with the mainstream pop norm.
“Cemetery” by Isabelle Helle and The Hell’s Bells
Female-fronted garage punk outfit
Isabelle Helle and The Hell’s Bells have been a consistent contributor to Cincinnati rock and roll in one form or another for some time, creating music of considerable quality, as you can tell from this track from the band’s
upcoming full-length album, Black Cat Rodeo. “Cemetary” is a dark-toned, moody and explosive tale of revenge that displays bandleader Izzi Krombholz’s perfectly-toned vocal and succinct punk songwriting, but gives all four members a chance to shine.
“Maybe Time’s Not in a Bottle Anymore” by Maria, Etc.
Local singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and educator Maria Keck just released her second full-length effort, this time under the name Maria, Etc. “Maybe Time’s Not in a Bottle Anymore,” the title track from the album of the same name, is moody and spare with tasteful and rich accents of saxophone played by Ziaire Trinidad Sherman, which complement Keck’s velvet smooth, emotive vocal. The song possesses an almost classic jazz feel while also maintaining a contemporary appeal. The arrangement, delivery and subtleties from both Keck and Sherman create something very fresh and new.
“Appendicitis” by Fruit LoOops
Fruit LoOops’ newest release, Everything is Clear to Me Now , continues the band’s descent into art punk madness with a cacophony of sound and anti-melody barely held together by frenetic vocals, heavily compressed percussion and a feeling of immediacy. The band is as explosive and free as ever.
“Garden Groove” by Victoria Lekson
Harpist Victoria Lekson has made a name for herself, collaborating with artists like singer-songwriter Jess Lamb and Sherman, improvising with touring acts at shows and creating original compositions like this ethereal, meditative piece that touches on jazz. The track features local jazz musicians Tom Buckley on drums and Justin Dawson on bass who fill out the recording, adding its dreamy, late summer afternoon feel.
“Joke in the Shadow” by Gentle Leader XIV
“Joke in the Shadow” is the title song from the band’s newest album, released on Feel It Records in the spring. Gentle Leader XIV takes the best parts of ‘80s-era synth-pop, as well as its darker side with some added subversion, for a catchy, hook-heavy and danceable result that still feels like it has something more mysterious below the surface.
“Slump” by KAE Savage
KAE Savage has been consistently releasing an interesting variety of music over the last few years, in contrast to this song’s title. “Slump” touches on his more psychedelic side, with wide open echo chamber vocals, perhaps inspired in part by the vocal refrain, driving percussion and guitar in “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes and Brasil ‘66. The video adds a nice touch, too.
“JUDECCA” by Sappha
Sappha has been a major contributor to local music in recent months, performing at festivals, collaborating with other artists and fronting her other project Mall Witch, as well as putting out several solo releases. “JUDECCA,” released as a single at the beginning of June, features her bold, glitchedout production that adds a metallic sheen to the song’s already electro-pop feel, acting as a base for her almost whispered vocals that rise and fall with intensity, often getting caught, dismantled and reorchestrated in the song’s varied textures.
“Shadows” by Sungaze
This wall of shoegaze sound was released mid-May and features guitarist Ian Hilvert on lead vocal with the band’s other vocalist, Ivory Snow, providing a soft bed of harmony throughout. The band is on tour throughout the summer, but returning home for the Rock and Roll Carnival on July 4.
“Chasing Ghosts” by Ben Tweedt
This contemplative, varied composition by Ben Tweedt from his summer release Life Cycle, out June 13, takes several turns after exploding but always comes back to its original, moody core. The track features Tweedt on piano, Justin Dawson on bass and Tom Buckley on drums. Tweedt will be playing a handful of dates in the area in July to support the record.
SOUND ADVICE
THE WALLFLOWERS
June 15 • Bogart’s The Wallflowers, widely acclaimed for their 1996 album Bringing Down the Horse, are set to perform at Bogart’s this June. Jakob Dylan — the band’s principal songwriter and only constant member — has stayed busy in the years since. A string of successful Wallflowers albums was followed by three solo records, one of which, Echo in the Canyon, the soundtrack to the documentary film of the same name, features collaborations with artists as diverse as Beck, Norah Jones and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age on covers of songs by classic Laurel Canyon artists like the Byrds.
The Wallflowers formed in the early ‘90s and released their self-titled debut in 1992 to modest sales. It wasn’t until the release of their second album, 1996’s Bringing Down the Horse, that they really caught the attention of the music world. Yet becoming a musician wasn’t always the path Jakob Dylan envisioned for himself. Seeking both self-discovery and distance from the towering legacy of his father — arguably one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, Bob Dylan — Jakob Dylan spent his early twenties in New York City studying painting at Parsons School of Design. Still, the family trade ultimately proved too strong an influence, and after teaming up with a few childhood friends to serve as a backing band, the Wallflowers were formed. Jakob Dylan’s songwriting has evolved since the early ‘90s and has
seen him embracing pop, country, alternative and at times even hard rock. Early in his career, Jakob Dylan shied away from comparisons to his famous father, but those days have long since passed. He’s emerged as a confident and talented songwriter, having long since shrugged off his father’s shadow to step into his own light.
The Wallflowers play Bogart’s on June 15 at 7 p.m. More info: bogarts.com.
(Derek Kalback)
THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND
June
17 • Riverfront Live
After a brief hiatus to explore solo projects, the Allman Betts Band is returning to the stage with its signature blend of soulful country rock at Riverfront Live this June. Formed in 2018 by three sons of the Allman Brothers Band members — Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman), Duane
Betts (son of Dickey Betts) and Berry Duane Oakley (son of Berry Oakley)
— the Allman Betts Band has released two critically acclaimed records, Down to the River (2019) and Bless Your Heart (2020).
For those who grew up on classic Allman Brothers records like Eat a Peach and At Fillmore East, the Allman Betts band picks up where the originals left off, following the passing of founding members Butch Trucks, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Songs such as “Magnolia Road” from Bless Your Heart are a refreshing departure from the formulaic trends dominating mainstream country radio.
The band doesn’t consist of all Allman offspring, though. After the passing of original drummer R. Scott Bryan in 2023, the band recruited Alex Orbison, son of the legendary Roy Orbison, to play drums alongside second drummer John Lum. Apart from a handful of reunion concerts with various iterations of the original lineup, the Allman Brothers Band effectively called it quits in 2014. And though the Allman Brothers band may be irreplaceable, the Allman Betts Band is doing its best to keep the legacy alive while putting its own unique spin on timeless American music.
Guitarists Devon Allman and Duane Betts have perfected the clean tones and serpentine soloing of Berry Oakley and Dickey Betts while staying true to their own visions. At times, with Duane Betts on lead guitar or keyboardist John Ginty doing his best Gregg Allman impression, a listener might assume they’re hearing an unreleased track from, say, Brothers
The Allman Betts Band PHOTO: RON VALLE
Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers PHOTO: ANDREW SLATER
and Sisters. But then there are songs like “Pale Horse Rider” that feel miles away from the Allman Brothers Band. Fueled by heavy distortion, anthemic choruses reminiscent of My Morning Jacket and moody minor chords, the Allman Betts Band proves it isn’t content to rest on its fathers’ laurels.
The Allman Betts Band plays Riverfront Live on June 17 at 7 p.m. More info: riverfrontlivecincy.com. (DK)
JAMES ARTHUR
June 20 • Andrew J Brady Music Center
James Arthur’s claim to fame came after winning the ninth season of The X Factor in 2012. Born in Middlesbrough — a town in North Yorkshire, England — Arthur’s X Factor win gained him significant success in the U.K. His winning performance, a powerful and dramatic rendition of Shontelle’s “Impossible,” left a lasting impression as it became the fastestselling single from an X Factor winner at the time and topped charts in the U.K., Ireland and Greece upon its release.
“Say You Won’t Let Go,” one of the artist’s biggest hits that came from his second studio album Back from the Edge, peaked at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart for three weeks and reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2016. Arthur’s blending of pop, soul, rock and indie influences, combined with the emotional storytelling within the lyrics of his music,
Arthur brings listeners along on an introspective journey through the lens of his astrological sign. Pisces are known for being imaginative, sensitive and creative — traits he leans into throughout the album in an extremely personal way. Songs like “ADHD,” “Celebrate,” “Embers” and “Karaoke,” take on an ethereal sound, composed of softer, more intimate musical elements that create a dreamlike listening experience. The album’s introspective nature only enhances the singersongwriter’s passionate and emotionally moving live performances, where fans can experience the vulnerability behind the music in an uninhibited fashion.
James Arthur plays the Andrew J Brady Music Center at 7:30 p.m. on June 20. More info: bradymusiccenter. com. (Alanna Marshall)
JASON ISBELL
June 21 and 22 • Andrew J Brady Music Center
400 Unit — follows the 2024 dissolution of his marriage to Amanda Shires. It makes sense that it’s just Jason and his acoustic guitar this time out on 11 songs that don’t shy away from messy personal matters. “Eileen” sounds as if Isbell is talking directly to Shires: “Eileen, you should have seen this coming sooner/Do I mean to be alone for all my days?/Eileen, you thought the truth was just a rumor/But that’s just your way.” And moments later, “My own behavior was a shock to me/I never thought I’d have the nerve.” He’s done her wrong, and now it’s a song.
“When you’re being this open and this vulnerable, there’s something about doing it alone,” Isbell said in a recent interview with Spin. “Even though you know that the results are going to get broadcast to everybody, there’s something about sitting with a guitar and singing a song that makes sense to me when it’s this personal.”
is what fans of the singer-songwriter have resonated with throughout his career. This talent for emotional storytelling can be found in songs like “Train Wreck,” “Car’s Outside” and even “Rewrite the Stars,” which he sang with Anne-Marie, that appeared on The Greatest Showman: Reimagined soundtrack.
With the recent release of his sixth studio album, PISCES, on April 25,
It’s been a curious ride for Jason Isbell. In some ways, the Alabama native is a throwback to a different era, a singersongwriter intent on getting to the truth through words both simple and uncommonly illustrative. His voice is matter-of-fact in a way that somehow heightens the so-called authenticity of his songs. He’s not trying to be something he isn’t. He’s also cool working within a tradition — using the power of song to get past his demons and work out this thing called life.
Isbell’s latest collection of songs, Foxes in the Snow — his first solo effort in 10 years without the backing of the
“Good While It Lasted” again seems drawn directly from Isbell’s own experience when he says, “Went so deep, a lucky young man’s dream/And the last time I tried this sober, I was 17.” And then, “I feel like a boy who got caught bein’ bad/And it was good while it lasted.”
There are two ways to see that last bit: Being bad was good while it lasted? Or is he referring to the previous relationship? It doesn’t really matter in the end — these universal songs transcend the specific circumstances of their inspiration.
Jason Isbell plays the Andrew J Brady Music Center on June 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. More info: bradymusiccenter. com. (Jason Gargano)
James Arthur
PHOTO: HARALD KRICHEL
Jason Isbell
PHOTO: CHRISTY BUSH
14.
MOST SIDE-SPLITTING
BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY WWW.BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM
39. “That’s a good question ...” 40. Gambler’s wager
41. Chair named for its designers
42. Most baggy farming students?
45. Christmas decoration
46. Network slowdown
47. Most happy skateboard tricks?
55. Locale
56. Garbage ship
57. Creature that can jump ten times its height
59. Left
60. Decorate
61. All cleaned up
62. Not good, but not bad
63. Music producer Angélil
64. Phishing email, e.g.
36. Tent covering
37. Sagal of “Futurama”
38. Richard of “I’m Not There”
Down
1. Peach emoji, e.g.
2. Hitting sound
3. Tux the penguin, to Lunix
4. Made air tight
5. Programmer’s work
6. Difficult problem
7. Messy sandwich
8. Contract writer
9. World leader on the rupee
10. Berry in some poke bowls
11. Exist
12. Breyers rival
14. Augusta’s home
20. “What are you waiting for!”
21. “That’s no way to treat a ___!”
24. Seeing
25. Mosque leaders
26. ___ McCorvey (“Roe” of “Roe v. Wade”)
27. It may be thrown in contempt
28. Some reusable bags
29. Inactive
30. Fragrant resin used in incense
31. “Yes ___!” (“You betcha”)
35. Not as much
37. Magnet strip hanging on a kitchen wall
38. Fart spray and Groucho glasses, for two
40. Aptly-named citrus fruit
41. Equal in Paris (and an anagram of 9-Across)
43. Trattoria treat
44. Actor Covert of the “Happy Gilmore” films
47. Spielberg film set in Amity Island
48. Ice cream flavor
49. Optical sensor part
50. “Smooth Operator” singer
51. 1982 cyber-punk movie
52. Green baddie
53. “Fast Food Nation” author Schlosser
54. Movie drink
58. Where you might do the heavy lifting LAST PUZZLE’S ANSWERS:
