2023 Friends of Music Hall Annual Report

Have you seen the scale model of Music Hall made entirely of botanical materials? It was funded by the Friends of Music Hall and assembled by Applied Imagination of Alexandria, Kentucky, to add to Krohn Conservatory’s annual holiday show with models of our city’s most recognizable buildings. It was also on display in the Music Hall Ballroom during the BLINK light festival and has returned for several special events.

Looking at that beautiful and exquisitely detailed model reminds me how easy it is to compare Music Hall to some of Europe’s iconic works of architecture from the same era — including London’s Royal Albert Hall and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. FMH is exploring a project to add architectural lighting to highlight Music Hall’s beautiful historic façades, designed by Samuel Hannaford.

We were saddened this year by the passing of FMH board member Karen McKim in April. She served on the board from 2000 until 2018, although she was involved with the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall several years earlier in her role as executive director of the Corbett Foundation, the principal funder of our organization’s preservation activities. Karen was our recording secretary from 2001 until her retirement, seldom missing a board meeting.

Lisa Allison, a senior executive with Kroger, joined the board in 2009 and, in 2015, began leading the communications and marketing committee, overseeing advertising, promotion and social media, including the rebranding evolution from the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall to the Friends of Music Hall. Lisa is stepping down from the board after 14 years of dedicated service, for which we are eternally grateful.

2023 Annual Report LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

FMH is principally dedicated to the historic preservation of our city’s greatest architectural icon. Much of our efforts happen in close partnership with the Cincinnati Arts Association. This year CAA managed a significant exterior tuckpointing project to ensure the protection of the hall against moisture intrusion. FMH also works closely with the Music Hall Revitalization Corporation, which led the building’s remarkable renovation in 2016-2017.

The FMH Board of Directors has been hard at work again this year, including activities undertaken by a new committee focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. FMH already has a commendable record — from adding more diversity to our board, offering tours and presentations by our many dedicated guides focused on women and musicians of color who performed here, and presenting Wurlitzer concerts with diverse singers and emcees to creating outreach to inner-city schools and producing videos for social media about prize fighter Ezzard Charles (who boxed in the North Hall’s arena in the 1940s) and Fountain Lewis (Reuben Springer’s barber who contributed to Music Hall’s 1878 construction). In this report you’ll find more about the work of each FMH committee.

If you are a member, I thank you for your support. If not, please consider joining our ranks to help us preserve, improve, promote and educate about Music Hall. I hope to see you soon at one of our events!

Peter E. Koenig, President

Friends of Music Hall BOARD MEMBERS

Describing what they treasure most about Music Hall

LISA ALLISON • I most treasure Music Hall’s magnificent facade. From my office view in the Kroger building, to walks through OTR, Luminosity and BLINK, her grand presence takes center stage.

PATRICIA BITTNER • I treasure the restored finials, broken or missing for many decades. It is great to see them back on the building as Hannaford intended.

HOLLY BRIANS RAGUSA • I treasure the living history we continue to discover. This iconic structure has contained the hearts and voices of families, organizations, fantastic performers, influential thinkers and innovators, and just like us, is always capable of making room for even more.

JOANNE GRUETER • I most treasure CAA’s staff — the awesome people who bring events to Music Hall and the amazing individuals who oversee and maintain the structure.

CYNTHIA KHOO-ROBINSON • The restoration and preservation of Music Hall have been remarkable. I cherish the dedication and efforts put into maintaining this architectural gem for future generations to enjoy.

KENNETH KREIDER • I treasure the fact that this is the People’s Hall, built by a community of immigrant citizens for the Sangerfest community choral groups, that is still today a great gathering place for Cincinnati.

Friends of Music Hall VOLUNTEERS

QUIERA LEVY-SMITH • My penchant for “bling” really appreciates the crystal chandelier. Sitting in the gallery, one feels you can almost reach and touch it. Gorgeous architectural jewelry.

ALEK LUCKE • I love the mural above the main chandelier — there’s few better feelings than sitting for a show and gazing up at the ceiling like generations before.

JENIFER MOORE • I treasure the historical significance and architecture of Music Hall, where residents and tourists have had the opportunity to experience life-changing performances. The foyer is a favorite of mine with its opulent marble flooring.

YEMI OYEDIRAN • The thing I treasure the most about Music Hall are the opportunities it provides to create foundational memories with my closest friends and family.

RICK PENDER • I love Cincinnati Opera’s fourth-floor Garret, carved out of some attic space in the North Hall, an adaptable, intimate venue for meetings, events and even small performances.

CHRIS PINELO • I treasure so much of Music Hall and have so many memories as an audience member, performer, and staffer, but since the Grand Foyer is where I married my beautiful wife in 2008, that has to be the winner!

LYNNE RECKMAN • I loved hearing Dwight Parry, CSO principal oboist, play “Gabriel’s Oboe” as an encore in Springer Auditorium two seasons ago. His playing was exquisitely moving.

ED RIDER • I most treasure the organ screen wood carvings that FMH has been able to reassemble and restore. The skill of the women carvers is truly inspiring.

NICOLE ROBERTS • I most treasure the windows of Music Hall as the symbolism within has so many stories to tell, past, present and future.

CAROL SAMPSON • Every time I look at Music Hall, the Victorian Gothic architecture mesmerizes me. Its church-like feeling makes me feel cared for when the world seems out of touch.

SCOTT SANTANGELO • Music Hall is a time machine connecting Cincinnati’s past, present and future. The dedication of generations who have kept it going is the real treasure.

ROSEMARY SCHLACHTER • The legacy of all the souls of past brilliant performers and audiences embraces me when I am nearly alone in the vastness of our beloved Music Hall.

KELLEY BRANDSTETTER TRACY • I treasure having Music Hall out my bedroom window as a majestic welcome to each new day and a friendly neighbor to bid adieu each night.

ADVISORY COUNCIL • Meredith Downton, Ken Jones, Phillip Long, Linda Siekmann and Ron Wehmeier

KATHY WADE • Learning Through Art, Inc. presented seven Crown Jewels of Jazz® Galas in the ballroom. Perfect cabaret setting for each one, especially the legendary Eartha Kitt. Priceless!

MARK WEADICK • I surely enjoy the renovated Music Hall. It makes for an even more enjoyable experience!

HISTORIAN, THEA TJEPKEMA • I adore the exquisite intimate details seen throughout Music Hall — birds, oak and laurel leaves, flowers, and musical instruments — depicted in carved sandstone, plaster, iron, and paint crafted by artisans nearly 150 years ago that still resonate with us today.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDY ROSEN • The beauty of the checkerboard floor in the foyer never fails to take my breath away. I treasure knowing that it’s been there since 1878 and will continue to be cared for by the Friends of Music Hall.

JESSICA KOVACH • Music Hall is such an enchanting place to work and play! I’ll always treasure the feeling of connection between audience and orchestra in Springer Auditorium. It’s like magic!

PRESIDENT, PETER KOENIG • Every time I look at the façade, I treasure the bricks. They embody our mission to preserve, promote, improve, and provide education about Music Hall.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2023 VOLUNTEERS!

Ekkehard Bohme

Alan Bunker

Mary Bunker

Steve Carlson

Patti Cruse

Carol DeGreg

Feriel Feldman

Al Geiser

Sandra Geiser

Barbara Gomes

Cliff Goosmann

Ray Grothaus

GayleyHautzenroeder

Ron Hoffman

Linda Kiefer

Carol Kruse

David Lane

Sandra Lett

Judy Martin

Denise McLinden

Jim Milner

Becky Moeggenberg

Sue Monteith

Joyce Oehler

Dale Pepper

Tracy Price

Mike Ranieri

Lynne Reckman

Addie Renne

Melanie Sandy

Jo Stojack

Paul Swisshelm

Thea Tjepkema

Fred Warren

Rosanne Wetzel

Winsome Wilson

Tom Ziegler

Interested in Cincinnati history, architecture and music? Seeking a rewarding volunteer experience that fits your schedule? Help us preserve the past and cherish the future! Become a Friends of Music Hall volunteer and share your enthusiasm for Cincinnati Music Hall with others. Call 513.744.3293 or email MusicHallTour@FriendsofMusicHall.org

Committee Report CAPITAL PROJECTS

EXPLORING NEW PROJECTS

The committee over the last year has explored several new projects that will continue to bring back the beauty of Music Hall and enhance its features.

In May 2023, FMH funded an inspection of the 1878 stone floor in the Edyth B. Lindner Grand Foyer. Historic stone conservator Frederick Hueston of Stone Forensics, Inc., made recommendations on how to restore damaged sections and how to care for the floor in the future. He suggested that the restoration work be undertaken by expert stone restorers from a company in Charlotte, N.C. A cost estimate is expected.

The original doors on the second floor balcony level that lead to the open porch overlooking the entrance to Music Hall

have deteriorated. FMH is working with Riverside Woodworking from Cincinnati on a plan to repair the doors and return original molding to both the exterior and interior of these doors.

The committee is beginning to explore how the exterior lighting of the front and rear façades might be enhanced to showcase

Music Hall’s architectural features. Such lighting has beautified historic buildings across the United States and Europe.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ed Rider, Patricia Bittner, Ken Jones, Chris Pinelo, Scott Santangleo, and Thea Tjepkema.

Report By Ed Rider, Chair

Above: Balcony doors on Music Hall’s Elm Street façade

Left: Edyth B. Lindner Grand Foyer

Committee Report TOURS, TALKS, EDUCATION & OUTREACH

RENEWING OUR FOCUS

During 2022-2023 the committee renewed its focus on group tours and special event tours. These included the first-ever Beer Tour, a smashing success that sold out in short order, and is a collaboration with Rhinegeist Brewery. (It was originally planned for the second week of March

Music Hall tour for Mother’s Day, Music Hall Classical Pride tour in June, and the ever-popular Ghost Tours. In addition, a children’s tour for younger audiences was developed by Linda Kiefer, Lynne Reckman, and Becky Moeggenberg and continues to be a popular offering. The curriculum satisfies several Ohio Learning Standards including Fine Arts and Music.

Many outreach talks were presented to local civic and religious groups including the Cincinnati MacDowell Society, Epiphany UMC, and Northern Hills Synagogue. Outreach topics include “Muses: the Women of Music Hall” and “Under One Roof: the African American Experience in Music Hall.”

2020 when Ohio’s Covid lockdown was imposed.) Several other themed tours have been offered: a sold-out Mums, Mom and

FMH’s dedicated cadre of tour guides added several new, enthusiastic guides to the

team, now with 37 volunteers. In addition to educating Music Hall visitors about the history of the building, these volunteers staffed Mighty Wurlitzer concerts, City Flea in Washington Park, October’s BLINK festival, and other events that brought the public into Music Hall. The excitement of telling stories to first-time visitors motivates these faithful volunteers and illustrates the appeal of Music Hall to people of all walks of life.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ken Krieder, Holly Brians Ragusa, Meredith Downton, LInda Kiefer, Quiera Levy-Smith, Yemi Oyediran, Rick Pender, Lynne Reckman, Carol Sampson, Scott Santangelo, and Thea Tjepkema.

Report By Ken Krieder, Chair

Thea Tjepkema leading an outdoor tour.

Mums, Mom and Music Hall Tour

Committee Report DEVELOPMENT

We celebrate more than 200 FMH members who contributed nearly $80,000 to preserve and promote Music Hall. They are deeply appreciated, not only by the thousands who enjoy Music Hall today but by many generations to come.

In recognition of their generosity, members at the Hannaford Circle level and above enjoyed a special thank-you event, a reception on October 14, 2022, before evening street tours of the BLINK light festival’s illumination wonders. The ballroom offered its own light show with music by Mighty Wurlitzer organist Trent Sims. Behind-the-scenes tours of the Wurlitzer were guided by Ron Wehmeier.

On Dec. 2, 2022, guests reveled at Krohn Conservatory, where the newly crafted

botanical model of Music Hall was displayed. Members and guests enjoyed dinner, libations and music by Cheryl Renee, “Goddess of the Blues.”

Generous donors also attended a preconcert reception on April 13, 2023, before organist Clark Wilson played the Mighty Wurlitzer to accompany several short silent films by Laurel and Hardy. Ron Wehmeier gave more tours, and all enjoyed Marvin Smith’s (Ollie’s Trolley) dinner-by-the-bite.

Cincinnati’s extraordinary landmark inspires both pleasure and pride among all who treasure the arts. Member support is deeply appreciated, enabling our efforts to preserve, engage and celebrate our beloved Music Hall.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Rosemary Schlachter, Holly Brians Ragusa, Cynthia Khoo-Robinson, Phillip Long, and Alek Lucke.

Report By Rosemary Schlachter, Chair

Guests attending the unveiling of Music Hall botanical model at Krohn Conservatory.

Committee Report WURLITZER EVENTS

In June 2022, Wurlitzer Committee Chair Holly Brians Ragusa spearheaded a specific committee to fully address the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ in a more comprehensive way and tasked members with four branches of support: budget, maintenance, marketing and programming. The committee meets quarterly to discuss these areas of opportunity and preservation for the organ.

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer concert on December 9, 2022, was a festive, sold-out event with Mark Herman on the console, Kyle Inskeep from Local 12/WKRC as emcee, and dancers from the Otto M. Budig Cincinnati Ballet Academy. Also featured was the May Festival Choir, filling the ballroom with songs for a first-time partnership with the Friends of Music

Clark Wilson returned with his organ arrangements for a Laurel & Hardy-themed “Silent Movies Made Musical” concert on April 13, 2023. Emcee Joe Horine talked the audience through all things silent film.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Holly Brians

Ragusa; Lisa Allison, Kelley Brandstetter

Tracy, Patti Cruse, Ken Kreider, Sandra Lett, Alex Lucke, Hannah Martin, Yemi Oyediran, Rick Pender, Nicole Roberts, Cynthia Khoo-Robinson, Scott Santangelo, Paul Swisshelm, Mark Weadick, Ron Wehmeier, and Jessy Williams.

Hall, marking the chorus’s 150th season. Santa and elves were also in attendance!

Report By Holly Brians Ragusa, Chair

Santa greeting the crowd at the Holiday Wurlitzer concert with emcee Kyle Inskeep.

Clark Wilson at the Mighty Wurlitzer organ

Friends of Music Hall STORIES & BLOGS

Visit FriendsofMusicHall.org to dig into our blogs and stories about the history and legacy of people, places and things all related to Music Hall.

Meet Charles Aiken who developed and taught choral curriculum in Cincinnati Public schools beginning in 1847. Read about the Greystone Ballroom, heralded as America’s largest dance floor when it opened in 1928.

DID YOU KNOW?

Friends of Music Hall continues to seek historic documents, photographs, and other archival items that reveal more about Music Hall’s original design. As much as possible, items are collected digitally. If you own a piece of Music Hall history that can be scanned, we will scan it and return the original. Digital copies enable FMH to piece together the many details of Music Hall’s history and design.

In addition, FMH is seeking the return of the carved organ panels from the Hook & Hastings organ screen in Springer Auditorium. Donated organ panels are restored and displayed in the Taft Suite.

Music Hall’s Greystone Ballroom

Charles Aiken

Committee Report DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY

JANUARY 2023: A REQUEST FOR FOCUS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA) CAME BEFORE THE BOARD.

In March, the first DEIA committee meeting took place. It exhaustively researched other organizations for benchmarking and best practices, as well as analytical tools, coming to the conclusion that a consultancy versed in these issues would be the best first step toward creating a DEIA strategy for FMH.

In April, the board unanimously approved a motion to move forward. Through thoughtful consideration of five organizational consultant candidates, the committee strongly recommended Tommie Lewis with Make It Plain

Consulting. He and his associates have utilized surveys and interviews to create internal awareness, purpose and intention and to better define relevant efforts toward the FMH mission. We look forward to

next steps and to sharing this continuing journey with our FMH members.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Patricia Bittner, Holly Brians Ragusa, Quiera LevySmith, Alek Lucke, Chris Pinelo, Thea Tjepkema, with support from Ryan Dupree from Cincinnati Arts Association.

Report By Holly Brians Ragusa and Patricia Bittner, Co-Chairs

Thea Tjepkema presenting Under One Roof: The African American Experience at Music Hall.

Committee Report

MARKETING & COMMUNICATION

BUILDING AWARENESS AND PURPOSE

The committee continues to build awareness of FMH’s mission and purpose, to be stewards of the FMH brand, and to enable and support other committees’ activities, all while ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility are considered and remain priorities. Our flagship project is a quarterly e-zine, Windows on Music Hall. Featuring seasonal articles on FMH history and events, board member profiles and beautiful photography of Music Hall, this newsletter routinely garners an amazing 55 percent open rate among more than 5,000 recipients.

The committee created and executed marketing campaigns to support FMH events, including Mighty Wurlitzer

concerts and tour programming. Through innovative programming and targeted marketing, several outdoor tours were sold out. Our social media presence was enhanced by engaging posts thanks to Carol Sampson (Twitter), Joanne Grueter (Instagram) and Mindy Rosen (Facebook).

This year we welcomed two new marketing committee members, Emily Meek and Erica Bock, who bring valuable skills in media and video production, respectively. As an adjunct professor in UC’s digital media department, Erica engaged her students to produce the short-form video series that FMH started last year with a series featuring Ezzard Charles. By the end of 2023 the goal is to complete six more. These videos will be featured on FMH’s website and on social media. Additionally,

the committee is undertaking a website assessment to prepare for a refresh in 2024.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lisa Allison and Joanne Grueter, co-chairs, Erica Bock, Quiera Levy-Smith, Alek Lucke, Emily Meek, Jenifer Moore, Yemi Oyediran, Rick Pender, Chris Pinelo, Nicole Roberts, and Carol Sampson.

Facebook: @FriendsofMusicHall

Instagram: @FriendsofMusicHall

X: @FriendsHall

Report By Lisa Allison, Co-Chair

World Heavyweight Champion Ezzard Charles in boxing ring.

Committee Report FINANCE

This committee is responsible for the prudent management of the Friends of Music Hall’s investment portfolios, producing financial statements, tax returns and other financial reports, and ensuring FMH’s physical assets are maintained and adequately insured.

FMH’s investment portfolios are managed in accordance with FMH’s investment policy, the primary goal of which is to grow and maintain the portfolio’s purchasing power. Typically 70 to 85 percent of the portfolio is invested in high-quality equity securities, with the balance allocated to fixed income and preferred securities. Bahl & Gaynor Investment Advisors is FMH’s investment manager. To preserve investment balances for future use, the investment policy imposes an annual spending restriction of four percent of the portfolio’s average balance for

the prior 12 quarters. A substantial portion of FMH’s portfolio balance’s use is restricted to maintenance, repair and improvement of Music Hall and funding and administering FMH’s programs. Despite recent financial market volatility, we remain pleased with the performance and growth of the investment portfolios over the past several years.

FMH has retained the services of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for bookkeeping, invoice processing, and

financial statement preparation. Financial statements are reviewed annually by the accounting firm Clark Schaffer Hackett, which also prepares the annual Form 990 tax return. FMH’s financial statements and Form 990 are available upon request.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Mark Weadick, Treasurer; Peter Koenig, and Kelley Brandstetter Tracy

Report By Mark Weadick, Treasurer

Above: Re-installation of carved organ panels in Taft Suite.

Left: Close-up of Foyer floor.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC HALL

1241 Elm Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

FriendsofMusicHall.org (513) 744-3293

Front Cover • Top: Tour guides, Gayle Hautzenroder and Lynne Reckman conducting children’s program.

Bottom: Botanical model of Music Hall, conceived and built by Applied Imagination, on display at Krohn Conservatory.

Back Cover • Top: Hummel Restoration working on tuck-pointing on Music Hall’s Elm Street façade.

Bottom: Bricks and Beer tour guests saluting Rueben Springer.

Photo Credits: Joanne Grueter, Malinda Hartong and Matt Zory.