BY LAURA BERKEMEIER
Y O U R N E X T H O M E I S
Discover over 180 move-in ready homes across Greater Cincinnati today!
VOL. 29 | ISSUE 16
LIVE! NO. 2: THE CINCINNATI BALLET'S
PHILIP FEDULOV AND SIRUI LIU WILL BE PERFORMING LIVE! IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND LOCAL BAND OVER THE RHINE ON NOV. 6 AND 7. PHOTO PROVIDED | AARON M. CONWAY
COMMUNITY EDITOR CHRISTIAN LEDUC
ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTER
KANE MITTEN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ERIN SENDELBACH
SALES TEAM
BRAD CROSBY
ENRICO DEL ROSARIO ANDY ELLIS
KEN PIERCE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
LAURA BERKEMEIER
ETHAN BLOOMFIELD
HALEY PARNELL
DISTRIBUTION TEAM
BRIAN DEES
LINK MEDIA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LACY STARLING
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
MEGHAN GOTH
SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR
MAGGY MCDONEL
Local art shop opens second location just across from Findlay Market
By Kane Mitten
One popular ColumbiaTusculum art gallery opened a second location July 17, just steps away from Findlay Market.
The Collective’s new location, which contains a gallery, an art education space, a boutique and a gift shop, can be found at 218 W. Elder St. in Over-the-Rhine underneath the Findlay Garage.
Owner Aly Stacy has been creating art for over two decades now, but it wasn’t until 2020 that she decided to gather up 70 of her local artist friends and create an exhibition space where they could show off their work. The first location of The Collective was in New Richmond; Stacy later expanded the gallery to its current space at 3710 Eastern Ave. in ColumbiaTusculum. Today, the new location of The Collective hosts work from over 300 local artists — with everything from fine art to jewelry to pottery to locally made soaps — and a special interactive room for prospective artists to experiment to their heart’s desire.
“Originally, it started with giving artists a space to showcase their work. A space like The Collective is more approachable to a lot of artists, especially new artists,” Stacy said. “But then with this new building, I was able to build this creative area. It allows the artists to have a space to be able to teach what they do and share it with the community.”
Community outreach is a major focus of Stacy’s — already, she partners with Meals on Wheels to put on monthly art classes for seniors, and regularly hosts classes for underprivileged children across the city. In the new space, she’ll host paid classes for prospective artists looking to learn a new skill; current paid workshops on the store’s website include art forms like embroidery, needle felting and the ancient Indonesian dyeing technique known as batik.
“When people come in, I always hear how welcome they feel when they walk in the door. They leave feeling inspired, whether they’re making their own art or they’ve just found a place to find a unique gift. I really try to curate a collection for everybody, so anybody can find something
they can afford, which is really important … shopping here, they’re supporting a local artist instead of a factory or a big corporation, which seems to matter to people a little more nowadays than it did before,” Stacy said.
A quick glance at the wall at The Collective’s Over-the-Rhine location presents art of all shapes and sizes, whether it’s a gargantuan painting of the city’s skyline or a group of fridge magnets full of Cincinnati-related puns.
“Welcoming a space like this to the area just feels like such a natural thing,” said John Bird, Findlay Market’s director of market management and operations. “It’s just a really cool spot with all kinds of great stuff at any price. You could come in here and spend $14 or four grand … it adds even more vibrancy to this beautiful market district and gives our shoppers even more reasons to explore.”
Stacy hopes that the bigger space will help to grow Cincinnati’s art scene even further.
“We want to bring people together. We have such an inclusive space, and people come in from all walks of life, and feel welcomed here. Even if you don’t have any money, you’re welcome to come in and just chill with the space and absorb it,” Stacy said. “And we want to help artists, too. Sometimes we’ll do little powwows where artists come in and meet each other and network and share their secrets or ideas, which is really cool too, because I don’t know that there’s too many local places where they can all just meet and hang out together.”
Overall, the goal of The Collective is to celebrate art in all forms.
“I feel like art is such a great way of expressing yourself and connecting with others. I hear people say ‘I don’t have an artistic bone in my body’ a lot, but to me, I feel there are so many forms of art. Like, art is gardening. Art is cooking,” Stacy said. “I really feel like everybody has it in them to do some sort of artistic thing. And when people come in here, I feel like they get very inspired, or they really connect with an artist and their work, and then they want to try to create something. And that’s really special.”
INSIDE THE COLLECTIVE, AN ART SHOP JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM FINDLAY MARKET. PHOTO BY KANE MITTEN | CITYBEAT
FROM THE FRONT ROW
OF GREATER CINCINNATI’S ARTS SCENE
ARTS EXPERIENCES ARE EVERYWHERE IN GREATER CINCINNATI — HERE’S WHERE TO START
BY LAURA BERKEMEIER
Greater Cincinnati has a rich arts history, evidenced by hundreds of galleries, dance, music and performance groups, and theaters in every neighborhood. Did you know that ArtsWave, Cincinnati’s united arts fund, is the oldest and largest in the United States? Think about it: we have a larger arts fund here in Cincinnati than they do in New York City or Chicago. We are one of the only cities that has full-time professional resident companies for all three major performing arts: ballet, orchestra and opera. If you aren’t experiencing one of these many arts experiences, this is your sign to start exploring.
The typical theater “season” starts around August, so now is the perfect time to start planning your fall arts activities. I’m sure everyone is ready to escape this relentless summer heat and lean into cozier weather, pumpkin spices and a new, exciting season of live performance.
No matter what neighborhood you call home, Greater Cincinnati has theaters of all shapes and sizes a stone’s throw from any neighborhood you call home. From Middletown to Cheviot to Anderson to Covington: the choice is yours. Did you know there are levels to the theater you can experience? Let me help define those so you can choose the type that best suits your interests.
First, you have the big-boy professional theaters in the region. These are “Equity” houses where actors are part of the professional actor’s union and very specific rules apply for who can perform
on stage and who can support the production technically (like backstage crew). Tickets tend to be more expensive, but the idea is that the caliber is higher, talent is more skilled and the experience is more elevated. Examples of these theaters include Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Many times in these productions, you will see familiar Cincinnati personalities on stage.
If you’re thinking I’ve left the Aronoff Center for the Arts or Music Hall off this list, let me clarify: The Aronoff, along with similar venues like the Taft, Music Hall and others, are venues, not production houses. These are places for other organizations to perform, and they do not (typically) produce on their own. The Broadway Series is exactly that: a touring series of shows that originated from the Broadway production in NYC. In these touring productions, it’s less likely you will see a familiar Cincinnati actor on stage.
(Also, in case you didn’t know — and it’s OK if you didn’t — the term “Broadway” comes from the literal street where many theaters sit in Manhattan. So, a Broadway show originated in Manhattan.)
On the other end of the spectrum, you have community theaters. These scrappy, volunteer-led organizations are in many neighborhoods throughout the city. They vary vastly in their design: some own their theater (like Mariemont Players), some are resident companies in their respective local venue and others are more nomadic, finding performance spaces where they can.
are paid. These groups are typically part of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. Examples in this category include The Carnegie, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Know Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Landmark Productions. These groups usually have mid-tier pricing for shows and much like the ACT adjudication program, they have their own review program.
There are also many impressive student productions in any given year produced by any one of the university/college theater programs in the region. And, high school programs, summer youth programs and drama clubs often provide opportunities for young performers to get theater experience. Sometimes, you’ll catch a production with a budding star who goes on to stardom.
With so much theater to choose from, it can be daunting, but at the heart of live production, no matter what you see, theater inspires conversation, reflection and sometimes even encourages positive social change. Get out there and see what you can discover.
Theater
Most of these organizations are part of ACT, the Association of Community Theaters in Greater Cincinnati. “ACT is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the growth, development and excellence of community theatre,” says its website. Through its adjudication program, scholarships and the annual convention, ACT supports member organizations to strengthen their productions to provide the highest quality experiences for local audiences. ACT provides three adjudicators to attend each member group’s productions to provide constructive feedback on all elements of the production. At the end of the theater season, successes are celebrated at the annual convention, where awards are given and groups have the opportunity to participate in an excerpt competition. The convention is open to the public for an affordable entry price and is a great way to see bite-sized segments of productions.
As someone with community theater experience as both an actor and director, I can confidently share that just because these productions rely on volunteers to act, direct and produce shows, it does not make them any lower quality than some of the professional shows I have seen. The beauty here is that tickets are typically a lower price point, and you can usually find a group in your neighborhood.
In between the professional-level productions and community theaters, you have a collection of organizations who produce ongoing and professional productions where production personnel
Of the many theater productions happening this fall, there are a few that I am especially excited to see. It’s embarrassing that I haven’t yet seen a show at the newly renovated Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. I’m looking forward to seeing its production of “Mary Poppins” because “Step in Time” is always entertaining, but in a technologically advanced theater, I can only imagine what they can do to amplify the experience. Other shows that are on my radar include “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (because I deeply miss “What We Do in the Shadows”) and “BOOP! The Musical” (because I grew up watching Betty Boop cartoons and even named my cat after the titular character). As far as community theater productions go,I’m especially interested to see what Beechmont Players decide to do in their coming season and am keeping an eye on Mariemont Players’ 90th Season starting this fall.
“MARY POPPINS JR.” SHOW POSTER. PHOTO PROVIDED | THE CHILDREN'S THEATRE
Full disclosure, I am the board president of Pones, a local nonprofit that uses dance as a movement for social justice, community building and healing. Pones is reimagining where dance happens, who it’s for and how it can move us all.
On Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., commuters across Northern Kentucky are invited to experience their daily ride in an entirely new way during Ride with an Artist Day, presented by Pones in partnership with the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, or TANK, and made possible through funding from the ArtsWave NKY Placemaking Grant. This one-day creative placemaking event transforms public transit into a space for joy, connection and belonging through free performances and artistic encounters on buses, at transit hubs and along neighborhood routes. Jenny Kammes, marketing manager for TANK, said: “We’re excited to once again welcome local artists aboard TANK buses, bringing creativity, energy and unexpected moments of joy to our riders. These performances help transform the everyday commute into a unique community experience while celebrating the incredible talent found throughout our region.”
Music
Surprisingly, I do not have as many concerts on the calendar as I would like, but I highly recommend seeing Sara Bareilles who will be performing her Good Grief Tour at the Taft Theatre on Sept. 25. I had the good fortune to see her premiere a new song earlier this year when she dropped by the Brandi Carlile Valentine’s Day concert at Madison Square Garden. And because my mom is an original The Beatles fan, the Friends of Music Hall
production “Come Together Live: The Beatles’ Legacy on the Mighty Wurlitzer” is also on my list.
“This program is about more than nostalgia. It’s about experiencing the music in a completely new way,” said Jessy Williams of Friends of Music Hall. “The Beatles changed the way the world heard music. Pairing their songs with the Mighty Wurlitzer invites audiences to hear that innovation all over again.”
Fine art
Gallery 506 is a hidden gem art gallery in Elsmere, Kentucky, offering so much more than “just art.” Owner Laura Sams invites you to this unique venue that has been gradually modified to be a beautiful oasis of art, featuring a gorgeous perennial garden behind the building. I love that Laura Sams is reimagining fine art by bringing together multiple disciplines; my adorable parents along with several other couples have been doing weekly dance classes right in the gallery space. Sams says the program will continue this fall.
Opening Sept. 19 with a reception from 6 to 10 p.m. is Gallery 506’s next show: VERSO with works by Cole Carothers. Carothers explains that “verso” means “the reverse of something” and that this word “describes my direction these days: to challenge thoughts and creativity as a reaction to the complacency of style or brand.”
Other
ArtsWave is going into its centennial year in 2027, and I am excited to see what arts experiences go along with the celebration. I’ve heard some teasers and I’m confident there will be many super cool experiences in store.
Of course, I also have to mention that BLINK is coming back for another year of immersive, memorable experiences throughout the region from Oct. 8 to 11.
My husband and I are huge fans of standup comedy and have really enjoyed going to the Commonwealth Comedy Club in Dayton, Kentucky. The venue is intimate, the tickets are affordable and the comedy is peak. Whether we’ve heard of the performer or not, I can’t say I’ve never been to a “bad” comedy show, so if you need a laugh, this is the place!
Theater
MAJOR / PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
• Heist – Sept. 12–Oct. 11, 2026 (Rouse Theatre)
• Talk (world premiere, by Theresa Rebeck) – Sept. 26–Oct. 25, 2026 (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)
• Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland – Oct. 17–Nov. 7, 2026 (Rouse Theatre)
• The Twelve Dates of Christmas – Nov. 7–Dec. 27, 2026 (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)
• A Christmas Carol (adapted by Blake Robison) – Nov. 20–Dec. 27, 2026 (Rouse Theatre)
• Address: 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-421-3888
• URL: cincyplay.com
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC)
• Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz (world premiere) – Sept. 5–27, 2026
• Mrs. Mannerly – Oct. 13–Nov. 1, 2026
• Cinderella – Dec. 9–30, 2026
• Address: 1127 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-421-3555
• URL: ensemblecincinnati.org
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
• Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing – through Sept. 6, 2026 (touring various tri-state park locations)
• The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) – July 31–Aug. 23, 2026
• Network – Sept. 11–26, 2026
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors – Oct. 9–31, 2026
• The Merry Wives of Windsor – Nov. 13–Dec. 5, 2026
• Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) – Dec. 11–27, 2026
• Address: 1195 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-381-2273
• URL: cincyshakes.com
Know Theatre of Cincinnati
• Make Believe – Sept. 10–26, 2026
• OctKNOWber Nights – October 2026
• Die Hard is a Christmas Movie –Dec. 3–20, 2026
• Serials! Season 17 – Jan. 25, Feb. 8 & 22, March 8 & 22 (spans into 2027)
• Address: 1120 Jackson St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-300-5669
• URL: knowtheatre.com
Broadway Across America (Cincinnati)
• The Great Gatsby – Sept. 15–27, 2026
• BOOP! The Musical – Oct. 20–25, 2026
• The Sound of Music – Nov. 10–15, 2026
• ‘Twas The Night Before… – Dec. 2–13, 2026
• Where: Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center for the Arts
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-721-3344
• URL: cincinnati.broadway.com
Cincinnati Music Theatre
• English Lit – Sept. 4–12, 2026 (Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center)
• The SpongeBob Musical – Nov. 13–21, 2026 (Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center)
• Address: Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cincinnatimusictheatre.org
Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative
• The Opposite of Failure by Nancy Robinson Crist – Sept. 15, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
• What Might Have Been by Leo Bradley – Oct. 20, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
• An Evening of One Act Plays (“Who Gets Grandma’s Eyeball” / “Waiting Room Commerce”) – Nov. 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cincyplaywrights.org
CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY'S PRODUCTION OF “EMMA”. PHOTO PROVIDED | CINCY SHAKES
RIDE WITH AN ARTIST DAY. PHOTO PROVIDED | PONES
GALLERY 506. PHOTO PROVIDED | GALLERY 506
The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati
• Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. – Oct. 9–25, 2026 (Emery Theatre, Over-the-Rhine)
• The Drowsy Chaperone – Nov. 6–14, 2026 (Corbett Showtime Stage, Red Bank Rd.)
• Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – Dec. 4–20, 2026 (Emery Theatre, Over-theRhine)
• Address: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227
• Phone: 513-569-8080 x10
• URL: thechildrenstheatre.com
COMMUNITY & REGIONAL THEATER
— GREATER CINCINNATI (OHIO SIDE)
Cincinnati Landmark Productions (Incline Theater)
• Crazy for You – Aug. 19–Sept. 13, 2026
• Where: Incline Theater, Price Hill
• Phone: 513-241-6550
• URL: cincinnatilandmarkproductions. com
Cincinnati LAB Theatre
• New Works Festival (“Enemy of the Good,” “Waiting for Fair,” “Little Boxes”) – late July 2026, just before the window; check site for fall programming
• Where: Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, Evendale
• URL: cincylabtheatre.com
CenterStage Players
• Firebringer – Sept. 18–26, 2026
• Abigail, for Now – Nov. 13–21, 2026
• URL: centerstageplayersinc.com
Drama Workshop
• And Then There Were None – July 24–Aug. 9, 2026
• Misery – Oct. 2–18, 2026
• The Game’s Afoot – Dec. 4–20, 2026
• Address: 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot, OH 45211
• Phone: 513-598-8303
• URL: thedramaworkshop.org
East Side Players
• Once Upon a Mattress – July 30–Aug. 8, 2026
• Where: Blue Ash Amphitheater
• URL: esptheater.org
Fairfield Footlighters
• Company – September 2026
• 12 Angry Jurors – November 2026
• Address: 411 Wessel Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014
• Phone: 513-867-5348
• URL: fairfieldfootlighters.org
Lamplight Theater
• Miracle on 34th Street – Nov. 6–15, 2026
• Address: 8000 Miami Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45243
• URL: lamplighttheater.org
Lebanon Theatre Company
• A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Aug. 7–16, 2026
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead – Oct. 2–11, 2026
• The Game’s Afoot; or Holmes for
the Holidays – Dec. 11–20, 2026
• Address: 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, OH 45036
• Phone: 513-932-8300
• URL: ltcplays.com
Loveland Stage Company
• Into the Woods – Oct. 9–25, 2026
• Address: 111 S. Second St., Loveland, OH 45140
• Phone: 513-443-4572
• URL: lovelandstagecompany.org
Mariemont Players
• Arsenic and Old Lace – Sept. 10–27, 2026
• A Tuna Christmas – Nov. 5–22, 2026
• Address: 4101 Walton Creek Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227
• Phone: 513-684-1236
• URL: mariemontplayers.com
Mason Community Players
• Decision Height – Oct. 2–10, 2026
• Where: Mason Community Playhouse
• Address: 5529 Mason Road, Mason, OH 45040
• Phone: 513-398-7804
• URL: masonplayers.org
Merit Theatre Company
• Fiddler on the Roof – Aug. 28–Sept. 5, 2026 (Anderson Center Theater)
• Phone: 859-795-1860
• URL: merittheatre.org
Others with no fall dates posted yet at time of research
Contact directly for updates:
• Beechmont Players | Anderson Center, 7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, OH 45230 | 513-233-2468 | beechmontplayers.org
• Angelico Project | St. Monica St. George Parish Newman Center, 328 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45219 | angelicoproject.org
• Arts Alliance | Cottell Park, 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road, Mason, OH 45040 | 513-309-8585 | the-artsalliance.com
• Clifton Players | Liberty Exhibition Hall, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223 | 513-813-7469
• Sunset Players | Arts Center at Dunham, 1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238 | 513-588-4988 | sunsetplayers.org
• Tri-County Players | Bell Tower Arts Pavilion, 3270 Glendale Milford Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241 | 513-471-2030
• Oxford Area Community Theater | Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave., Oxford, OH 45056 | 513524-8506 | oxfordact.org
• Royal Theatre Company | 308 W. Main St., Mason, OH 45040 | royaltheatrecompany.com
• Sharonville Cultural Arts Center
| 11165 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 | 513-554-1014 | sharonvilleculturalarts.org
• Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | Parrish Auditorium, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45011 | 513-7377529 | ghctplay.org
• Cincinnati Black Theatre Company | 2237 Losantiville Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237 | 513-241-6060 | cincinnatiblacktheatre.org
• Clifton Cultural Arts Center | 3412 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220 | 513-497-2860 | cliftonculturalarts.org
Queen City Productions
• Once Upon A One More Time – July 31–Aug. 9, 2026
• Where: Arts Center at Dunham
• Address: 1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238
• URL: queencityproductions.weebly. com
UNIVERSITY THEATER PROGRAMS (OHIO)
University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music (CCM)
• Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon (In Concert) – Sept. 25–26, 2026, 8 p.m. (Corbett Auditorium)
• Intimate Apparel – Oct. 1–3, 2026 (Cohen Studio Theater)
• Rent – Nov. 12–14, 2026 (Corbett Theater)
• Where: CCM Village, University of Cincinnati
• Address: 2600 Clifton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45221
• Phone: 513-556-4183
• URL: ccm.uc.edu
Xavier University Theatre (Gallagher Theater)
• The Guys – Sept. 10–12, 2026
• The Rocky Horror Show – Oct. 23–31, 2026
• Much Ado About Nothing – Nov. 19–22, 2026
• Address: 3800 Victory Pkwy., Cincinnati, OH 45207
• Phone: 513-745-3939
• URL: xavier.edu/theatre-program
Miami University Theatre
• Dracula – Oct. 28–Nov. 1, 2026
• The Last Five Years – Nov. 18–22, 2026
• Address: 420 S. Patterson Drive, #119, Oxford, OH 45056
• URL: miamioh.edu/cca/ departments/theatre
Mount St. Joseph University No fall 2026 productions posted at time of research
• Address: 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233
• Phone: 513-244-4387
• URL: msj.edu
NORTHERN KENTUCKY THEATER
The Carnegie (Covington)
• La Cage Aux Folles – Aug. 14–23, 2026
• Carrie: The Musical – Oct. 23–Nov. 1, 2026
• Address: 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, KY 41011
• Phone: 859-491-2030
• URL: thecarnegie.com
Falcon Theatre (Newport)
• Eureka Day – Sept. 10–26, 2026
• Tinderbox – Nov. 6–21, 2026
• Where: Monmouth Theatre CONTINUES ON PAGE 10
• Address: 636 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071
• Phone: 513-479-6783
• URL: falcontheater.net
Footlighters, Inc. (Newport)
• 1776 – Sept. 10–27, 2026
• The Bridges of Madison County –Nov 5–22, 2026
• Where: Stained Glass Theatre, 802 York St., Newport, KY 41071
• Phone: 859-291-7464
• URL: footlighters.org
Village Players (Fort Thomas)
• Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Sept. 25–Oct. 3, 2026
• Reina Deer and the Humbugs – Dec. 4–13, 2026
• Address: 8 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075
• Phone: 859-392-0500
• URL: villageplayers.org
Kincaid Regional Theatre (Falmouth)
• Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. – Aug. 28–30, 2026
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Oct. 15–17, 2026
• Annie – Dec. 3–13, 2026
• Address: 208 Memory Drive, Falmouth, KY 41010
• Phone: 859-654-2636
• URL: krtshows.com
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Theatre & Dance
• Little Women: The Musical – Sept. 25–Oct. 5, 2026
• Titus Andronicus: A Revenge Tragedy – Oct. 23–Nov. 1, 2026
• Irving Berlin’s White Christmas –Dec. 3–13, 2026
• Address: Highland Heights, KY 41099
• Phone: 859-572-5464
• URL: nku.edu/artsci/sota/theatre
Thomas More University Theatre (Crestview Hills)
No fall 2026 productions posted at time of research
• Address: 333 Thomas More Pkwy., Crestview Hills, KY 41017
• Phone: 859-341-5800
• URL: thomasmore.edu/program/ theater
The Dinner Detective (Murder Mystery Dinner Show)
• When: Saturdays, 6 p.m. (ongoing)
• Where: Embassy Suites Rivercenter
• Address: 10 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington, KY 41011
• URL: thedinnerdetective.com/ cincinnati
Commonwealth Sanctuary (Dayton, KY)
Weekly comedy shows (ongoing)
• Address: 522 Fifth Ave., Dayton, KY 41074
• URL: commonwealthsanctuary.com
FESTIVALS, TOURING & MISC.
Cincy Fringe Festival
• When: Next edition is June 2027 (24th annual) — outside this window, but applications open in October 2026 if
you’re interested in participating
• Where: Various pop-up venues, Over-the-Rhine
• URL: cincyfringe.com
IF Cincy: Improv Festival of Cincinnati (OTRimprov)
• When: Oct. 15–17, 2026
• Where: Know Theatre
• Address: 1120 Jackson St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• URL: otrimprov.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey:
The Greatest Show On Earth
• When: Dec. 4–6, 2026
• Where: Heritage Bank Center
• Address: 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• URL: heritagebankcenter.com
Cincinnati Arts Association (Aronoff Center) — special engagements
• The Thorn – Sept. 11–12, 2026 (Procter & Gamble Hall)
• Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE – Oct. 3, 2026, 2 p.m. (Procter & Gamble Hall)
• The Sixties Show – Oct. 16, 2026, 7:30 p.m. (Procter & Gamble Hall)
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cincinnatiarts.org
Music
The Kaplan New Works Series (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Sept. 18-26, 2026 (individual performance dates/times on site)
• What: Four choreographers premiere new works, two influenced by Cincinnati visual artists
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cballet.org/26-27-seasonperformances
Cincinnati Ballet LIVE! in Concert (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Nov. 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7, 2026, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Music Hall – Springer
| AUGUST 5 - 18, 2026
Pones Inc.
• When: Fall/winter 2026 community dance programming — check site for current calendar
• URL: ponesinc.org
CCM Dance Works
• When: Typically March (outside this window in past years); confirm whether a fall 2026 dance concert is scheduled as part of CCM’s 2026-27 season
• Where: Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati
• Address: 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221
• Phone: 513-556-4183
• URL: ccm.uc.edu/areas-of-study/ academic-units/dance.html
Dance
Auditorium
• Address: 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-381-3300
• URL: cballet.org
The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Dec 17-27, 2026
• Where: Music Hall – Springer Auditorium, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-381-3300
• URL: cballet.org/26-27-seasonperformances
Exhale Dance Tribe (Resident Company)
• When: Fall 2026 mainstage performance(s) — not yet dated at time of research; check site for announcements (this company typically performs a handful of times per year at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater)
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cincinnatiarts.org/about-us/ resident-companies/detail/exhaledance-tribe / exhaledancetribe.org
Mutual Dance Theatre — Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series
• When: Fall 2026 guest-artist dates not yet posted at time of research; check site
• Where: Mutual Arts Center
• Address: 8222 Monon Ave., Cincinnati (Hartwell), OH 45216
• Phone: 513-494-6526
• URL: mutualdance.org
Revolution Dance Theatre — Annual Holiday Concert (“Hot Chocolate”)
• When: Typically December (exact 2026 dates not yet published at time of research)
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts (past years) — confirm venue for 2026
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: revodance.com
The Kaplan New Works Series (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Sept. 18-26, 2026 (individual performance dates/times on site)
• What: Four choreographers premiere new works, two influenced by Cincinnati visual artists
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cballet.org/26-27-seasonperformances
Cincinnati Ballet LIVE! in Concert (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Nov. 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 7, 2026, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Music Hall – Springer Auditorium
• Address: 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-381-3300
• URL: cballet.org
The Nutcracker (Cincinnati Ballet)
• When: Dec 17-27, 2026
• Where: Music Hall – Springer Auditorium, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-381-3300
• URL: cballet.org/26-27-seasonperformances
Exhale Dance Tribe (Resident Company)
• When: Fall 2026 mainstage performance(s) — not yet dated at time of research; check site for announcements (this company typically performs a handful of times per year at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater)
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: cincinnatiarts.org/about-us/ resident-companies/detail/exhaledance-tribe / exhaledancetribe.org
Mutual Dance Theatre — Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series
• When: Fall 2026 guest-artist dates not
THE CINCINNATI POPS PERFORMS IN JANUARY 2026. PHOTO PROVIDED | CINCINNATI POPS
yet posted at time of research; check site
• Where: Mutual Arts Center
• Address: 8222 Monon Ave., Cincinnati (Hartwell), OH 45216
• Phone: 513-494-6526
• URL: mutualdance.org
Revolution Dance Theatre — Annual Holiday Concert (“Hot Chocolate”)
• When: Typically December (exact 2026 dates not yet published at time of research)
• Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center for the Arts (past years) — confirm venue for 2026
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-621-2787
• URL: revodance.com
Pones Inc.
• When: Fall/winter 2026 community dance programming — check site for current calendar
• URL: ponesinc.org
CCM Dance Works
• When: Typically March (outside this window in past years); confirm whether a fall 2026 dance concert is scheduled as part of CCM’s 2026-27 season
• Where: Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati
• Address: 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221
• Phone: 513-556-4183
• URL: ccm.uc.edu/areas-of-study/ academic-units/dance.html
Fine Arts
Gee Horton: Chapter 4, In Another Lifetime
• When: On view through Aug. 30, 2026
• Where: Contemporary Arts Center
• Address: 44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-345-8400
• URL: contemporaryartscenter.org
Michael Stillion: And then it was flowers
• When: On view through Aug. 30, 2026
• Where: Contemporary Arts Center
• Address: 44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-345-8400
• URL: contemporaryartscenter.org
CAC 2026–27 Season Exhibitions (new fall shows)
• When: Expected to open late summer/early fall 2026 — not yet fully announced; check site
• Where: Contemporary Arts Center
• Address: 44 E. Sixth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-345-8400
• URL: contemporaryartscenter.org/ visit/exhibitions
Cincinnati Art Museum — Fall/Winter Special Exhibition
• When: Oct. 16, 2026-March 7, 2027 (title not yet confirmed in research; ticketed, free for members)
• Where: Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park
• Address: 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-721-2787 (also 1-877472-4226 toll-free)
• URL: cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Tamary Kudita: Photography Special Feature
• When: On view through Sept. 6, 2026 (Gallery 104)
• Where: Cincinnati Art Museum, Eden Park
• Address: 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-721-2787
• URL: cincinnatiartmuseum.org/art/ exhibitions/special-features
The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore (organized by The Frick Pittsburgh)
• When: Dates within 2026 — exact run not fully confirmed; check site directly, likely overlapping the Aug–Dec window
• Where: Taft Museum of Art
• Address: 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-241-0343
• URL: taftmuseum.org/exhibitions
Unfolding Elegance (18th-century fan collection)
• When: Exact dates TBD — conservation work was underway; check site for opening
• Where: Taft Museum of Art
• Address: 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-241-0343
• URL: taftmuseum.org/exhibitions
Weston Art Gallery — Fall 2026 Exhibition
• When: A new exhibition cycle should open in the Sept-Dec window (last known run ended June 14, 2026); check site for current show and opening/closing reception times
• Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts (Weston Art Gallery)
• Address: 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-977-4165 (Weston Art Gallery direct) / 513-621-2787 (Aronoff main)
• URL: cincinnatiarts.org/westonart-gallery/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions
BLINK — A Festival of Light & Art
• When: Oct. 8-11, 2026, nightly (evening hours, typically ~7-11 p.m.)
• Where: 30+ city blocks across Downtown Cincinnati, Over-theRhine, Covington and Newport, Kentucky (start near Findlay Market)
• Phone: N/A (contact via site form)
• URL: blinkcincinnati.com
• Related ticketed event — “the afterglow” (Official BLINK After
Party): Oct. 19, 2026 (per site), MegaCorp Pavilion, 2764 Madison Pike, Covington, Kentucky (confirm exact address/time on ticket site)
LEGO Jurassic World: The Exhibition
• When: Open through Jan. 4, 2027 (already running; overlaps entire window)
• Where: Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal
• Address: 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
• Phone: 513-287-7000
• URL: cincymuseum.org/specialexhibits
Cincinnati Museum Center — Other Rotating Exhibits
• When: Several traveling exhibits run on staggered schedules through fall 2026 (some closing Aug. 23 and Oct. 14, 2026) — check site for the current lineup as of your visit date
• Where: Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal
• Address: 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
• Phone: 513-287-7000
• URL: cincymuseum.org/specialexhibits
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati — Rotating Contemporary Art Galleries
• When: Free, open 24/7 (current show as of research: “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time” — confirm it’s still on view for your dates)
• Where: 21c Museum Hotel
• Address: 609 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Phone: 513-578-6600
• URL: 21cmuseumhotels.com/ cincinnati
THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER. PHOTO PROVIDED | CAC
ARTS & CULTURE
Newport takes first step to preserve iconic Southgate-Thompson House
By Haley Parnell
One of Newport’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks is one step closer to becoming a historic designation.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission unanimously took the first step in approving the local historic designation of the “Southgate-Thompson House” at a special meeting on July 15. Final approval will require two readings by the Newport Board of Commissioners at a later date.
The Southgate-Thompson House, sometimes referred to as the “Thompson House,” is located at 24 E. Third St. and is an iconic, over-200-year-old historic mansion that has most recently served as a live music venue.
The over-19,000-square-foot property was listed for sale in January for $1.5 million (now $1.19 million) but has yet to find its new owner. Newport Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Williams said she contacted the realtor in May and informed them of the city’s intent to create the historic landmark designation.
“I think this is one of the most significant properties, if not the most significant, in the city of Newport,” said Newport Historic Preservation Commissioner
Mark Ramler. “I mean, this has direct ties to the barracks that were here. The reason the city was founded. There’s no question in my mind that this building deserves to be preserved, and it is our responsibility to landmark this building.”
Williams said the historic landmark designation guidelines would apply to primary and secondary facades, roofs and architectural features visible from the public right-of-way.
During the commission’s vote, it had to determine the building’s name and the architecturally significant periods. It ultimately settled on SouthgateThompson House as the name and deemed the period 1814 to1914 significant architecturally and the period 1814 to 2025 for cultural significance.
When the Southgate family first settled the area in the early 1800s, the property was occupied by a log cabin. Between 1814 and 1821, that cabin was replaced with a brick home (by Richard Southgate), likely built in the Federal architectural style, according to Williams.
Richard Southgate served as Kentucky’s commonwealth attorney, a state representative and a state senator. His family’s legacy can still be seen today in the city of Southgate and Southgate Street in Newport, both named in the family’s honor.
Williams said that the Southgate family is also relevant to the larger conversation about the history of enslavement and antislavery activity in the Ohio River Valley.
“Richard Southgate was himself an enslaver,” Williams said. “His daughter Anne married an anti-slavery activist, a proponent of the end of slavery, and their son Nathaniel Southgate Shaler became a prominent paleontologist and geologist who went on to work at Harvard and wrote about the evils of slavery and it being right that it ended, while also promoting scientific racism.”
The home remained in the Southgate family for generations.
Frances Mary Southgate Taliaferro Parker became the second owner in 1857, followed by Julia Maria Taliaferro Thompson in 1869. The house is also
reportedly the birthplace of John Taliaferro Thompson, who was born there in 1860 and later invented the Thompson submachine gun, commonly known as the “Tommy gun.” The weapon would go on to gain worldwide military significance and become closely associated with Newport’s organized-crime era.
During the late 19th century, likely under the ownership of Julia Maria Taliaferro Thompson and later Fanny Maddox, the house underwent a dramatic transformation. Originally built in the Federal style, it was remodeled into the Second Empire style, adding the distinctive mansard roof, central tower, decorative window hoods and other architectural features that Williams said define the home today.
Fanny Maddox eventually sold the property to the Knights of Columbus, which acquired the building in 1914.
The organization replaced the original wooden front porch with the brick porch that remains today and used the building as its headquarters for more than six decades. From 1914 until about 1976, the house served as a community gathering place, hosting civic meetings, fundraisers, performances and events for organizations throughout Newport and the Greater Cincinnati region.
The Knights of Columbus sold the building around 1977, and Ross Raleigh purchased the property and opened the Southgate House music venue. Williams said that the venue became one of the region’s most influential live music destinations, welcoming local performers alongside nationally and internationally recognized acts for more than three decades.
Ross Raleigh’s daughter, Morrella Raleigh, owner of the music venue Southgate House Revival on Sixth Street in Newport, spoke at the meeting. She asked the commission to approve the landmark designation.
“All those years that my dad had it, it made its mark,” Raleigh said. “We had famous performers there, everyone from Kitty Wells and Johnny Paycheck to bands like the White Stripes, getting their start there, and it served very much as a nurturer and incubator of local music and of touring bands.”
Raleigh said the landmark is known nationally and internationally, and she believes it helped put Newport on the map as a positive cultural hub.
Around 2010, the property changed ownership again and reopened as the Thompson House, continuing to operate as a live music venue until approximately 2025.
“This is really the most significant building in our city, and it is perhaps the oldest building,” said Newport Historic Preservation Commissioner Mary Beth Crocker. “Although this is not historically relevant, it’s the first historic building that you see coming across the bridge, and it’s iconic.”
FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR MORE OF A HIP HOP SCENE, THE HISTORIC MANSION DUBBED THE “SOUTHGATE-THOMPSON HOUSE” IN NEWPORT IS THE PLACE TO BE. PHOTO BY HAILEY RODEN | LINK NKY
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
By Ethan Bloomfield
Welcome back to our new local music highlight section!
CityBeat recently launched a weekly video series on social media to show off some of Cincinnati’s music scene in a fun and unique way, and get (you our audience) involved. Below are the most recent features. If you’ve got suggestions for a band you think I should cover, leave a comment on my band highlight video (posted every Wednesday on CityBeat’s Facebook and Instagram pages) or email me at ebloomfield@linknky.com
Queen City Silver Stars
The other day, I got my first email request for this series. This one’s for you, Scott. You might be IN this band, but you were my first.
City Beats local band highlights
What kind of music screams “Queen City” to you? College rock? Bluegrass? EDM?
The local scene is nothing if not surprising, because the Queen City Silver Stars are making music unlike ANYONE else around; they describe their sound as “Midwest mind, Caribbean soul,” and as soon as I heard it, I knew I had to tell all of you.
Let’s talk about “Suitcase,” the band’s 2024 album. I guarantee this is the only place on earth you’ll hear a steel drum on a song about Tom Waits. Songs like “Mantra” and “Step Inside” feel more at home with the coastal vibes, but remember: you’re not actually on vacation right now. Sorry! More surprising still is how tight everything is. Songs like “Cordelia” or “Come on Over” off their first album, “Green Flash,” show that the band has never been a slouch at delivering breezy jam band energy. The grooves are more than competent; they’re playful and fun.
Now, I have to be honest: my knowledge base for bands with island influence is not too high. I have essentially no idea how to judge this. Thing is, I don’t have to overthink it. Aren’t good vibes the point?
Their newest track, “Time & Pressure,” is another delight. The vocals really shine; like I said, this band can jam! Online, they describe themselves as a live-first act, and I believe it.
If you want to hear one of Cincy’s most unique bands in person, you can catch them at the Fernbank Golf Course on Aug. 28 as part of their summer concert series
— and listen. It’s about as hot as could be out there, so do me a favor: buy some pineapple juice and some lime, put on some QCSS, and relax.
Fat Sal
Cincinnati’s music scene is more than just the artists who play music here. Historically, the Queen City has been a pioneer for record labels and recording studios of all kinds, from Motown to hardcore punk. One of the “newest” players in that space is Chapter Room Recording.
Started in 2023 by audio engineering veteran Nolan Monigold (who started Monigold Studios in 2017), the cozy studio boasts collabs with mounds of local artists
— among them, one Fat Sal, whose EP “Live from the Chapter Room” shows the magic that comes of a good space to play.
I’ll tell you this: vocalist Liam Scott’s presence throughout the band’s discography is undeniable. Their debut EP “Civilianaire” rips to life with an attitude à la Horse Jumper of Love with the reverb to match. Scott’s power is used effectively, if a little less punchily than on their later releases; “Civilianaire” has a rough edge that slows the record down and gives it a unique flavor.
Two years later, “Live From the Chapter Room”’s “Rolling Rock” feels like a triumphant return — the band sounds fuller, Scott sounds more surefooted than on “Civilianaire” and the passion and joy on display is palpable.
Allow me a small aside: one of my favorite live performances of all time is Pinegrove performing “Recycling” at Ohio University’s ACRN (go rock lobsters). If you see that video, the entirety of Pinegrove is in RARE form for one perfect song. That energy didn’t come from nowhere, either; it was in the room at the time and captured forever on video (also, peep the Mountain Goats’ “Get Lonely” poster on the wall at the end — ahh, 2015).
That’s the magic of a local music space. Not just venues (even the… tumultuously insured ones), but the long boards of knobs and mic cables that make it all work. Here’s to you as you create the energy that local artists feed off to make great music. And here’s to Fat Sal — seriously, go check those EPs out!
THE QUEEN CITY SILVER STARS. PHOTO PROVIDED | QUEEN CITY SILVER STARS VIA FACEBOOK
FAT SAL PLAYING A SHOW AT THE MADISON THEATER JULY 6, 2026. PHOTO BY JACOB KLEIN
ART the of BOURBON +
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Present
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at CAC
Learn about the history of bourbon in Cincinnati, then create your own custom blend with the experts from Willow Run
CityBeat Best of Cincinnati 2026 Winner for Best Distillery!
Finish with a guided tour of our exhibit And then it was flowers presented by the artist Michael Stillion
Custom Bourbons
