Draft Up

by Santi Martinez

Game Day Esports is proud to host their first Madden 21 tournament in anticipation of the upcoming NFL Draft. Game Day Esports is happy to help ease the pain of the wait for football to come back so tun in to their their Twitch channel at 12 p.m. on April 25 to see the best of the best duke it out on the field.

As the season slowly approaches and news keeps emerging, ranging from the Cincinnati Bengals unveiling their new (beautiful!) uniforms to the anticipation of Trevor Lawrence's unavoidable selection as the #1 pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s obvious that NFL fans are starving for any and all football.

Players are participating in the PlayStation 4 bracket. Entrants will be eligible for a $175 prize pool in each tournament, with first place winning a $100 pay day, second place earning $50, and third place making $25.

Cheers to History

One of a Kind Historic Brewery Tours to originate from Moerlein Lager House

The non-profit Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CURC), operators of The Brewing Heritage Trail, announced it is offering guided tours of Cincinnati’s brewing heritage starting from the Moerlein Lager House, Cincinnati’s world-class brewpub. The walking tours will travel through Over-the-Rhine and feature former breweries, saloons, lagering cellars, and tunnels that were all part of the history of beer making in the city. The walking tours will utilize the Cincinnati Streetcar, transporting guests from the Moerlein Lager House to the Brewery District and back.

“Beer helped build this city and the stories of those days still resonate today,” said Steve Hampton, executive director of the Brewery District CURC. “These tours make our brewing heritage come alive.” “The Moerlein connection to Cincinnati’s Grand Brewing Traditions are celebrated at the Moerlein Lager House and we are excited to partner with the Brewery District’s Brewing Heritage Trail to offer guest a one of a kind experience only found in Cincinnati,” said Greg Hardman Managing Member of the Moerlein Lager House.

Tours scheduled throughout the week include:

“Built on Beer” Tour: Witness the evolution of the brewing industry through the size, complexity, and architectural grandeur of the city’s historic breweries. This more than 90-minute tour follows the Brewing Heritage Trail and marvels at the many remaining 19th and early 20th century structures, while sharing stories of those who built or doomed these brewing empires during beer’s industrial revolution. Tours include a visit into the vast subterranean lager cellars of the historic (non-operating) Jackson Brewery.

“Brewers & Barons” Tour: Step into the past and discover the people who made brewing a cornerstone of the Queen City’s history. This more than 90 minute tour follows the Brewing Heritage Trail, sharing stories of the workers, brewmasters and beer barons from the 19th and early 20th century. Experience the places they worked, learn the dangers they faced, and the empires they built by producing America’s best brews. Tours include a visit into the subterranean lagering cellars and tunnels of the historic (non-operating) Schmidt Brothers / Crown Brewery.

“Brunch, Beer, & Breweries” Tour: This four-hour tour includes a beer tasting and takes a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewpub and the rich history showcased at the Moerlein Lager House. After brunch, catch a streetcar to the Brewery District and walk along the Brewing Heritage Trail, learning about Cincinnati’s grand brewing history, complete with a visit into a subterranean lagering cellar of the historic (non-operating) Jackson Brewery. Then, proceed to a neighborhood taproom for our next round of beer tastings before riding the streetcar back to the Moerlein Lager House. Tour includes beer samples and brunch.

For a complete schedule of tours, times, and tickets, visit www.brewingheritagetrail.org/tours

Tours have been adjusted to keep guests safe by keeping groups sizes small, adhering to current pandemic protocols, spending the majority of the tour outdoors, and having all guides and guests wear masks. There is also an option for an outdoor only tour.

About Brewery District CURC

The non-profit Brewery District CURC is the organizer of the historic brewery tours and started the first large-scale heritage tour program in Over-the-Rhine in 2006. It is a non-profit organization committed to making Cincinnati’s historic Brewery District a healthy, balanced and supportive neighborhood economy by preserving, restoring and redeveloping our unique brewing history and historic urban fabric through projects like the Brewing Heritage Trail.

Play Time

Craving live theater but still want to enjoy the great outdoors?

If You Go

Enjoy the Arts @ Parks
Saturday, April 24, 1–5 p.m.

Julius Caesar (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company) and and Martin’s Dream (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati).

Boone Woods Park, 6000 Veterans Way
Burlington, KY 41005

Find out more at guide.artswave.org/event

ArtsWave, the region’s engine for the arts offers an afternoon of theater at Boone Woods Park as part of its free outdoor concert series, Enjoy the Arts @ Parks, presented by Macy’s.

A new monthly series, Enjoy the Arts @ Parks showcases the diversity and excellence of Greater Cincinnati’s arts at parks across the region.

The afternoon kicks off at 1 p.m. with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company performing a new production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Julius Caesar. This all new production is 90-minute play, directed by Christian Wiltshire, and has been produced to be staged outside.

At 3:30 p.m., The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati will present Martin’s Dream. Directed by Dr. Daryl Harris, Martin’s Dream is a one-person show created and performed by Deondra Kamau Means. Means will lead an exploration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life through story, speech and song. Audiences will follow along from Dr. King’s childhood in the Deep South through his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

New donors to ArtsWave and those increasing their last gift by 10%+ can receive a free year-long Great Parks of Hamilton County Motor Vehicle Permit, which allows free parking at all Great Parks of Hamilton County throughout 2021, as well as other benefits.

 Macy’s has sponsored ArtsWave’s Campaign event activities for more than 15 years. Their support has enabled ArtsWave to engage residents across the region in the arts during the time of year when the community comes together to keep those arts funded. That engagement is critical for ArtsWave, which is the largest community arts fund in the nation. It takes tens of thousands of donations from individuals and support from hundreds of companies and organizations to make their Campaign successful. Funds from the 2021 Campaign will support 100+ projects and organizations throughout the 15 counties that make up the Cincinnati Region.

All Will Be Revealed

If You Go…

Summerfair Poster Unveiling

Sunday, April 11, 1 p.m.
Anderson Center
7850 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati, 45230.

Open to the public.

Summerfair, one of the oldest continuous art fairs in the country, will be back at historic Coney Island for its 54th year from June 4-6, 2021.

Established in 1968, Summerfair is a combination of more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from across the country exhibiting and selling works ranging from ceramics and sculptures to painting and photography. More than 20,000 visitors annually enjoy the arts along with four stages of local and regional entertainers and a variety of gourmet food. The annual fine arts fair is Summerfair Cincinnati’s primary fundraiser and consistently ranks among the top 100 art shows nationally.

The juried art exhibits are showcased in 12 categories, including photography, painting, drawing/printmaking, wood, medal, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fibers, leather, jewelry and 2D/3D mixed media.

Proceeds from Summerfair Cincinnati provide award, scholarship and exhibit opportunities to a variety of emerging (high school and college), individual (working professional) artists and local/regional small and mid-sized arts organizations throughout the year.

Summerfair is listed in the Top 25 America’s Best Art Fairs and one of the top five Best Midwest Art Fairs by Art Fair Calendar.com. Tickets to Summerfair are $10 (cash only at the gate), with children 12 and under admitted free. Advance one-day or multi-day tickets are $15 and available online at summerfair.org.

The hours for Summerfair are 12 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 4; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 6.

Summerfair Cincinnati is a non-profit 501(c)3 arts organization that has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati year-round for more than 50 years.

Summerfair Cincinnati, which consistently ranks in the Top 25 among U.S. Fine Art and Design Shows, provides support for individual artists and small arts organizations through scholarships, awards and exhibitions.

Learn more at www.summerfair.org.

A Sense of Belonging

Cincinnati Food Tours announces the launch of its Welcome Home Gift designed to showcase local businesses and connect visitors and residents alike to the Cincinnati region. Containing an assortment of shelf-stable foods from historic Findlay Market, the gift is an invitation to embrace the local community.

During the pandemic, owner Barb Cooper of Cincinnati Food Tours experimented with several retail products to augment the lack of in-person tours. As she worked with Findlay Market merchants, she was reminded of the community pride so evident around the neighborhood. “When we lost the chance to introduce newcomers to our region face-to-face, I went to work figuring out how to make the connections with a retail product.”

Originally the Welcome Home gift was designed with the real estate industry in mind. However, Cooper quickly realized that the message of “You Belong Here” applies not only to new homeowners, but also translates to a variety of other corporate purposes. “Everyone wants to feel they belong,” said Cooper, “and I think each of us is looking for an inclusive place to live, work, or play.” Among other uses, she suggests the box sends the right message to employees returning to the office after working remotely. “We’ve all been away from each other for so long. It’s definitely time to remind people ‘You Belong Here.’”

The Welcome Home Gift contains items from six Findlay Market merchants, as well as coupons, a gift card, and an exclusive “You Belong Here” coffee mug. Price is $44.10 when purchasing 3 or more boxes. Single boxes sell for $49 each. The gift can be ordered online at https://www.cincinnatifoodtours.com/welcome-home-gift-box/ with delivery or shipping expected within 3 business days. Call Barb Cooper at 513-602-5602 with questions.

Cincinnati Food Tours has been the area leader in food and cultural tours since 2012. Locally owned and operated, the company offers a variety of culinary experiences at Findlay Market, in Over-the-Rhine, in Wyoming, and in other delicious Cincinnati area neighborhoods. In addition to regularly scheduled public walking tours, Cincinnati Food Tours specializes in corporate outings, streetcar tours, progressive meals, and step-on bus tours.

Hitting the Bricks

Looking for a new way to experience Cincinnati history, great architecture, and some fresh air?

Join the Friends of Music Hall’s (FMH) knowledgeable guides for a 60-minute outdoor tour of Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark, when tours re-launch on April 1.

Volunteer Becky Moegenberg answers guests questions during an Outdoor Building Tour. These are held Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings this fall.

FMH’s Outdoor Building Tours of Music Hall explore Music Hall's history, the symbolism and design of the architecture, the challenges at every step of construction, and the people who made it happen, along with information on the culture and society of the neighborhood in 1878. Wearing dark polo shirts and an identifying badge, FHM tour guides will meet guests on Music Hall’s front steps at 1241 Elm Street. 

“If you’re looking for a unique outdoor activity this spring, book a tour of Music Hall,” says Mindy Rosen, executive director for the FHM. “You’ll learn all about this majestic building’s architecture and history from our knowledgeable guides.”

Historians, preservationists, architecture enthusiasts and adventurers alike will gain new insight into why Cincinnati Music Hall truly merits its designation as one of the best and most beautiful concert halls in the world. The tour does not go inside Music Hall.

“The weather is just perfect for a 60-minute walking tour,” Rosen says. “Be sure to explore Over-the-Rhine before or after your tour. Many OTR merchants provide special discounts to our tour guests.”

Find out more about the tours, and special discounts at Over-the-Rhine merchants at friendsofmusichall.org/music-hall-tours/faq.

Outdoor Building Tours are held April through November, rain or shine, on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Walking is required and tours are approximately 60 minutes long. Tours are offered rain or shine. Note this tour does not go inside Music Hall. 

Tickets should be purchased in advance, up to three hours before the start of the tour either online FriendsofMusicHall.org, click on Tours or by calling (513) 621-2787. Tickets are $15 per person; $5 for children under 12. When 5-8 tickets are purchased together, the charge is $13 per ticket.

Student groups are eligible for $5 discounts. A 10% discount is offered to members of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Music Hall, Cincinnati Arts Association members, and Certified Tourism Ambassadors.

Guests and guides are required to wear a mask or face covering. Everyone is asked to remain at least six feet apart during the walking tour. To facilitate social distancing, tour groups are limited to eight people. Larger groups can be arranged by calling (513) 744-3293 or by email musichalltour@friendsofmusichall.org.

–Tricia Suit

'S Wonderful

Get into the swing of things when John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops perform Mid-Century Songbook: Ella, Nat & More with guest vocalists Mandy Gaines and Darius de Haas on April 2 and 3.

Enjoy favorites from the Great American Songbook with songs from icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and others.

Cincinnati's own, jazz vocalist Mandy Gaines joins the Pops with more than 20 years of professional experience, hailed as a talented, versatile vocalist and entertainer. She has entertains and delights audiences with refreshing, soulful and exciting performances.

Acclaimed for her soulful vocals and improvisational skills, Gaines began singing in school and church, and has been singing professionally since 1988. She is also a 2018 inductee into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame.

She has performed with jazz’s biggest names, including Wynton Marsalis and Randy Brecker. Her fresh interpretations of jazz, soul and pop classics have delighted audiences around the globe.

If Darius de Haas’s name isn’t familiar to you, his voice certainly is. He did all the the singing for the character Shy Baldwin in Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Born and raised in a musical family on Chicago’s South Side, de Haas is known for his soaring voice, he has proven successful as a performer ranging from the Broadway stage to recordings to concert venues throughout the world. He enjoys a multifaceted career as an award-winning, widely acclaimed popular singer and actor, having appeared in everything from As You Like It for Public Works to Lincoln Center’s Carousel Rent.

The Pops has recently expanded its capacity for indoor events, in accordance with Ohio Governor Mike Dewine's orders, with additional, socially distanced seats for these performances. The Pops continues to follow all state and CDC safety protocols for in-person performances, which will be 60-80 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available atwww.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events.

If you aren’t ready to attend in person, you can catch the FREE digital livestream premiere on April 3 at 7:30 pm. To watch, visit cincinnatipops.org/live, the Pops' YouTube channel or the Pops' Facebook page. FREE for 24 hours and available to watch anytime for $15 starting April 24.

These performances are also part of the Multicultural Awareness Council Series, a collection of concerts that amplify underrepresented musicians, composers and artists—all part of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

---

Cincinnati Pops photo: Mark Lyons

A Running Start

Starting to feel like you need to get moving again? Why not train for a 5k surrounded by local art, architecture and music.

ArtsWave is teaming up the Flying Pig Marathon for The Art of Training for a 5K, on Thursday, March 25, at 7 p.m. Join Flying Pig Marathon executive director Iris Simpson Bush and WLWT's Megan Mitchell to learn how to train for a 5K using four uniquely artful 3.1-mile courses designed by Iris herself. The event will touch on the benefits of running for both mind and body, along with how the arts augment that experience.

Admission to the event comes with custom maps of the four courses, video previews of each and a playlist of Cincinnati-based music and musicians to spur you on to new heights. Each course will take you on an artistic tour of a different part of our community, past public art, historical and architectural wonders. ArtsWave Pass members an access the program for NO COST, or individual tickets can be purchased for $15.

Arts4Wellness is a live, socially-distanced wellness program with creative flair offered each month to keep us healthy and hopeful throughout 2021. Experience yoga in FC Cincinnati's new stadium, healthy grilling tips from It's Commonly Jazz co-founder, Carolyn Wallace, behind-the-scenes stories from Cincinnati-filmed movies and so much more!

The easiest way to access all of these events is by becoming a member of ArtsWave Pass. For a $75+ gift to ArtsWave, you'll receive no-cost access to all 12 Arts4Wellness events, plus complimentary tickets, merchandise, dining deals and more from partners across the region.

Celtic Pride

Your St. Patrick’s Day celebration may be a bit quieter than in years’ past, but that’s no reason to skip the party completely. Embracing the resilient spirit of the Irish, you can find smaller ways to celebrate the city’s Irish heritage while still enjoying music, dancing, and, of course, whiskey.

Whether you want to raise a socially distant pint or bring the party home, here are some to say “Sláinte!” on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Irish Heritage Center, 3905 Eastern Ave., will hold its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 17, with the pub opening at 3 p.m., with an Irish Mass at 2 p.m. Though seating is limited, the IHC does offer a “Hundred Thousand Welcomes” (Cead Mile Failte) to all who enter the great hall. Entertainment throughout the day includes Irish and Celtic music, dancers, sing-alongs, children’s arts and crafts, and visit from St Patrick himself, with story time into the late evening. Because of social distancing, guests are asked to register in advance. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

Rather celebrate at home? Try your hand at baking Irish Buttermilk Scones (recipe below) courtesy of IHC founder Maureen Kennedy from a family recipe. The IHC also offers Irish boxed sandwiches ($10 each) with your choice of

• Corned Beef sandwich with Thousand Island dressing and coleslaw

• Atlantic smoked salmon with arugula, lemon, caper and chives on a French croissant

• Cherrywood ham, smoked cheddar and Dijon poppy seed butter on a brioche bun

• Chickpea and barley pita with hummus and grilled Mediterranean vegetables

Each box comes with a snack and cookie. Order by calling in your selection at (513) 533-0100.

The Irish Center has also coordinated a live stream with one of Dublin’s best bands, Dereck Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones. The show will be available to stream beginning at 5 p.m. If want to join the virtual event, call the Irish Center to learn more, and please register before March 17.

Molly Malone’s, 112 E. Fourth St. Covington, will hold its traditional St. Patrick’s Day party, creating a safe and fun celebration with social distancing, limited capacity and durations, and mask requirements. The bar will have live on two floors, with Liam’s Fancy (12 p.m., second floor), Grey Dogs (1 p.m., third floor), Lost Celts (6 p.m., second floor), and Easter Rising (7 p.m., third floor), and pipers and Irish dancers stopping by all day.

Make reservations online, with $10 cover. With limited capacity, stays are limited to 2.5 hours, so as many people as possible will be able to attend and enjoy the festivities. Court Street will be closed, with outdoor tables for dining and drinks. 

Doors open at 7 a.m. for kegs ’n’ eggs, with the first 100 guests receiving a St. Patrick’s Day 2021 t-shirt. 

Want to sleep in a bit? Head to Fishbowl At The Banks, 141 E Freedom Way, for Shamrock Juice, the featured fishbowl, or green tea Jell-O shots. Live music starts at noon, with Michael Paulik (12-4 p.m.), Brad Martin (4-6 p.m.), Nick Heffron (6-10 p.m.), DJ Steve The Greek (10 p.m.-midnight). You can enjoy the music onstage and streaming live on the Fishbowl Facebook page, so you can bring the party home.  

Nicholson’s, 625 Walnut St., will have performances from bagpiper Robert Reid and the Cincinnati Highland Dancers throughout the day, with musician Mike Haskins from 6-9 p.m. Along with live music, the tavern will have Irish fare and drink specials, with Guiness, Harp, and Smithwick’s on tap.

You can also have your own celebration with their St. Patrick’s Day Carryout Package, with corned beef and cabbage and smoked salmon for $25. Call (513) 564-9111 to reserve your feast.

Photos courtesy Maureen Kennedy/Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati

–Tricia Suit

---

Irish Buttermilk Scones
From the Kitchen of Eve Kennedy 
Serves 8

The Secret: Don’t over mix and be sure the oven is hot!

8 oz. self-rising flour
pinch of salt
1 oz. butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
5 oz. buttermilk
milk to glaze

Preheat oven to 450° F. Sift flour with salt and using your fingers incorporate the butter or margarine until it resembles small crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in beaten egg and buttermilk. Mix to form a soft dough, adding a little extra buttermilk, if necessary. Turn out on a floured surface and roll out to 1-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch rounds. Brush with milk and place on a floured baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until light brown.

Thank you to Maureen Kennedy,
co-founder, of the Irish Heritage Center,
for sharing her grandmother’s recipe.

Bring the Party Home with Cincinnati International Wine Festival

Order tickets now!

Enjoy the Cincinnati International Wine Festival experience at home this year! Order tickets now for a virtual tasting party for two on Thursday, March 18. 

Though guests are usually invited to “Come to the Party,” but until it is safe for everyone to be together in person, the festival is “Bringing the Party to You”!

With this special opportunity, donors and guests can safely celebrate the world of wine from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Don’t miss this exclusive, limited edition virtual event! All proceeds from this virtual event will benefit the more than 30 local non-profits as part of the festival’s “Giving Back One Glass at a Time” initiative.

Explorer Ticket – $75

Includes (3) curated bottles of wine, hand-picked by our winery partners, PLUS

• (2) Cincy Wine Fest @ Home GoVino wine glasses (shatterproof, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free)

• Virtual tasting lead by an expert from the wines you receive in your box

• Customers must pick up from Fueled Collective on March 17 and 18

Enthusiast Ticket – $150

Includes ALL amenities from the Explorer Ticket, PLUS

• (1) Party Kit with all of the goodies needed to enjoy your virtual #CincyWineFest, including a Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail kit, cheese samples from Murray’s Cheese, delicious snacks, and other surprises. Kit valued at over $100.

• Customers must pick up from Fueled Collective on March 17 and 18

Aficionado Ticket – $295

Includes ALL amenities from both the Explorer & Enthusiast Tickets, PLUS

• More exclusive wine selection for your tasting experience

• Hearty hors d’oeuvres made by the amazing eat well celebrations and feasts

• Complimentary delivery (within/near the I-275 loop of Cincinnati)

Cincinnati Riverfront Volksmarch Group Announces

The Cincinnati Riverfront Volksmarch Group (CRVG) announces the theme of their March Volksmarch, “The Coming of Spring – Bockfest Volksmarch.” The 5K (3.1 Mile) Volksmarch is Saturday March 6 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Registration 10 a.m. to Noon and complete walk by 1 p.m.). Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite Bockfest attire during the walk.

“We are excited to support Bockfest during these pandemic times by theming our March Volksmarch in their honor and donating a portion of the proceeds to the Brewery District non-profit, the organizers of Bockfest,” said Bob Igel co-chair of the Cincinnati Volksmarch Group.  

Pandemic Social Distancing protocols will be adhered to during the Volksmarch. Groups of no more than 10 people can start the Volksmarch at a time. The after walk social activities will have social distancing tables spaced and participants seated in the Moerlein Lager House and adjacent outdoor areas.   

The CRVG is a group of individuals that are lighthearted; enjoy walking, and drinking beer. The Volksmarch takes place the first Saturday of every month regardless of weather conditions (except snow emergencies). Think of the Riverfront Volksmarch as a monthly social group that meets up gets a little exercise and enjoys life. Regardless of weather conditions the group will meet monthly to enjoy life and the seasons of the riverfront. Each Volksmarch will have a theme. March’s theme will be “The Coming of Spring – Bockfest Volksmarch”.   

Hours, location and cost:

• The first Saturday of each month

• Next Volksmarch Saturday, March 6

• Moerlein Lager House 115 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

• Parking located directly below the Moerlein Lager House

• Registration between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. with your walk beginning as soon as you register

• Completion of walk to be done by 1 p.m.

• Cost: $3 per participant

• Special participant offer: Purchase a commemorative Bockfest Pint Glass for just $5 and get your $3 entry fee waived

• All participants are entered into a raffle to win cool prizes

• Children are free

Up to date information on the Cincinnati Riverfront Volksmarch can be obtained via their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Cincinnati-Riverfront-Volksmarch-Public-Page-113592707159901

Bockfest, Cincinnati’s annual celebration of Spring, the area’s brewing heritage and bock beer, is March 5-7. Due to the ongoing pandemic, organizers have had to alter many events so visit www.bockfest.com for the latest details from the Bockfest event organizers

Funky’s Wine Dinners Flourishing in COVID times

By Stephanie Denzel

Take a trip to the vineyards of Italy or California Wine Country all while staying  in Cincinnati. A few sips of wine along with a delectable meal and you’ll be transported thanks to Funky’s Catering Wine Dinners.

These one-night-only dinners have been growing in popularity since they restarted following the pandemic related shut downs. Once a month, the Cincinnati-based catering company hosts 60 guests for a unique experience at one of its  three venues.

The Funky’s Catering team puts on a great evening  showcasing a selection of wines from an area around the world. Previous dinners have highlighted Italy, South Africa, France, Pacific Northwest and California Wine Country. Then, the team of Funky’s chefs pairs each wine with a five-course meal and hors d’oeuvres.

Health  precautions are taken at each event from taking temperatures to distancing tables , but the experience isn’t lost. The chef makes it a point to visit with each guest and answer any questions.

Tickets for these events go quickly. This month’s Wine Dinner sold out weeks ahead. If you’d like to be the first to know about such evenings, sign up for Funky’s mailing list.

Climb down the Rabbit Hole to Alice's Wonderland

By: Stephanie Denzel

Photography by: Shae Combs

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.” - Alice

Get whisked away by the Mad Hatter into a land like you’ve never seen before. The Alice- an immersive cocktail experience- will give you a peak inside the rabbit hole.

From riddles and tricks to a mystery you must solve, this experience is a great COVID-safe evening. Just beware of the Queen of Hearts- that’s all we’ll say.

The event runs through March at the Sample Space at The Banks. Get your tickets here.

MVP Cocktail Showdown

By: Tanya Busby

Kansas City Chiefs or Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady?

Pick your MVP and represent Sunday from your jersey to your cocktail. Our resident bartender Tanya Busby is back with a cocktail for both team’s fans.

Kansas City Tap Water

• 1.25 oz vodka

• 1.25 oz gin

• 3-4 oz Sprite

• A lime

Tampa Bay Hurricane

• 1 oz dark rum

• 1 oz white rum

• 3 oz passionfruit puree

• 3 oz orange juice

• 1/2 a lime

• Splash of grenadine

From Maria to Alice to Eleanor: Extraordinary Women in Extraordinary Times

By: Stephanie Denzel

Eleanor Roosevelt: Wife of President Franklin Roosevelt and the longest-serving First Lady of the United States

Maria Longworth Storer: The founder of Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati and granddaughter of Cincinnati businessman Nicholas Longworth

What do these two women have in common? One shared family member- Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

Join in on the virtual conversation Tuesday, January 26 at 7 p.m. with D. Lynn Meyers, the Producing Artistic Director at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, and historians Nancy Broermann and Constance Moore as The Mercantile Library takes you inside the lives of these three extraordinary women. Save your spot here.

They will explore the challenging circumstances they faced - world wars, a pandemic, social upheaval - and the contributions each made all while in the glare of the public spotlight.

This program is presented by The Mercantile Library and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. It is free and open to the public via Crowdcast.

Shop unique new merchandise online to support the arts through Monday

Prior to Thanksgiving, ArtsWave, the engine for the arts, announced the launch of an online store at ArtsWave.org/POWERmerch to provide POWER OF HER merchandise now through early December as a holiday fundraiser and capstone to the 18-month initiative, celebrating women in the arts, presented by Procter & Gamble with support from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee, LPK and various community leaders. 

The new merchandise line celebrates women in the arts and women throughout the Cincinnati region. The store includes something for everyone – from onsies and youth t-shirts, to adult shirts, masks, mugs, postcards and more. The store will be online from now through December 7.

Three of the items have been created by local artists and entrepreneurs. Erikka Gray, owner of District 78, a lifestyle brand and vendor of handcrafted candles and part owner of Pause, a MOTAR-created alternative wellness venture on Short Vine Street, has developed a special POWER OF HER candle. The new soy-based, long-burning candle scent is as bold as Gray is and it is her reflection of the daring, inclusive, celebratory and declarative strength of Cincinnati’s women artists, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Dawn Grady, owner of Junebug Jewelry Designs, a pop-up store on Vine Street and also a MOTAR graduate, has created a limited edition pair of POWER OF HER earrings that are made of Argentium silver, which is tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic and responsibly resourced. Grady combines this brilliant metal with three semi-precious gemstones – citrine, rhodonite and turquoise – each with energies reflective of the POWER OF HER concept. Grady mentions, “Each stone was chosen to reflect a woman’s ascension to her own personal royalty.” For instance, the turquoise used is meant “as a symbol of wisdom, nobility and power” says Grady.

In addition, ArtsWave’s “Imagineers, Impresarios, Inventors: Cincinnati’s Arts and the POWER OF HER,” will be featured on the merchandise website. This book, released in summer 2020 and edited by Kathy Merchant, former President/CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation and ArtsWave Women’s Leadership Roundtable member, celebrates nearly 200 women who have shaped Greater Cincinnati’s arts. The book includes 120 essays in total told by 34 journalists, freelance writers and authors. 

The POWER OF HER brand concept was created by globally recognized and local brand design and innovation marketing agency LPK on a pro bono basis and as a reflection of its longtime work with ArtsWave and so many Cincinnati cultural institutions. LKP Creative Director Jessica Owens Stephens has volunteered additional time beyond her role at LPK to design the branded merchandise in the store.

Over the last 18 months through the POWER OF HER, the arts sector has come together through hundreds of female-centric works and an array of events to celebrate women in the arts. POWER OF HER salutes and honors female leadership with woman-centric works of all kinds, underscoring creativity as the vehicle for inclusion and equality. Inspired by the many Cincinnati cultural and civic organizations which were founded by women and have celebrated anniversaries over the past year,* POWER OF HER encompasses art forms of all types. Here are the remaining POWER OF HER events presently on the schedule.

Shop Summerfair artists this Holiday Season

Summerfair Cincinnati is excited to announce its new Holiday Virtual Event. This event will showcase 45 Summerfair 2020 artists and their work online at Summerfair.org starting Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2020.

These 45 artists represent 13 different art categories - 2D/3D, ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking and wood - from 15 different states. 28 artists are either local or regional artists.

“We are thrilled to be able to give some of our beloved Summerfair artists a platform to showcase their work,” said Jayne Utter, Executive Director of Summerfair Cincinnati. “It’s been a tough year for many of them. We hope this will give them an opportunity to display their exceptional work and give Summerfair guests the chance to shop their favorite artists.”

The Summerfair Holiday Virtual Event will begin Thursday, November 26 and can be found at Summerfair.org.

Registration is now open for 2021 Pig Works events

Registration for the 2021 Flying Pig weekend powered by P&G, Queen Bee weekend empowered by P&G and Kroger and TQL Beer Series events will open on Monday, October 12. All events will be offered for virtual registration at first, with special pricing and incentives for early registrants. 

As government approval and health protocols are adjusted in the coming months for in-person events, Pig Works will be adjusting its registration policies as well. Virtual participants already signed up will have first choice, when guidelines allow, to stay virtual or to transfer to in-person registration. 

“We remain hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to host you in-person and are preparing for that,” said Iris Simpson Bush, president and CEO of Pig Works, “but we feel that this is the most transparent and fair way to move forward at this time.”

The first event in the 2021 Pig Works schedule is the Bockfest 5K, part of the TQL Beer Series, on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Learn more about each event and register here.

Patty Brisben Foundation to Hold Virtual Annual Gala Saturday

The Patty Brisben Foundation, serving to enhance women’s sexual health and well-being through research and education, is going worldwide with its 15th annual Gala as the party goes virtual this Saturday, October 3, starting at 8 p.m. EDT.

Consultants and supporters are the hosts for parties around the world as the Gala will be streamed live to homes throughout the U.S. and abroad. More than 200 hosts and their guests across 42 states, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Japan, have already signed up to participate.

“We are so excited to be able to take our annual Gala virtually to Consultants and their guests this year,” said Patty Brisben, founder of Pure Romance. “We wish we could all be together, but this way we can stay safe and connect virtually to raise money for women’s sexual health.”

Music, special guests and auctions will be part of the Virtual Gala, which raises funds for grants given by the Foundation to researchers and clinics around the world. Nearly half of all women experience sexual difficulties at some point in life. Despite this, most healthcare providers receive very little training when it comes to sexuality, and even less in the area of female sexual health.

The Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health aims to change that by directing resources and funding research to advocate for women’s sexual health, and advance the understanding of the issues facing women’s sexuality.

Individual tickets to the Gala are still available at http://pattybrisbenfoundation.org/pbf-gala/.