Word to Your Mother

The last time the Reds won the World Series was in 1990, so it’s fitting that they are hosting the “I Love the 90s” show at Great American Ball Park, part of the Ohio Lottery Post-Game Concert Series on Saturday, August 21.

VANILLA ICE

Don’t sleep on Vanilla Ice, nee Rob Van Winkle. While he gained fame for the super catchy (to David Bowie and Queen, too) “Ice Ice Baby,” he was definitely back with a brand new invention, becoming a real estate entrepreneur and remodeling expert with his own show on the DIY Network, The Vanilla Ice Project.

TONE LOC

Best known for his hits “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” the Grammy-nominated Tone Loc has used his signature rasp to become a successful voice actor, working on the film FernGully: The Last Rainforest and on TV in King of the Hill, Uncle Grandpa, and Chowder.

ROB BASE

Best known for “It Takes Two,” Rob Base began his career with DJ E-Z Rock. That platinum single has appeared in more than 30 TV shows and movies, including Love and Basketball, The Wire, Iron Man 2, Parks & Recreation, and Pose.

NAUGHTY BY NATURE

We may never all agree on what exactly “O.P.P.” means, no one argue that Naughty By Nature created one of the first true crossover hits with that Grammy-nominated song. In 2020, the group teamed up with Rita Wilson for a charity re-mix of “Hip Hip Hooray.”

The “I Love the 90s” tours offers a chance to either relive your glory days or be transported to a middle school dance, depending on your demographic. All while listening to some of the most iconic, indelible names in rap, hip hop and R&B.

The concert will begin approximately 20 minutes after the Reds vs. Marlins game ends.

Everyone with a ticket to the Reds game will have the chance to enjoy the show from some of hip-hop’s biggest stars of the ‘90s.

Tickets and information at www.mlb.com/reds/tickets/concerts/love-the-90s.

Eat and Run

Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K

Sep. 19, 8:30 a.m.

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.

Register for the Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K Run/Walk.

Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky is getting ready for the inaugural Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K Run/Walk. The family friendly, timed race is open to all people and will help Meals on Wheels feed more than 10,000 local seniors.

All participants will receive a Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K T-shirt and a unique commemorative medal. Trophies will be awarded to the overall top three male and female runners and the overall male and female walkers. Prizes will be awarded to the first-place male and female finishers determined by chip time in each age group: 6-12, 12-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+.

Following the Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K, participants will enjoy pie and other treats, drinks and music from DJ Brandon Scott Perry of Sound for Days and the Highlandaires.

“We’re excited for hundreds of friends, families, runners and walkers to join Meals on Wheels for the inaugural Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K,” said Jennifer Steele, Meals on Wheels CEO. “Participants will support our mission to help seniors live independently by bringing healthy meals to their doors, checking on their well-being, and providing care and human connection.”

The Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K kicks off the hugely popular Bust a Crust! annual fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 15-Nov. 15, 2021. Meals on Wheels expects to sell nearly 10,000 pies to benefit seniors in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Pies are donated by generous Pie Masters including Cherbourg Cypress, Chartwells, Chubby Bunny Bakery, The Fresh Market Oakley, Fork and Pie Bakery, MAKERS BAKERS Co., Mama Rose’s, Meijer, Nay Mama’s Sweet Treats, Perkins, Reinhart, Station BBQ, Sweets by LaDawn, Taste of Belgium, and UC Dining Services.

The Bust a Crust! Pie-K 5K is generously sponsored by Graydon, Driehaus Insurance Group, JTM Food Group, Champlin Architecture, Barnes Dennig, Bartlett Wealth Management, Doscher’s Candy Co., Enterprise Fleet Management, Happy Go Healthy, Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, LK Tech, Mutual of America Financial Group, Revecore, Ritter & Randolph, Robert Half, Senior Impact Publications, Skyline Chili, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, Strategic Benefits, Vomela Companies, Belflex Staffing Network, Clark Schaefer Hackett, Huntington National Bank, Millennium Business Systems, Prairie Farms, Preferred Packaging, Republic Bank, Rumpke and Wordsworth.

Be a Goldfish?

Fishbowl at The Banks, a casual, modern, energetic tropical bar and party spot, has expanded by more than 1,000 square feet. The bigger location officially opened Thursday, Aug. 5, kicking off a schedule of live music, seven days a week, for the remainder of the summer. (Visit www.fishbowlatthebanks.com to see the lineup.)

Fishbowl’s Expansion Kickoff Celebration will also feature the debut of a special new Fishbowl drink, the Ocean Vive, perfect for these sultry August nights.

“We can’t wait for you to visit our bigger Fishbowl with more entertainment, sound, lights, TVs and Fishbowls,” said Fishbowl owner Danny Scott. “So many improvements are happening at The Banks, including the beautiful new pedestrian walkway and the DORA District. This celebration is a thank you to the many guests who stuck with us through the pandemic – and a welcome to those who have yet to enjoy Fishbowl at The Banks.”

Fishbowl at the Banks expanded into its adjacent location, 151 East Freedom Way, formerly occupied by Tervis. Construction began in February of 2021. Fishbowl at the Banks originally opened in October of 2019, just months before eatery and pub restrictions were put in place due to the pandemic.

The 85-acre Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) District at The Banks allows guests to take their beverage and explore public plazas and green spaces at The Banks. Drinks must be in an official DORA Cup and purchased from one of the 18 establishments at The Banks. The DORA District at The Banks is open 11 a.m.–1 a.m., daily.

Best Foot Forward

Cincinnati is one of 17 U.S. cities vying to be a World Cup Host City for the 2026 international event at Paul Brown Stadium. Of the 17, 10 Host Cities will be chosen from the United States with the remaining Host Cities from Mexico and Canada. Only two Midwestern cities, Cincinnati and Kansas City, are among the final 17 U.S. cities competing for the World Cup.

The CEOs from four of the region’s largest companies will champion Cincinnati’s bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

P&G’s David Taylor, Ohio National’s Barbara Turner, Kroger’s Rodney McMullen and American Financial Group’s Carl H. Lindner III will serve as co-chairs of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) that is working to bring the world’s largest sporting event to Cincinnati.

“Cincinnati is the perfect host city for the World Cup,” said David Taylor, chairman, president and CEO of P&G. “Our community comes together to rally around big initiatives and get the job done. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and show FIFA all that the Cincinnati region has to offer.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ will be the first time that the expanded field of 48 teams will play in the World Cup, with 80 total matches. Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ could generate more than $5 billion in short-term economic activity, including supporting approximately 40,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in incremental worker earnings across North America, according to a study done by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a leading global management consulting firm.

Canada, Mexico and the United States are hosting the 48-team tournament in 2026, which will be the largest in FIFA World Cup™ history. The study further estimates that individual host cities could expect to see approximately $160-$620 million in incremental economic activity. That translates to a net benefit of approximately $90-$480 million per city.

“Cincinnati is passionate about this beautiful game and we’re prepared to represent the Midwest as a great American soccer city,” said Barbara Turner, CEO of Ohio National Financial Services. “The hard working and collaborative nature of our region puts us in a strong position to win this bid.”

Cincinnati is well positioned to represent the United States as a World Cup host city. With 60% of the nation’s population within an eight hour drive of Cincinnati, the city is located at the center of America’s heartland. The Local Organizing Committee is committed to helping FIFA achieve its goals to roll out the hospitality red carpet and grow the sport of soccer through fan and visitor engagement. In Cincinnati, World Cup will have top billing and be the priority focus.

“Cincinnati is an incredible city with a robust arts, culture and entertainment scene,” said Rodney McMullen, CEO of The Kroger Company. “By hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cincinnatians will have the chance to host the world’s greatest soccer fans and show them the vibrant and welcoming city we know and love.”

The last time that America was the host of the World Cup was in 1994, with a record attendance of more than 3.5 million, and an average of 69,174 fans per match. FIFA is looking to break that attendance record on its return to the United States with the expanded World Cup field.

Later in 2021, FIFA is planning site visits to the bidding cities with final Host City selections to follow.

Badwater Rising

School for Creative and Performing Arts teacher and veteran Flying Pig marathoner Harvey Lewis won this years’s Badwater 135 endurance race, the second time in his career he has won the grueling run.

The 135 mile course starts at the lowest elevation in North America, 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley, and ends at an elevation of 8,360 feet at the trailhead to Mt. Whitney. Lewis finished the course in 25 hours, 50 minutes and 23 seconds. He also won Badwater in 2014 and is a 10 time finisher. 

Billed the “World’s Toughest Foot Race,” Badwater this year had 84 entrants start with temperatures up to 117 degrees 

Lewis is a familiar figure in running in the Greater Cincinnati area, running the Flying Pig Marathon every year since its inception in 1999 and pacing marathon running groups throughout the country. Lewis also ran the Appalachian Trail in 2918 in less than 50 days, finishing in 45 days, 14 hours, a top-10 all-time finish.

The Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, the 135-Mile World Championship, was held July 19-21. Now in its 44th year – with the 2020 race canceled last-minute due to the pandemic – this world-renowned event pits up to 100 of the world’s toughest athletes against one another and the elements in a crucible like no other. From below sea level in scorching temperatures to altitudes as high as 8,360 feet (2548m), endurance athletes from 17 countries and 29 American states plus the Navajo Nation will face off in a grueling 135-mile trek non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA. Widely recognized as “the world’s toughest foot race,” the invitational Badwater 135 is the most demanding and extreme running race on the planet.

Family Portraits

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unapparelled loss to millions around the world, it has also revealed a compassion and resilience in people. As often happens, we turn to artists in the community to help us all process our grief and create poignancy from tragedy.

“After months of listening to news reports about the death toll from COVID, which felt distant, anonymous, and disconnected, I wanted to do something that brought the reality of this devastating time into sharp focus,” says Christian Schmit, a programmer at the William E. Durr Branch of the Kenton County Public Library. 

“I struggled to find a way to do this, but finally realized the answer is simple: I am an artist, I know lots of artists, let's make portraits of people,” says Schmit,

Schmit, in collaboration with other 21 local artists, created The COVID Portrait Project, currently on view through August 6 at the Durr branch in Independence. The portraits are their effort to remember those who passed away over that past year and memorialize them with honor and dignity.

“The result of this project is a humble display, 24 portraits,” says Schmit. “But I hope that through the artists' skill and the touching words of family and friends, we have created something monumental, that replaces cold numbers with faces, names and lives worth remembering,”

Earlier this year, the library asked patrons to submit photos of loved ones who had died during the pandemic. Then they recruited artists to create the portraits. Each portrait is accompanied by a short biography from a family member or friend and a remembrance of a happy time in their loved one’s life. 

“It's an emotional drawing to make because you know that the person has passed away, says Katelyn Wolary, one of the portrait artists. “It's not just a job. It's very personal, very one to one. To not even know the family receiving the portrait on a personal level, it doesn't change the intimacy of what we're doing as artists.”

“Sometimes it feels so huge that you don't even know where to turn with COVID and the pandemic and this brings it down to a level that we all can understand,” says Wolary. “We can all feel like we're giving something that is beneficial or positive.”

– Tricia Suit

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The William E. Durr Branch of the Kenton County Library is at 1992 Walton-Nicholson in Independence, Ky. The library is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 9 am. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday.

For more information about The COVID Portrait Project visit www.kentonlibrary.org/the-covid-portrait-project.

Bank on a Good Time

Don’t miss the Open House for The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center’s today from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 25. The public has a FREE chance to get a first look inside the brand-new concert venue, hosted by Music & Event Management, Inc.

Throughout the day, local bands will play on The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park, along with concessions and family-friendly activities.

The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park lineup is

11 – 11:35 a.m. KNOTTS
11:55 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tracy Walker
12:50 – 1:25 p.m. MADQUEEN
1:45 – 2:20 p.m. Carriers

DJ Mowgli will also be spinning throughout the day, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Concessions will be available for purchase including beer, seltzers, water, soda, Skyline Chili Cheese Coneys and walking tacos, and Papa John’s Pizza. While you're there, you can even take a souvenir photo or have your face painted before the Reds game!

EVT Management Services and MEMI will be accepting applications to fill the following positions: Event Staff, Box Office Staff, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Bartenders, Bar-backs and Cashiers.

The venue box office will be open on Sunday, July 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no service fees when paying with cash and $2 per ticket fee when paying with a credit card.

About the bands:

DJ MOWGLI: DJ Mowgli started DJing during the first wave of raves in the early ‘90s. Prior to that, he was a promoter & MC. Taking in the first wave of Darkcore Breakbeat dance music, he started collecting that stuff in the only format available, vinyl. The collection getting immense, he began to DJ for parties and events, eventually creating “The Cincinnati Bomb Squad” (CBS).

CBS started hosting their own events, bringing in legendary headliners. Over the years, DJ Mowgli has shared the stage with Jam Master Jay of RUN DMC, Juan Atkins & Derrick May (fathers of Techno), Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Jimmy Edgar, Mark Farina, Apocalyptica, Grammy Award-winners Bone, Thugs ‘N’ Harmony, Public Enemy, DJ Q-Bert, and many more.

KNOTTS: KNOTTS lead singer/songwriter, Adalia Powell-Boehne possesses a truly one-of-a-kind plaintive voice that grounds all her songs with a strong sense of someone searching for her place in the world. Powell-Boehne enlisted local musicians Antoine Franklin (keys/bass), Jordan Wilson (guitar) and CJ Eliasen (drums) to perform with her. At first listen KNOTTS exemplifies all things indie pop, with electric guitars, synths and catchy hooks. Listen a little closer and you hear folk songwriting and R&B influences and Soul music. The common thread throughout the band’s music is the unmistakable vulnerability in the lyrics and impassioned tone of the vocals.

TRACY WALKER: Just as palpable as her ringing alto and her estimable guitar skills, there is a blazing honesty that runs through Tracy’s work, from her 1998 debut album Naked to 2013’s Coetaneous Vibrations. She recently recorded an intimate set of songs, Bare Bones, with guitarist Brian Rivers for listeners who prefer a less is more approach to her songs. Tracy has been the recipient of two CAMMY Awards (Cincinnati Enquirer), 2 CEA Awards (Cincinnati CityBeat) and the prestigious Taft Museum of Art Duncanson Artist in Residency Honor among others celebrating her achievements in music. Tracy has developed a reputation as a fierce performer both solo as well as with her band.

MADQUEEN: MADQUEEN is an original rock/pop band started by Jaki Howser and Stephen Yokley. They added Young Heirlooms’ guitarist/ vocalist Chris Robinson and bassist Kyle Elkins, creating a unique combination of catchy melody lines, polyrhythms, harmonic minor themes, and a drummer that plays and sings at the same time. Live interaction, excellent musicianship, and a few theatrical moments. MADQUEEN was named Best New Artist. Pop/Rock at the 2019’s Cincinnati Entertainment Awards.

CARRIERS: Having played in several bands and touring throughout the U.S., Cincinnati-based artist Curt Kiser adopted the moniker Carriers in 2014. The project also works as a collective of friends, including Bryan Devendorf (The National) and John Curley (The Afghan Whigs), coming together to bring his sweeping rock visions to life. Kiser found break out success with Carriers’ debut LP, Now Is The Time For Loving Me, Yourself & Everyone Else, released in the summer of 2019 drawing praise from Paste Magazine, Consequence of Sound and more. A testament to the power of self-reflection, the 9-track album evokes the same guitar-led grandeur of The War on Drugs as Kiser takes stock of life, death, relationships and gratitude for another day.

Live Out Your Love

Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G (CMF) presents three events on the traditional July weekend of the Cincinnati Music Festival, which has been postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic.

For the first concert at The Andrew J. Brady ICON Music Center at The Banks, Cincinnati Music Festival will partner with P&G and Vibe Cincinnati for a live concert by KEM with special guest Leela James. Tickets are on sale now.

An internationally renowned R&B singer/songwriter, Kem has one platinum album, two gold records, three GRAMMY nominations; five #1 hit singles (“Love Calls,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Why Would You Stay,” “It’s You” and “Nobody”), along with several sold-out national tours and international shows. He last performed at Cincinnati Music Festival in 2018.

Friday Flow, featuring live music from Love Street with Vibe 5 and Tonia Ruby, in Washington Park on Friday, July 23, from 6 – 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, July 24, The Cincinnati Music Festival Outdoor Artwork Gallery opens in Washington Park, and then will travel to Court Street to be on display for a period of time, before heading back to the businesses to be proudly displayed within their space.. The gallery, sponsored by P&G with partners Kroger, ArtsWave, 3CDC and AGAR, that includes musical entertainment. This curated exhibit of outdoor artwork will highlight 15 BIPOC-owned businesses and artists that will be paired to create a unique and collaborative exhibition focused on supporting local artists, local businesses and the celebration of both unique types of art. The collaborative artworks will be celebrated through a month’s long installation of outdoor artwork within

The Cincinnati Music festival presented by P&G returns to Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium, July 21-23, 2022. A complete lineup will be announced in the next few months. Tickets are now on sale at CincyMusicFestival.com.

Moment of Truth

If You Go

Truth & Reconciliation – Events July 18

Live performances, Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., 3–9 p.m.

Film Shorts, NURFC, 50, E. Freedom Way, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Visual Art Exhibition, NURFC, 50, E. Freedom Way, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Exhibition continues through Oct. 31.

All three components of the Showcase are free, although signup for the performances is needed.

Please visit artswave.org/showcase for the full schedule.

A showcase of 27 commissioned projects on the themes of “truth” and “reconciliation,” that ArtsWave in partnership with the City of Cincinnati announced earlier in the year, was unveiled July 16 during a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) earlier this morning.

The multidisciplinary Showcase includes a Visual Art Exhibition with five works, a set of a dozen Film Shorts happening this Saturday and Sunday, and Live Performances on Sunday by nine artists with the day’s event emceed by Local 12’s Kyle Inskeep. The art exhibit and films will be held at NURFC, and performances will be held at Memorial Hall.

ArtsWave, the region’s engine for the arts, and the City of Cincinnati have been working on this partnership to support and elevate local Black and Brown artists for several years. After 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic and stark displays of systemic racism, racial injustice and inequities that confront Black and Brown individuals, it was decided that the first year of projects should reflect a variety of artistic disciplines and approaches to the complexities of ”truth” and “reconciliation.” Artists have collaborated with community members and other partners on their projects, so that the larger public can participate in reconciling the moment and imagining a more just and equitable future for the Cincinnati region through the arts.

Funding for the grants and showcase comes from the City of Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and ArtsWave’s Arts Vibrancy Recovery Fund. Artist selection through a competitive, community-based selection process, was chaired by Toilynn O’Neal Turner, founder of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center (“The ROMAC”).

The Visual Art Exhibition will be at the NURFC through October 31. The Film Shorts and Live Performances will happen this weekend (July 17 and 18) and they will be repeated September 18-19.

At the Press Conference, funding for a second year of projects was announced, with the City of Cincinnati renewing its partnership and long-time ArtsWave supporter Macy’s joining in as well. More information on the theme for next year’s program and corresponding grant process will be available later in the year.

The Showcase, one of various investments in Black artists and cultural organizations, is part of ArtsWave’s ongoing commitment to elevate a diverse array of artistic expressions. To help fund cultural diversity efforts like these, go to artswave.org/give.

Ready to Rock

It’s time to get that “Hard Rock Cafe Cincinnati” T-shirt.

As part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of Hard Rock, Hard Rock Cafe will open its doors, Thursday, July 15 at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. The Hard Rock Grand Opening celebration will include a 9 p.m. live concert with Cincinnati’s own Blessid Union of Souls, globally known for hits including “Hey Leonardo,” “I Believe” and “Oh Virginia.”

There will always be something exciting happening at Hard Rock Cafe Cincinnati. No matter when you sit down for burgers and drinks, you can always count on one thing—the party never stops with live music and entertainers.

Hard Rock Cafe Cincinnati will offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience with lunch and dinner, fresh burgers ground on-site, and a commitment to serving fresh, high-quality ingredients. To satisfy the consumer’s ever-changing palate, Hard Rock continually updates its menu with limited-time offerings including burger pairings, innovative cocktails, and more.

Hard Rock Cafe is an internationally recognized, world-class hospitality brand that operates cafes around the world, which are visited by millions of guests annually. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London, England in 1971. From there the brand has expanded to major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Paris, Sydney – and now Cincinnati!

Hard Rock Cafe at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati will be open to those 21 and older.

Footie Race

Ready to Run?

Saturday, July 17, 6 p.m.
Registration is now open at fccrace.com.

Only going to the Watch Party? Get tickets.

In-person racing returns for the first time since February 2020, as runners get ready for the FCC3.

The FCC3, presented by Medpace, returns July 17 to downtown Cincinnati. The FCC3 will start with a 3-mile walk/run with the finish line at TQL Stadium. Following the race there will be a Watch Party, presented by TQL, as FC Cincinnati takes on CF Montreal that night on the road.

All participants will receive a shirt and medal as well as access into the TQL Watch Party at TQL Stadium to watch the game. Anyone who deferred their registration from 2020 to this year will have the option to register for this year’s event or save their registration for 2022 or 2023.

You don’t need to run to go to the Watch Party, though. The game against CF Montreal will be streamed live at TQL Stadium – the game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss:

• Food from Cincinnati favorites

• Craft beer and beverage stations

• Giveaways from FC Cincinnati and the Flying Pig Marathon

• Mascot appearances

• Much more!

Proceeds from the race will benefit the FC Cincinnati Foundation, the charitable arm of FC Cincinnati, and Flying Pig Marathon Charities. Details on the time of the event and the course map will be released closer to the date. For more information, visit www.fccrace.com.

Fowl Weather Friends

If You Go

Fowling Tournament to Benefit Sam Hubbard Foundation

Thursday, July 8, 5 p.m.

The Fowling Warehouse
2940 Highland Ave #230

Register at https://www.slinkevents.com/.

If you can’t decide if you like bowling or football better, fowling offers you the best of both worlds.

Enjoy a fun night of fowling, food, drinks and prizes along with current and former NFL players, all for a great cause during the second annual Fowling Tournament to benefit the Sam Hubbard Foundation

Try to beat current and former NFL players at their own game, but with a twist. Instead of throwing the pigskin to a receiver, teams of two will be trying to knock down 10 pins as fast as they can.

To keep up their strength, fowlers will enjoy LaRosa’s, Skyline Chili (Oakley), Chick-fil-A, and Gigi’s Cupcakes during the event.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the Sam Hubbard Foundation. The Foundation will be offering a youth football camp on July 19 and the money raised from the event will help sponsor some kids who may not otherwise be able to afford to attend.

Ignite the Light

Fourth of July is this weekend! With COVID canceling last year’s celebrations, communities are returning to celebrate America with fireworks, food, drinks, and even drones. This year, you’ll find many places to watch fireworks and enjoy the holiday this weekend throughout the region.

Friday, July 2

Tap Tastes and Tunes Festival
Voice of America Park, 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester
Friday, 5–11 p.m., FREE
Tap Tastes and Tunes Festival on Facebook

Experience the Tap Tastes and Tunes Festival the entire holiday weekend, with live music, food, beverages, craft beer and family-friendly activities. The festival continues on Saturday (12–11 p.m.) and Sunday (12–10 p.m.), with fireworks wrapping up the celebration at 10 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available close to the Athletic Field Complex and UC Health-West Chester Hospital Fieldhouse, 7850 VOA Park Drive.

Cincinnati Reds Firework Friday
Great American Ballpark, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way
7:10 p.m.; Ticket start at $12
www.mlb.com/reds/tickets

Start your Fourth of July weekend with the Reds and Rozzi’s post-game fireworks. The series against the Cubs continues Saturday and Sunday with a “Super Saturday” patriotic T-shirt giveaway and Military Appreciation Day.

Sparks in the Park
Riverside Ballfield, 3969 Round Bottom Road, Milford
8–10 p.m., FREE
www.milfordohio.org/residents/calendar_of_events.php

Milford celebrates the holiday with music, refreshing drinks, and fireworks. The Milford Community Fire Department will have ice cold soda and water and the American Legion will have adult beverages in special event DORA cups. Kona Ice will have two locations onsite and Johnny's Creamy Whip mobile unit will be serving delicious ice cream treats. The Billy Rock Band performs at 8 p.m. with an incredible fireworks display from Rozzi Famous Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Saturday, July 3

Independence Day Celebration
900 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas
3–10 p.m., FREE
ftthomas.org

Celebrate Independence Day all day at Tower Park in Fort Thomas. A kids’ fun run begins at 7:40 a.m., followed by the Firecracker 5K at 8:15 a.m. and a parade at 10:30 a.m. Stick around for shopping, local food and drinks, kids’ activities, live music from
Jet Dress (5 p.m.), Frank Schmitt Orchestra (6:30 p.m.), and River City (8:30 p.m.), with fireworks at 10 p.m.

Madeira's 2021 Independence Day Celebration
McDonald Commons, 7502-7110 Dawson Road
5:30 – 10:30 p.m., FREE
www.madeiracity.com

Madeira’s celebration has a new home at McDonald Commons Park. A one-mile fun run begins at 5:30 p.m. on Miami Avenue followed by a 6 p.m. parade that ends at St. Gertrude Church. The party gets started at 7 p.m. with live music, food and beer. The firework show begins at 10 p.m. For those concerned with social distancing, an auxiliary site to view fireworks is at St. Gertrude’s lower parking lot.

4th of July Spectacular
Colerain Township Government Complex, 4200 Springdale Road
6:30–10 p.m., FREE
www.colerain.org/4th-of-July-Spectacular

Colerain Township and Rumpke present a party focused on “back-to-basics, hometown Americana” with an alcohol-free event. Guests can park at Colerain Middle School and Northgate Mall. with a free shuttle to the event location. No coolers or oversized bags are permitted as food and drinks are on-site. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. 

Balloon Glow
Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave.
8–10 p.m., FREE
coneyislandpark.com/event/balloon-glow
(Separate admission charged for Sunlite Pool)

Coney Island’s 21st Annual Balloon Glow is a go! See brilliant hot air balloons fill the sky. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks at 10:30 p.m. The Balloon Glow and fireworks are free to watch, but parking is $15 before 2 p.m. and $20 after 2 p.m. Spend the day at Coney Island–Sunlite Pool and the new Challenge Zone will be open from 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.!

Red, White and Kaboom!
Harbin Park, 300 Hunter Road, Fairfield
8–10 p.m., FREE
www.fairfield-city.org/578/Red-White-Kaboom

If you want big fireworks that can be seen from afar, check out Red, White and Kaboom! Rozzi’s Fireworks designed special fireworks with larger shells and a bigger shooting zone to expand the viewing area. Harbin Park will be closed to vehicular and foot traffic at 6 p.m. The soccer lot will be open to foot traffic only for viewing purposes starting at 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 4

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
Harrison Community Center, 300 George St., Harrison
4 p.m., parade; fireworks at dusk, FREE
www.harrisonohio.gov/Calendar

The city of Harrison provides an action-packed afternoon that includes a parade at 4 p.m. and free cornhole tournament from 6–9 p.m. Other activities include caricature drawings, face painting and magicians throughout the evening. Live music starts at 7 p.m. from the Miss Jacque Band and fireworks beginning at dusk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Loveland, Loveland
7 p.m., parade; fireworks, 10 p.m., FREE
lovelandoh.gov/433/Independence-Day-Celebration

Loveland’s annual celebration includes a kid zone with rides, inflatable games, face painting, performers and more! A parade will occur at 7 p.m. while live music will be performed all afternoon until the firework show at 10 p.m. Local food trucks and vendors will be present. Parking shuttles will be available to visitors at Loveland High School and the Loveland Early Childhood Center.

Cincinnati Pops: Red, White and BOOM
Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave.
8 p.m., Tickets $15–$55.
www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/red-white-and-boom/

John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops will perform American favorites inspired by this country and its people at 8 p.m. America the Beautiful will feature music that invigorates patriotism among all. After the concert, fireworks will light up the sky. Free lawn admission to those under 17, veteran tickets are $5.

Red, White and Blue Ash
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road
10 p.m., FREE
www.blueashevents.com

Expect a dazzling show at Summit Park with fireworks shot from the ground, sky, and observation tower. The display will also include 200 drones to complement the firework show with synchronized movements in the air. WARM 98.5 will provide an Independence Day-themed soundtrack. There will be no food or drink vendors, so attendees are invited to bring their own picnic.

–Jacob Mantle 

All Aglow

If You Go

Balloon Glow
Saturday, July 3
Coney Island

FREE, parking is $15 until 2 p.m. and $20 after 2 p.m.

Regular rates apply for Coney Island’s Sunlite Water Adventure. Get for July 3.

Balloon Glow returns to Coney Island on Saturday, July 3. Celebrate Independence Day weekend with an up-close look at lighted, tethered, beautiful hot air balloons. Additionally, live music, entertainment, carnival rides and games will be available for the entire family. The evening’s grand finale will be a Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks spectacular over Coney Island’s Lake Como.

Make a day of it to enjoy all of Coney Island’s favorites like Sunlite Pool, Cannonball Cove, and Twister water slides, and the brand-new floating in-pool obstacle course, The Challenge Zone.

In the interest of safety, Coney Island is continuing to implement enhanced sanitation practices and guest policies based on the most up-to-date state and local recommendations and guidelines. For a complete listing of Coney Island’s policies and procedures, please visit https://coneyislandpark.com/plan-your-visit/faqs-and-policies/.

A Summer Song

If You Go

Opera in the Park 
Sunday, July 11, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road

FREE but reservations required. Tickets available June 28.

www.cincinnatiopera.org/opera-park-2021

Celebrate the opening of Summer at Summit, Cincinnati Opera’s 2021 Summer Festival, with a magical evening of music at Summit Park in Blue Ash on July 11.

Hosted by Cincinnati Opera’s Evans Mirageas and Sunday Baroque host and executive producer Suzanne Bona, the free, outdoor concert offers a peek at our upcoming Summer at Summit, with favorite selections from Carmen, Tosca, and The Barber of Seville.

The evening features stars of the 2021 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of opera under the setting sun!

Among the performers are Aaron Blake, J'Nai Bridges, Rihab Chaieb, Thomas Dreeze, Ana María Martínez, Christian Pursell, Talise Trevigne, and Melody Wilson. Kazem Abdullah and William R. Langley will be conducting.

Opera in the Park kicks off the opera’s 2021 Summer Festival, which features three beloved operas presented without intermissions in specially tailored, 90-minute versions that retain their full stories and best-loved music. All three shows will feature world-class singers, many of whom you’ll recognize from previous Cincinnati Opera productions.

At Summer at Summit, you’ll experience all the hallmarks of a Cincinnati Opera event—glorious singing, inspiring storytelling, and enchanting music from internationally renowned guest artists, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus. Get swept away this summer by the return of live opera in magical, must-see performances under the stars.

Lost Without You

In the US, 10 million pets go missing annually, never returning home.

But ZuluTails.com, with technology developed by Patrick Sledz, a Cincinnati entrepreneur, quickly reunites lost pets with their owners. His business partner, Pamela Fusco, is a U.S. Navy veteran, cryptologist, and internationally known cyber security expert.

Traditional pet management devices such as microchips and GPS trackers can be invasive, are dependent on access to scanners, have limited proximities, are prone to hardware failures, often require users to download additional applications, incur service fees, and exhaust precious time when a pet is missing. ZuluTails combines its Universal Pet Identifier (UPI) TM technology with leading integrations to reunite lost pets quickly, securely, and efficiently with their families.

With ZuluTails pet owners and pet finders simply access the ZuluTails.com portal to protect their pets while ensuring the confidentiality of their personal and private data. ZuluTails safeguards pet finders by immediately providing a profile of the pet they have found, which includes the pet’s demeanor, picture, health details, and other characteristics that assist in caring for and managing the successful reunion with pet owners.

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To create an account and register for a pet membership(s), visit www.zulutails.com. The cost of annual membership begins at $19.99 for the first pet with bundling options for additional pets.

That's a Stretch

Bring your yoga mat and get a sneak peak of the all-new FC Cincinnati Stadium in the calmest of ways, through a set of no-cost comfortably spaced outdoor yoga classes on the Mercy Health Plaza near the new field!

Join ArtsWave Saturday morning, June 26 for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the new home of one of Cincinnati’s hottest professional sports teams. This event is a thank-you gift for ArtsWave donors. If you haven’t had a chance yet to give to ArtsWave yet, you can sign up for your yoga class and give after you register to support the arts.

This event is part of ArtsWave’s year-long Arts4Wellness series, meant to keep ArtsWave donors healthy and hopeful throughout 2021. Reserve your spot here.

Arts4Wellness is an added benefit to ArtsWave’s most popular benefit, ArtsWave Pass, which is available for donors who give $75+. Timing of the series has been aligned to the 2021 ArtsWave Campaign, the traditional time of year in which the community comes together to fund the arts.

2021 ArtsWave Campaign Chair and HORAN President and CEO Terry Horan sees this year’s reimagined ArtsWave Pass and its new addition of an Arts4Wellness series as “a relevant and much needed way to use the arts on a personal level to stay healthy, mentally and physically. This series shows how the arts can both ground and uplift us.” ArtsWave President & CEO Alecia Kintner adds that “in this unique year, the arts are essential for our own personal wellbeing as well as our region’s overall health. With the help of the community, this year’s funding will assist in jumpstarting the Cincinnati region economically through the arts.”

For more information on the new arts and wellness series, please go to ArtsWave.org/Arts4Wellness and to gain access to the new series, please consider a donation of $75+, selecting ArtsWave Pass as a benefit when you make your gift.

Father Time

Father’s Day is a week away. Are you scrambling to find a gift for your dad even though he said he doesn’t want anything this year? That’s okay.

We can help you find Cincinnati’s best presents for dads. From the thrifty to the splurge, you’ll find something perfect, just like him.

Be dad’s favorite with help from some great local businesses of Cincinnati.

Unwrap a Gift

Cincy Shirts
cincyshirts.com
1301 Main St.
2709 Observatory Ave.

The ultimate collection of Cincinnati-centric T-shirts, accessories, and more is found here. Cincy Shirts even has a special Father’s Day collection. If your dad is a fan of The Big Red Machine, he can where his heart on this sleeve, with shirts repping Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, George Foster, and, of course, Marty & Joe. You’ll also find locally inspired apparel paying tribute to area colleges, belove TV shows, and even the 3-way.

Dad more of a bug guy? Keep it timely with a funny cicada T-shirt.

Bromwell’s 
117 W. Fourth St.
bromwells.com

Discover Cincinnati’s oldest business – established in 1819 – and find a wealth of manly gifts!

If your dad likes to grill, Bromwell’s has high-end gas grills (including the very cool Big Green Egg!), grill accessories, and tool kits perfect for summer barbecues.

For more than 200 years, Bromwell’s has been the local expert in fireplace design, installation, and repair. But for the summer, they can help with outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and patio heaters.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers
2692 Madison Road
www.josephbeth.com

What dad doesn’t love books? Take a stroll through the bookstore and find tables lined with books curated for maximum dad appeal or shop best-sellers online.

Some Father’s Day staff picks include the WWII story Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown, Cobra by Reds’ great Dave Parker, and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, author of The Martian.

Family Time

Findlay Market
2692 Madison Road
www.findlaymarket.org

Planning to celebrate Father’s Day with a traditional grill-out? Grab dad and take him on a culinary adventure to pick up fresh, local ingredients at Findlay Market.

You’ll find meat, chicken, fish and sausage at great vendors like Country Meat Co., Luken’s Poultry, Fish, & Seafood, LK at Findlay Market, and Eckerlin Meats. Stop at EM’s Bread, pick up some ready-made salads from The Gourmand Group and dessert at Dojo Gelato, and you’re set for the best cook-out ever!

BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row, Newport
bbriverboats.com

Make dad the captain of the ship and celebrate your father with a special cruise down the Ohio with BB Riverboats! With fabulous views and food, The Father's Day Brunch Cruise, from 1–3 p.m. and the Dinner Cruise, from 5:30–7:30 pm., will make this a Father’s Day he’ll never forget.

The brunch buffet includes Applewood smoked boneless ham, waffles, scrambled eggs, fresh baked biscuits with jellies and butter, and, of course, bacon.

For dinner, dad can enjoy marinated chicken, smoked boneless ham or salmon, with multiple sides including three cheese macaroni and green beans, plus dessert!

Loveland Canoe and Kayak
174 Karl Brown Way
www.lovelandcanoe.com

If dad would rather be in the water, than on the water, this is the perfect experience. Take trip by the Loveland Castle or down the scenic Little Miami River for a few hours, then have a bite to eat in downtown Loveland at one of its great restaurants including Paxton’s Grill and Tana’s Bistro or grab a beer at Narrow Path Brewing.

White Oak Garden Center
www.whiteoakgardens.com

If the dad on you list has a green thumb, this is perfect place for him. Whether he wants to re-landscape the backyard or just fill in his vegetable patch, White Oak Garden Center has all this and more including hard-to-find roses, houseplants, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, plus offers classes in everything from container gardens to planting pollinators.

Sporting Life

FC Cincinnati
1501 Central Parkway
www.fccincinnati.com

See the new, state-of-the are TQL stadium with dad and enjoy a day on the pitch for as little as $25.

Fans can experience the game up close and personal–the farthest seat from the field is 130 feet while the closest is 15 feet!

Cincinnati Reds
100 Joe Nuxhall Way
www.mlb.com/reds/tickets/promotions

Take him out to the ballgame, all baseball season long! Throughout the summer, the Reds have promotions to fit all the father figures in your life.

• “Fireworks Friday” after home games

• Triple bobblehead day featuring Ted Kluszewski, George Foster and Eugenio Suárez on June 26;

• Marty Brennaman pennant day on August 21

• Billy Joel concert night on September 10;

Cincinnati Bengals
1 Paul Brown Stadium
www.bengals.com

If the Reds or FCC aren’t his thing, buy tickets to the home opener at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12. Joe Burrow is on track to be back by opening week and The Jungle will be rocking. 

Kentucky Speedway
1 Speedway Drive, Sparta
www.kentuckyspeedway.com

Take a road trip for the road trip of a lifetime! Give dad the thrill of speeding behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car. He can let his lead foot go and speed around the 1.5 mile track.  

–Jacob Mantle

In High Gear

What began as a one woman’s tribute to a dear friend has become a nationally recognized car show , exhibiting some of the most spectacular automobiles and motorcycles of all time.

If You Go

Concours d’Elegance
Sunday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ault Park, ohioconcours.com

Tickets (at gate): adults, $30; student with school ID: $15; children 12 and under: Free

Limited parking available, guest are encourage to park at remote parking location with free shuttle to the main show gate area.

Held in Ault Park, the 43rd annual Concours d’Elegance features more than 200 premier collector vehicles along with other events for car aficionados, including an automotive art show, a brunch, and a craft beer garden. 

This is the longest continuously-running Concours d’Elegance outside of the West Coast, and the fourth longest in the United States. The show has introduced a number of innovations, such as the first regular classes of motorcycles (2000) and Asian collector cars (2006).

The Concours d’Elegance was the vision of Helen Williams, held in honor of her good friend Bill Rudd, who had severe rheumatoid arthritis. A small group of eight committee members, in cooperation with the Arthritis Foundation, Ohio River Valley Chapter, produced the first event, held at the home of Williams and her husband. The event moved to a number of locations in the 1980s before settling at Ault Park in 1996. 

In 2006, the Cincinnati Concours Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established to manage and produce the Concours. All proceeds from the event continue to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Ohio River Valley Chapter.

Prior to the program in Ault Park, the Concours has events on Saturday. The Countryside Tour begins at  12 at Horsepower Farm, 2227 Trinity Drive, in Middletown, for a scenic drive down to Cincinnati. On Saturday evening, the Hangar Party at Lunken Airport offers a one-of-a-kind display of exotic cars and motorcycles, private jets, and luxury motor coaches with gourmet dinner by the bite

The Concours opens on Sunday at 10 a.m., continuing until 4 p.m. with “An Exhibition of Motorsport Excellence” – a curated outdoor automotive museum with specialty displays for the 100th anniversary of Lincoln, 60 years of the Jaguar E-Type, and 50 Years of the Nissan Z-cars. The work of automotive fine artists will be exhibited at the Sherman Automotive Art Show, in the Ault Park Pavilion. 

The Craft Beer Garden features local breweries, with seating on the north lawn of the pavilion. Tickets must be purchased on site, either at the main ticket booth or beer garden entrance. Separate admission to the Concours d’Elegance Car Show is required.

This year, attendees can also enjoy a gourmet brunch, cocktails, and desserts, served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required for this event at $50 per person. 

Later in the day, the awards ceremony honors the owners, vehicles, and even artists. Among the awards presented are the William K. Victor Best of Show Concours d’Elegance, the Roy O. Sweeney Best of Show Esprit de Sport, Ambassador Award Hagerty Youth Judges’ Choice, Award for Best Interio, Herb Krombholz Pre-War Sports Troph, Best Packard Award, and, fittingly, the Bill Rudd Memorial Corvette Trophy.

Cover photo: Tyler Breedwell Photography

Home Run

“When you lose your hero, it’s a void that never gets filled,” Pete Zulia says.

If You Go

Huggins Homecoming Weekend

June 13 – 5K Run/Walk and post-run Brews and Bites at 50 West Brewing Company, 7605 Wooster Pike. 

June 14 – Dinner at the Original Montgomery Inn featuring Coach Bob Huggins and other special guests, available via live-stream. Sponsorship packages are available to those who wish to join the on-site audience. 

Registration for the 5K is $55 per person or $95 for the 5K and virtual dinner ticket.

Dinner sponsorships begin at $1,500 and virtual dinner tickets are $60.

Understanding how difficult it is to lose a parent to cancer, Zulia wanted to find a way to combat the disease in a personal and meaningful way.

In 2019, Zulia, co-founder of Oxford Physical Therapy, and his wife Linda, teamed with Frank DeJulius, owner of Fleet Feet-Cincinnati, to create an event to benefit the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment at West Virginia University, created by WVU (and former University of Cincinnati) basketball coach Bob Huggins to honor his mother. Through their efforts, they raised more than $150,000 at through their first effort. They intended to build on that success for the following year. After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled plans for a larger event in 2020, the Huggins Homecoming Weekend is on track for June 13 and 14.

Zulia and Huggins share a deep connection that includes Cincinnati, West Virginia University (WVU), and losing a parent to cancer. 

The Huggins Homecoming Weekend in Cincinnati will raise money for the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment, established by Coach Huggins in his mother’s name to provide cancer care and research though a number of events over that weekend.

“Partnering with Bob and the city of Cincinnati is immeasurable,” Zulia said. “It is huge. Bob’s willingness to work with us and sharing his mom’s name shows his trust and support for us.”

The Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment has helped families, patients, and research in West Virginia since 2003. It has allowed the WVU Cancer Institute to conduct clinical trials and provide patient care to ensure they have an experience as comfortable as possible.

“Clinical trials lie at the heart of medical advancement and result in learning new ways to prevent, detect or treat disease,” says Stephanie McCandless, WVU foundation director of annual giving.  “Treatments might be new drugs or new drug combinations, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways of using existing treatments.” 

The endowment allows WVU to offer patients and families from West Virginia and surrounding areas the same treatment options found in larger cancer centers across the country. These donations directly help patients receive the best care, close to home.

“The level at which Coach is both recognized and regarded, not just within the region but also nationwide, brings incredibly meaningful fundraising opportunities to the Institute, as well as an immeasurable amount of awareness,” says McCandless.

Since 2003, nearly $5 million has been raised for the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment.

Ultimately, Huggins’ and Zulia’s goal is “cancer research and care for everyone, everywhere.”

“This is a way for us, and me personally, to carry on (my father’s) legacy,” says Zulia, “And connect to something that is bigger than one person and can save lives.”

–Jacob Mantle