Compared to those farther south who lost homes, livelihoods and even their lives to Hurricane Helene, Greater Cincinnati got off easy. Still, the storm’s wind and rain washed out what promised to be a fall-filled weekend. We’ll try again this week with music – there are concerts at venues all around the town – a visual feast of film and photos, and, yes, some outdoor activities, too.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
The Benefit Bash with Tori Kelly | Doors open: 6:30 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation, 101 W. Fourth St., Newport. DETAILS: We love it when arts events intersect with cause-related fundraisers. In this instance, Tori Kelly – fresh off her iconic collaboration with John Legend and Jacob Collier – brings her high-octane vocals to the south shore as the headliner at the second Benefit Bash in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati. Opening act Maizy Kay goes on at 8 p.m., Kelly at 9:30.
Memorial Hall, Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn | 8 p.m. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: A few seats remain to hear this legendary founding member of seminal band The Byrds, who spawned The Flying Burrito Brothers, and Crosby, Stills and Nash, among others.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Eisele Gallery of Fine Art, “Illumination” | 6-9 p.m. 6936 Madisonville Road, Mariemont. 513-791-7717. DETAILS: Tina Gutierrez, a frequent M&M photographer since our rebrand in 2016, shares one of her two FotoFocus exhibitions (the other at Off Ludlow Gallery in Clifton, opening reception 5-8 p.m. Friday). The Eisele show features her underwater photography and videography, working with dancers and synchronized swimmers. (Explains why we at M&M were not invited to participate!) Runs through Oct. 19.
Indian Film Festival | 7:15 p.m. Mariemont Theatre, 6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont. DETAILS: This annual celebration showcases the rich heritage and talent of Indian filmmakers. Tonight’s festival prelude features the 2024 documentary “Parama: A journey with Aparna Sen.” The opening party on Friday features “Queen of My Dreams,” which you can preview above. Another half dozen screenings (including an afternoon of five short subjects) follow through Oct. 6 at either the Mariemont Theatre or the Children’s Theatre (4015 Red Bank Road, Madisonville). Check the website for specific showtimes. Some also include discussion sessions.
Friday, Oct. 4
Brady Music Center, Ray LaMontagne & Gregory Alan Isakov | 7 p.m. 25 Race St., Smale Park, downtown. DETAILS: Songwriters and musicians Ray LaMontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov have joined forces for a fall tour of their roots-Americana sound, and this is Cincinnati’s night.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: After last week’s Titan-ic performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, the CSO turns red, white and blue for a rare all-American program in which Copland and Gershwin aren’t technically the main course. That spot is reserved for the CSO premiere of Florence Price’s Symphony No. 3, from 1938. Gershwin’s ubiquitous “Rhapsody in Blue” makes an appearance, too, this time arranged for banjo by guest artist Bela Fleck. The usual Copland “Rodeo” excerpts round out the show. Thomas Wilkins conducts. Repeats 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday, Oct. 5
There are of course more FotoFocus events. (As always, check the FotoFocus website for the full calendar.) Two particularly worth considering:
- Manifest Drawing Center, “Pick It Up, Turn It Over: Exploring the Power of the Physical Photograph” | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3464 Central Pkwy., Clifton. Explores the unrealized potential of the back of the traditional photograph to reshape the front image’s story. Through Nov. 2.
- Taft Museum of Art, “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 316 Pike St., Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. DETAILS: Traces the relationship between African American beauty and visual culture from the 1890s to the present through more than 100 works of documentary, commercial and fine art photography. Through Jan. 12.
Sunflower Festival | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Evendale. 513-563-6663. DETAILS: It’s hard to be sad or stressed when you’re looking at a big, beautiful sunflower. Need a few in your life? Gorman Heritage Farm makes that easy, thanks to its annual day of fun and festivities (live music, craft vendors, food trucks, HighGrain beer and hayrides) – plus roam the fields of cut-your-own sunflowers (just $1 per stem). Continues 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 6.
Urban Stream Adventure | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1223 Jefferson Ave., Reading. 513-563-8800. DETAILS: The Mill Creek Alliance and Mill Creek Yacht Club host a paddle adventure along Cincinnati’s unfairly maligned Mill Creek. C’mon down (weather permitting) and learn about our surprisingly resurgent urban stream and see the city in a whole new way. With the cement walls removed, you’ll be surprised how pretty it is.
Passport to the Past | 2-5 p.m. White Water Shaker Village, 11813 Oxford Road, Harrison. DETAILS: It’s the seventh year for this open house with guided tours at what’s known as the North Family of White Water Shaker Village. More than 20 of the original 19th-century buildings still stand, along with artifacts related to the site.
Sunday, Oct. 6
“Voice and the Violin” – Joshua Bell, et al. | 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: Kudos to the CSO for thinking small for a change – as in solo. The orchestra this year sponsors a three-program Recital Series, bringing big-name players to town in a setting you otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience in Cincinnati. Kicking things off is violinist Joshua Bell, joining forces with soprano Larisa Martínez and pianist Peter Dugan in an eclectic, salon-type program. Composers range from Schubert to Bernstein via Chopin and Gimenez.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Poiesis Quartet | 12:10 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown. 513-621-1817. DETAILS: The Music Live @ Lunch series this week features a string quartet made up of inter- and multidisciplinary young artists. The Poiesis expands the traditional quartet setting with music of all styles and genres. Bring your lunch, relax in the peaceful space and let the music take your office cares away.
Mercantile Library, Lecture: Christian Cooper | 6 p.m. Reakirt Auditorium, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. 513-621-0717. DETAILS: Christian Cooper give’s the Merc’s 2024 Memoir Lecture. He’ll speak about his book, “Better Living Through Birding: Notes from A Black Man in the Natural World.” Cooper is a writer and editor who, in addition to being a birding authority for National Geographic, pioneered the introduction of gay characters in the Marvel and Star Trek universes.
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