Like the song says, ev’rybody’s waitin’ for the man with the bag. It won’t be long now. In the meantime, the region has cooked up an impressive sack of goodies for the senses. As you’d expect this time of year, it’s heavy on the music. But there’s much more than that. Read on, make your list and check it twice before heading out.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
“Jingle Jazz: The Nutcracker Remix” | 7 p.m. The Redmoor, 3187 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout Square. DETAILS: If there’s an instrumental soundtrack to Christmas today, it’s Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” There’s far more than just the 19th-century orchestral original, though. The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra’s annual “Jingle Jazz” once again includes a swingin’ take on the classic, and then Mandy Gaines sings from the great holiday album “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.” Repeats at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Friday, Dec. 13
John Morris Russell leads the Cincinnati Pops in a 2023’s holiday concert.
Cincinnati Pops “Holiday Pops” | 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-ther-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: The annual Pops cavalcade of Christmas this year welcomes Broadway’s Norm Lewis – you may have heard of a few of his shows – “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables” and “The Little Mermaid” – plus vocalists and dancers from around the city. It’s all under the direction of John Morris Russell. (Don’t forget the other, unbilled star of the show, too – Music Hall, decked in holiday splendor.) Repeats 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.
CCAC: “Oil and Dust” | 6 p.m. Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Ave., Clifton. 513-497-2860. DETAILS: Exhibition by Paul Loehle, winner of the CCAC’s 14th Golden Ticket exhibition. Loehle draws from the traditions of oil paint and chalk pastel to evoke the cycles of life, time, and decay. Opening reception 6 p.m. Friday. Exhibition runs through Jan. 3.
Denise Perroco sings “Merry Christmas, Darling”
Kentucky Symphony “Merry Christmas, Darling” | 7:30 p.m. Greaves Concert Hall, 1 Louie B. Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. 859-431-6216. DETAILS: The KSO’s live performance of the Carpenters’ complete “Christmas Portrait” album is back with additional songs from the later, special edition CD release. Denise Perroco returns to channel Karen Carpenter; James Cassidy conducts. (Full disclosure: Yours truly will be in the wire choir.) Repeats at 7:30 Saturday.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” | 7:30 p.m., Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine 513-381-2273. DETAILS: If the ceaseless warm-hearted good cheer of the season is just too much for your emotional sweet tooth, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has your palate cleanser. The annual Christmas revue is more “South Park” than Hallmark, but it’s always a raucous good time. Through Dec. 29.
“The Nutcracker, Jazzed Up!” | 7:30 p.m. The Theater @ de la Dance Center, 5141 Kennedy Ave., Kennedy Heights. 513-871-0914. DETAILS: Yes, it’s the same Tchaikovsky ballet you know and love, but the score has been jazzed up by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and brought to life by the folks at De La Dance. The annual run closes with four additional performances this weekend: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday.
Manifest Galleries | 6 p.m. 2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. DETAILS: It’s a full trifecta of exhibits opening this weekend at Manifest’s East Walnut Hills galleries. All run through Jan. 10. The winner of the 15th annual Manifest Prize will be announced Thursday.
- Imprint Biennial 2024 | Juried survey of contemporary printmaking, from steadfast traditionalists to boundary-pushing explorers. Includes 32 works from 12 states, Canada and Italy.
- “Roots” | This exhibition about family, heritage and ancestors comprises nine works by seven artists from seven states.
- “Tapped” | The 15th annual exhibition showing the artistic relationships between artists and their current or former instructors.
Saturday, Dec. 14
City Flea | 3-8 p.m. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: The usual joke is to come to City Flea to find all the inspired creations by the region’s makers that you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. Considering the season, though, you may know very well that you need a special something for a special someone. Odds are you’ll find it here, but don’t be surprised if you come home with more than you expected.
Stella Cole Quartet | 7 & 9:30 p.m. Caffè Vivace, 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. DETAILS: Stella Cole is quickly establishing herself as one of the great performers of the Great American Songbook and as a reinterpreter of more modern hits. She’s just released a Christmas album, “Snow,” so expect to hear a good chunk of it (and her debut album, “Stella Cole”) when she stops by Walnut Hills. Both shows are officially sold out, but, if you’re feeling lucky, the club happily resells the seats of no-shows.
Sunday, Dec. 15
“White Christmas” | 2 p.m. First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Avondale. DETAILS: The Phil DeGreg Trio, with Hank Mautner on trumpet and vocalist Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley, serve up the CCJO’s Jazz@First holiday program. This year it’s a tribute to the many Jewish composers who wrote many of iconic holiday and Christmas songs – including, of course, “White Christmas.” (To which I offer my annual footnote: “White Christmas” was not written for the movie “White Christmas”; it’s from “Holliday Inn,” made 12 years earlier.)
Blue Christmas service | 5 p.m. Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown. 513-621-1817. DETAILS: It’s been almost a year since Elmo asked X (you know, the Platform Formerly Known As Twitter) how we’re doing. The answer for a surprising number was not so great. Having to bridge troubled waters through the holidays, when the world seems full of good cheer, can be doubly painful. If you’re having a tough time now, Christ Church Cathedral offers this candlelight service with contemplative music to provide a haven for grieving, praying and healing.
Monday, Dec. 16
“The Doris Day Christmas Album” | 7 p.m. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: Not a full album recreation this time, but Queen City Cabaret spins up songs from the beloved 1964 Christmas album by the singer we fondly remember in Cincinnati as Doris Kappelhoff. Sarah Folsom handles vocals along with pianist Matthew Umphreys.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
“A Ceremony of Carols” | Noon. Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., downtown. 513-621-1817. DETAILS: Hear one of the 20th century’s great Christmastime works as the cathedral choir’s trebles – that’s the sopranos and altos – perform Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.” Written for children’s choir, soloists and harp, its 11 movements feature a good chunk of Middle English. Never heard it? Here’s your chance – for free. Reception with treats follows.
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