The holidays are here. If you need a break from all of the shopping, singing, hosting and eating, take a night or two to wind down with some good jazz or theater or gut-busting comedy. Calm yourself with some candlelight and choral music at Summit Country Day or a rousing “And he shall purify” in Dayton. All kinds of things are lit up at the Zoo and the Art Museum and our local sculpture park. Whatever your holiday emotions demand, Queen City arts can supply. (Happy Holidays! Culture FIX will be taking a break until Jan. 8.)
Wednesday, Dec. 18
No Promises Vocal Band, “Christmas with No Promises” | 7:30 p.m., Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, 801 Matson Place, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. DETAILS: Enjoy this Cincinnati a capella group known for their “exhilarating vocals and breathtaking harmonizations to favorites of jazz, Motown, yacht rock and other genres.” The group is comprised of regular guys with day jobs in real estate, medicine, theater and cosmetology. Impressive. The program repeats at different locations through Dec. 21.
Dayton Philharmonic, Handel: “Messiah” | 7:30 p.m., Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 937-228-3630. DETAILS: If you’re still in need of a “Messiah” fix, make your way north for this holiday tradition with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Chorus and conductor Neal Gittleman. George Frideric Handel’s brilliant oratorio tells the story of Christ from prophecy, birth and passion to crucifixion, resurrection and second coming. Soloists include Gabrielle Flannery, soprano; Kaylee Nichols, mezzo-soprano; Logan Wagner, tenor and Randell McGee, baritone.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Cincinnati Art Museum, Let It Glow! | 5-8 p.m., 953 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park. 513-721-2787. DETAILS: Head over to Eden Park for Cincinnati’s newest holiday event. A giant, 30-foot immersive snow globe invites museum goers to experience the theme of light. Walk through the globe and then visit an infinity mirror and chain, a fractal walk and something called baubles and bubbles. Sounds like something the kids will like. Heck, sounds like something the grown-ups would like. After stuffing themselves with all of the holiday goodies in the Terrace Café.
Caffè Vivace, The Christmas Schmidtacular! | 7 & 9 p.m., 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. DETAILS: Cincinnati’s own Steve Schmidt and his trio unpack at Vivace for a five-night run of holiday entertainment. Schmidt on the Hammond organ, Brad Myers, guitar and Jason Smart, drums will kick things off with an evening of Christmas and holiday favorites. $15 beverage minimum per customer. Don’t be late. They’ll resell your ticket to a shivering wait lister standing on a slippery sidewalk hoping for a last minute reprieve. Schmidt’s a popular guy. His shows sell out, fast.
Friday, Dec. 20
Jingle Jams, Hillary Hahn | 4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: Independence, Kentucky native Hillary Hahn offers up an evening of her special brand of singing and songwriting. A former dancer, Hahn realized that was not her thing and found her niche in singing and writing her own songs. Bundle up and have a seasonal cocktail from The Porch while you enjoy a frosty sunset behind the magnificent Music Hall.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Vocal Arts Ensemble, “A Candlelit Christmas” | 7:30 p.m., Summit Country Day Chapel, 2161 Grandin Rd., Hyde Park. 513-871-4700. DETAILS: Join VAE, Cincinnati’s premiere professional choral group, for an evening of candlelight on this, the longest night of the year. Music of Judith Weir, Morten Lauridsen, Roderick Williams and other leading composers of today will take you to a contemplative place of preparation and calm. The timeless plainchant and familiar carols of centuries past round out this unique holiday presentation. Repeats tomorrow, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Drama Workshop, “My Three Angels” | 8 p.m., 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot. 513-598-8303. DETAILS: This is the last chance for this interesting piece based on the French play “La Cuisine Des Anges” by Albert Husson. In this comedy written by Samuel and Bella Spewak, we learn about warm hearts and believers in true justice. It’s Christmas in a small settlement in French Guiana, 100 years ago. The Dulay family runs the general store, but as it is barely making a profit, the outlook is bleak. Three convicts from the neighboring penal colony become involved with the family and, by various means (none of them honest), transform their lives.
Playhouse in the Park, “The Second City” | 2 p.m., 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. DETAILS: Celebrate 65 years of laughs with some all-time favorite sketches, songs and characters from the legendary Chicago improvisational theater. Material has been handpicked from The Second City’s iconic archive and is brought to life by the next generation of comedy superstars. Acquah Dansoh, Jessica Joy, Adam Peacock, Allison Price, Dominic Rescigno and Brittani Yawn supply the laughs for this, your last chance to bust a gut before the days at the desk return. Extended through Dec. 29.
Monday, Dec. 23
Caffè Vivace, The Christmas Schmidtacular! w/Mandy Gaines & Dixie Karas | 7 & 9 p.m., 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. DETAILS: Schmidtacular wraps up with the trio and Cincinnati favorites Mandy Gaines and Dixie Karas. Jim Leslie takes over on drums. Gaines has been a mainstay on the regional jazz scene with her popular interpretations of jazz, pop, R&B and soul classics. She also writes and performs her own works. Queen City native Karas has a wide-ranging repertoire of jazz, American songbook and her own special interpretations of holiday favorites. Enjoy Cincinnati’s Ladies of Jazz for a relaxing evening before the big day. Remember, don’t be late. See above.
Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 24-25
Merry Christmas to all lovers of culture, artists and performers whose talent and creativity make this city all that it is and to donors and supporters who make it all possible. Have a warm and comfortable few days with family and friends.
With gratitude,
–Your Culture FIX staff, Ray and Meg
Thursday-Tuesday, Dec. 26-31 … looking ahead
Cincinnati Ballet, “The Nutcracker” | 7:30 p.m. or 2 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: If you haven’t had time to catch this seasonal classic you still have a chance or two before the new year is upon us. The Land of the Sweets, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Tchaikovsky’s magical, entertaining score await us holiday stragglers as we make our way to Music Hall for all of the excitement and enchantment that is this classic ballet. Runs through Dec. 29.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Pyramid Hill Lights | 6-10 p.m., Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton. 513-868-8336. DETAILS: Treat yourself to a leisurely, post-holiday cruise through Pyramid Hill to see this nature-themed display of over 1 million lights. Installations by local artists will be on full display in this magical and creative reframing of Hamilton’s unique 470-acre sculpture park. Runs through Jan. 5.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Happy New Year!
Cincinnati Pops, “Let’s Misbehave: The Music of Cole Porter” | 8 p.m., Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: Ring in the new year with JMR and his cadre of guests including Tony Desare on piano and vocals, Aubrey Logan, trombone and vocals and tap dancer and vocalist John Manzari in a tribute to American songwriter Cole Porter. Porter’s witty lyrics and masterful melodies have become American songbook classics on Broadway and in film. Don your best holiday duds and enjoy a glittery Music Hall, all decked out for the holidays.
Cincinnati Zoo, Festival of Lights, Happy Zoo Year | 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 3400 Vine St., Avondale. 513-281-4700. DETAILS: The annual tradition of Festival of Lights continues through Jan. 5. Happy Zoo Year? Now, this sounds interesting. The 15th year for Happy Zoo Year includes a kid-friendly countdown at 8 p.m. featuring the Zoo’s 40-foot-tall digital Christmas tree. Lots of photo ops, giveaways, glow games and DJ Natalie from Q102. Bundle up and have a blast!
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