After a hot holiday weekend, take time to enjoy the indoors. A Patsy Cline fan? Maybe you’re in the Walter Cronkite club. Cincinnati Opera goes all out for their world premiere. Manifest Gallery reconfigures its space to celebrate young artists. Haven’t had enough heat? Check out Devou or Washington Park. Indoors or outdoors it’s up for grabs.
Wednesday, July 8
Cincinnati Landmark Productions, “Always … Patsy Cline” | 7:30 p.m. Warsaw Federal Incline Theater, 801 Matson Pl., Price Hill. 513-241-6550. DETAILS: Hardship and struggle marked the life of one of America’s most famous honky-tonk bar singers. Patsy Cline’s soulful, inviting delivery spoke to housewife Louise Segar who became one of Cline’s closest friends. Through letters and visits the two shared laughter and misery until Cline’s untimely death in a plane crash when she was only 30. “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams,” Lovesick Blues” and many other favorites anchor this popular two woman show. Jenny Herndon and Zoe Zoller alternate in the role of Patsy Cline and Emily Borst plays Louise Segar. Runs through Aug. 2.
Thursday, July 9
Cincinnati Opera, “Lalovavi” | 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. DETAILS: “Lalovavi” is the first offering in The Black Opera Project, which will feature three operas over three consecutive seasons composed, directed and written by African American artists. Step 400 years into the future and visit Atlas, formerly Atlanta, as its leader, Titan, searches the planet for one with the variation of the Syndica gene, the Tree of Life, which he intends to extract to make himself immortal. Needless to say, Titan runs into some issues. The opera centers on Titan’s daughter Persephone and her journey of escape and renewal. Composed by Kevin Day, directed by Kimille Howard and conducted by Kevin Miller, “Lalovavi” is a CO world premiere. Brittany Olivia Logan sings the role of Persephone and Cincinnati Opera’s artistic advisor Morris Robinson sings the role of Titan. Librettist Tifara Brown says, “People are desperate to see themselves reflected in art.” Indeed. Read more in our July cover story, c/o David Lyman, with photos by Tina Gutierrez. Repeats Saturday, July 11.
INTERESTING NOTE: Most of the opera is sung in English, but portions are sung in Tut, the living, but secret language of enslaved African Americans designed to teach literacy 250 years ago. Today, it is considered an “endangered” language, but is experiencing a resurgence. Lalovavi means love in Tut.
Friday, July 10
Manifest Gallery, 20th Annual “Master Pieces,” “Land(scape),” “Sub(scape),” “Shifting Terrain” | 6-9 p.m. 2727 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. DETAILS: In the penultimate exhibit of its Season 22, Manifest features four exhibits representing a plethora of technique, style, forms and media. “Shifting Terrain” combines the work of Shawn Solus-Edrington, Quinn Hunter and Al Denyer in an exhibit of compatible, yet contrasting works. 20th Annual “Master Pieces” celebrates current and recent graduate students working towards terminal degrees in visual arts. “Land(scape)” and “Sub(scape)” invited artists to submit works representative of the ground beneath us, the finite spaces of the earth and the complexities that lie beneath. All four run through Aug. 7.
Memorial Hall, Awaken – The Music of Yes | 8 p.m. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: English progressive rock band Yes is the inspiration for Awaken, the tribute band making a one-night appearance at the MEMO. This self-described “most authentic live Yes show in the world” awaits you with carefully researched, analyzed and written arrangements combining live concerts and studio sessions.
Saturday, July 11
Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, “From Sea to Shining Sea” | 7:30 p.m. Devou Park, 1201 Park Dr., Covington. 859-431-6216. DETAILS: Celebrate with the KSO as it opens its 32nd Summer Series of concerts in the parks – tonight in Devou Park in Covington and Sunday at Tower Park in Ft. Thomas. Enjoy patriotic favorites along with selections featuring America’s landscapes and history. Stephen Foster, Ferde Grofé, Raymond Scott and everybody’s favorite, John Phillip Sousa are represented. Baritone Alexander Kapp joins the orchestra in “Old American Songs” by Aaron Copland. July 12 will also be livestreamed.
Cincinnati World Cinema, “Eye on the World: THE RISE OF WALTER CRONKITE and the Evening News” | 4 & 7 p.m., Garfield Theatre, 719 Race St., downtown. DETAILS: “The most trusted man in America” reported our evening news for more than 20 years. Learn about the real Walter Cronkite in director Billy Miossi’s fascinating documentary about the man who became the “reliable and necessary” presence in our homes. Q&A with the director after the showing. And that’s the way it is, Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Sunday, July 12
Classical Revolution, “Firewerks” | 5 p.m. The Loon, 4027 Hamilton Ave., Northside. 513-429-2010. DETAILS: “Explosive and emotional music” is on tap as Classical Revolution maintains holiday intensity with contemporary and experimental compositions. Pianist Trinity Lê presents contemporary selections speaking to hardship and adversity. Bassoonist Coltan Foster plays an experimental set. Plpus, Alyssa Riegsecker Group and percussionist Kristin Agee on vibraphone and keyboards. Classical Revolution presents artists performing both traditional and modern music in highly accessible venues such as bars and cafes.
Tuesday, July 14
Washington Park, “ATL” | 9 p.m. 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. DETAILS: “ATL,” the 2006 coming-of-age film directed by music video producer Chris Robinson, lights up Wash Park for a one-night showing. The film stars Atlanta native and hip-hop artist T.I. in his film debut. Evan Ross, Lauren London, Jackie Long and Jason Weaver also star. The evening includes the presence of Sweet Sistah Splash, Cultural and Wellness Center, an OTR-based nonprofit providing services, programs, classes and workshops that “educate and empower cultural and artistic enrichment and holistic mental and physical health.”
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, “Much Ado About Nothing” | 7 p.m. Seasongood Pavilion, 1600 Art Museum Dr., Eden Park. 513-381-2273. DETAILS: It’s here! The annual summer outdoor festival of FREE Shakespeare plays in parks and venues all across the region. This summer’s treat? “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies. Bring anything from a gourmet picnic to a bag of chips and a pop to learn how a tale of disguises, mistaken identities and witty words play out for sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick. In honor of our 250th, the tale has been reimagined forward to 1776. Runs through Sept. 6 at many parks throughout the region, including Kentucky and Indiana.
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