October is a monster month in terms of multi-day events, so we have created a digest to help you learn about five of the largest happening across the region: BLINK, FotoFocus, Cincinnati Art Week, StartUpCincy Week and a new conference hosted by MORTAR.
Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble, the region’s longest-standing professional chorus, released its 2026-27 concert season, the second under the direction of conductor Joe Miller. Following on the heels of a successful return to perform as part of the 2026 May Festival, VAE has planned three distinct concert experiences beginning in Ocrober.
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra has announced a new season of concerts for both its Big Band Series and the more intimate Jazz@First concerts.
Founded in 2013, the CCJO focuses on the works of contemporary composers and expands the jazz canon by producing and performing its own original material, both new arrangements and compositions.
A relative newcomer to the local classical music scene, profesional chorus Ensemble Con Fuoco has announced its five-concert 2026-27 season, including a bluegrass mass, a pairing of Renaissance and contemporary requiem mass settings, music by soundscape composer R. Murray Schafer, plus major works by Arvo Pärt and Carl Orff.
As we reported in June, U.S. philanthropic giving rose in 2025. A significant percentage of contributions, though, went to sectors that primarily treat symptoms rather than those that work at the root of the issue to create solutions.
According to Rob Reifsnyder, current OneSource Center board chair and inaugural board chair of BEAM Center for Nonprofits, “This new organization reflects a shared commitment to helping nonprofits succeed. By combining resources and expertise, BEAM will provide greater value, encourage collaboration and increase community impact. The unified organization will work to strengthen nonprofits, develop leaders and engage philanthropists across our region.”
While in preparation for its season finale on April 14, Chamber Music Cincinnati announced its 2026-27 concert season, featuring some of the most highly regarded ensembles and solo artists from around the world. This 97th season might be its most ambitious yet.
Stepping in this week to pick up the slack for your regular FIXers who each seem to be occupied elsewhere. Truth be told, they all provided a note, so I could not say “No.” There is a lot of homegrown talent among this week’s selections. Pretty impressive. Pay attention as we lay out your weekly smorgasbord…
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will honor the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026, through a variety of programming that offers community and connection.
Charm at the Farm Vintage Market in Lebanon, Ohio is paying it forward by shining a light on memory loss and raising funds to support programs for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia across Greater Cincinnati’s aging community. That means $1 of every 2025 Charm at the Farm ticket will directly benefit the organization’s no-cost programs.
