by Jac Kern
08.25.2011
Posted In: Animals, Culture, Fashion, TV/Celebrity, Events, Fun, Is this for real? at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
'Twilight' Convention Comes to Cincinnati
Still kicking yourself over missing all the Twilight action during July's Comic-Con International in San Diego?
Well fear not, fanpires, because the Official Twilight Convention is coming to Cincinnati!
Whether you're Team Edward or Team Jacob (Spoiler Alert: neither of them will be there), The Hyatt Regency Downtown is the spot to be Saturday and Sunday for all hardcore Twilight fans. The weekend will include contests, web panels, auctions, music, parties and costumes on mannequins.
IT'S LIKE THEY'RE REALLY HERE!
Of course, a film saga convention would be nothing without celebrity appearances. Twilight stars making a stop in Cincy include Tinsel Korey (Emily), Boo Boo Stewart (werewolf Seth Clearwater), Kiowa Gordon (werewolf Embry Call), Charlie Bewley (vamp Demetri) and Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen).
Wait a minute…Mike Dexter is Edward's dad?
He's come a long way since idolizing Trip McNeely.
OK, honestly, I've never seen more than a preview for Twilight, so I'm not going to rage about how bad it sucks (see what I did there?) and how cray-cray the fans are. But I must say, the fan photos aren't making a good case for Twi-hards.
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
But, seriously, I guess it's cool that these actors will stand around rabidly crazy fans barreling full-speed toward puberty us normal people for a weekend. Apparently these stars will even allow fans to hug:
kiss:
and make complete asses of them:
The convention runs all day and night Saturday and Sunday starting around 11 a.m. Day passes are $20 and weekend packages run from $39-$219. Autographs, photos, breathing the same air as Peter Facinelli, etc. all are an additional cost. Go here to get the full schedule and ticket info for the convention. And full disclosure, if this was a True Blood convention with supporting characters from the show, I'd be frothing at the mouth like the rest of these crazy bitches.
by Jac Kern
06.02.2011
Posted In: Fun, Music, Culture, TV/Celebrity, Fashion, Events at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
MTV Movie Awards Live Chat!
Tune into MTV at 9 p.m. Sunday night for the only awards show that features Twilight in several categories. This is your chance to catch up on mainstream movies CityBeat is too cool to review so you have something to talk about with your little sister. And where else will you see Lupe Fiasco, Foo Fighters and Trey Songz (there's no way that's his real name) perform on the same stage? All of this bullshit will be hosted by Jason Sudekis, a saving grace, who is both funny and cute. Presenters include Charlie Sheen replacement Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber pedo Selena Gomez and everyone's favorite long john enthusiast, Charlie Day.
We'll start the night early with some red carpet action and check out what all the stars(?) are wearing…and watch the America's Best Dance Crew finale, which coincides with the pre-show at 8 p.m. Seriously, not that I watch ABDC, but there's a group 8-year-olds that dance really well. You're gonna love it.
As always, we promise lots of interactive polls, drinking games and hard-hitting reportage.
Go here for the MTV Movie Awards Live Chat. Because some of you were really going to watch anyway. Also, Jason Sudekis is funny and cute.
We'll start the night early with some red carpet action and check out what all the stars(?) are wearing…and watch the America's Best Dance Crew finale, which coincides with the pre-show at 8 p.m. Seriously, not that I watch ABDC, but there's a group 8-year-olds that dance really well. You're gonna love it.
As always, we promise lots of interactive polls, drinking games and hard-hitting reportage.
Go here for the MTV Movie Awards Live Chat. Because some of you were really going to watch anyway. Also, Jason Sudekis is funny and cute.
by
03.12.2010
A Wee Bit O' Fun for St. Paddy's
No matter your last name, everyone’s green on St. Patrick’s Day, but finding authentic (and near authentic) Irish events in German-dominated Cincinnati can sometimes be difficult. Not anymore.
The newly opened Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati will offer a variety of Gaelic-oriented events tomorrow and on the holiday itself, Wednesday. They include Irish musical groups and dancers, an Irish art exhibit, sing-alongs, films, food and an indoor Children’s Parade.
by Hannah McCartney
03.28.2012
Tedx Around Cincinnati, Explained
Several events, same brand — what's the difference?
There's hardly such thing as too much TED, but its presence in Cincinnati is getting a little confusing. There are a number of different TEDx events popping up this spring, each with a different theme and set of speakers. Each of the three impending events are to follow the same format as the original TEDTalks, but the TEDx Cincinnati events are independently organized and executed, although each procures a license to do so from TED. (The "x" constitutes an independently organized TED event — find others all over the world here.)
For audience members looking to juice up their noggins, this is a good thing. More events means more opportunity for thought-provoking discussion and debate, and more chances to examine critical issues affecting Cincinnati populations and otherwise.
With TED's presence looming around Cincinnati this spring, there's no excuse to not visit at least one TEDx talk. Open your mind, feed your soul, tickle your conscience. Be aware, though, that each event requires either an RSVP or a request for tickets, so it's best to start thinking about it early.
Various TEDx events around Cincinnati are as follows. What peaks your interest?
TEDxCincinnatiChange - Saturday, April 7, St. Michael’s Art Sanctuary
Theme: "Big Picture, Small Details," set to examine issues with global and local impact and zeroing in on small details to make big ideas work. This a satellite event of a national TEDxChange, which marks a partnership between TED and the Melinda Gates Foundation. The Cincinnati event will kick off with a live streaming of a TEDxChange talk from Berlin.
Click here for a current list of speakers or to nominate a worthy candidate. Speakers are still being selected and finalized.
Find the application for a TEDxCincinnatiChange ticket here. If you're selected (there's somewhat of an application process), you'll be invited to purchase a ticket on a sliding scale from $20-$100, based on what you can afford.
* This branch, TEDxCincinnati, is also set to host a TEDxYouth and TEDxWomen discussion in December. Other TEDxCincinnati talks are still in the works.
TEDxXavierUniversity - Thursday, April 26, 1-5 p.m., Cintas Center's Schiff Banquet Hall. Free.
Theme: "Touching the hearts and minds of others through innovation, service, and leadership," which will bring together leaders stimulating change in leadership and service for the greater good.
Click here for a current list of speakers.
RSVPs are being accepted on a waitlist basis. Apply for a seat here.
TEDxCincy - Thursday, May 10, SCPA
Theme: "Plugged and Unplugged: The Crossroads of Technology and Artisanship."
Details on this event, including a list of speakers, is expected to be released next week. Check TedxCincy's Facebook page for updates. RSVP information, theme details and price is TBA.
For audience members looking to juice up their noggins, this is a good thing. More events means more opportunity for thought-provoking discussion and debate, and more chances to examine critical issues affecting Cincinnati populations and otherwise.
With TED's presence looming around Cincinnati this spring, there's no excuse to not visit at least one TEDx talk. Open your mind, feed your soul, tickle your conscience. Be aware, though, that each event requires either an RSVP or a request for tickets, so it's best to start thinking about it early.
Various TEDx events around Cincinnati are as follows. What peaks your interest?
TEDxCincinnatiChange - Saturday, April 7, St. Michael’s Art Sanctuary
Theme: "Big Picture, Small Details," set to examine issues with global and local impact and zeroing in on small details to make big ideas work. This a satellite event of a national TEDxChange, which marks a partnership between TED and the Melinda Gates Foundation. The Cincinnati event will kick off with a live streaming of a TEDxChange talk from Berlin.
Click here for a current list of speakers or to nominate a worthy candidate. Speakers are still being selected and finalized.
Find the application for a TEDxCincinnatiChange ticket here. If you're selected (there's somewhat of an application process), you'll be invited to purchase a ticket on a sliding scale from $20-$100, based on what you can afford.
* This branch, TEDxCincinnati, is also set to host a TEDxYouth and TEDxWomen discussion in December. Other TEDxCincinnati talks are still in the works.
TEDxXavierUniversity - Thursday, April 26, 1-5 p.m., Cintas Center's Schiff Banquet Hall. Free.
Theme: "Touching the hearts and minds of others through innovation, service, and leadership," which will bring together leaders stimulating change in leadership and service for the greater good.
Click here for a current list of speakers.
RSVPs are being accepted on a waitlist basis. Apply for a seat here.
TEDxCincy - Thursday, May 10, SCPA
Theme: "Plugged and Unplugged: The Crossroads of Technology and Artisanship."
Details on this event, including a list of speakers, is expected to be released next week. Check TedxCincy's Facebook page for updates. RSVP information, theme details and price is TBA.
by Hannah McCartney
04.17.2012
• The Cincinnati Zoo hosts Party for the Planet from 4-8:30 p.m. on April 19. E-waste recycling will be available and organizations from all across Cincinnati will be available to talk about how to live green.
• Northside hosts “Reduce, Recycle, RUN!” on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. The 5K race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. at Spring Grove Cemetery. Bring old running shoes to recycle of donate your cell phone for recycling and receive a coupon to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
• The 42nd annual Earth Day Celebration takes place Saturday, April 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Sawyer Point. Enjoy a number of hands-on exhibits, free swag and tons of kid-friendly entertainment, including a rock climbing wall and a kayak paddle safety pool. Limited quantities of batteries and other electronics will also be accepted for free e-recycling.
• Marvin’s Organic Gardens hosts Parade of Plants a free event that will showcase a number of new, unique plants.
• The Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District kicks off its annual free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program on Saturday, April 21. The program, open only to Hamilton County residents, accepts a number of odd items for safe recycling, including fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, car batteries or antifreeze. For a complete list of accepted items and location and time information, click here.
• Although it comes a bit late, Building Value's ReUse-apalooza celebration doesn't miss out on the Earth Day fun. Diversions include live music, games and a silent auction featuring handcrafted items made from reused materials. Light appetizers and cash bar will be available throughout the night. 7-11 p.m. April 27. $20-$50.
• Park + Vine hosts the Second Annual Earth Day Kombucha Keg Party on Friday, April 20. Visitors can sample Fab Ferment’s kombucha on tap and vegan appetizers including vegan maple bacon donuts, vegan jerky and peanut and almond butter cups. 6 to 8 p.m.
• Cocktails for a Cause will be held at Bartini's downtown on Friday, April 20. This celebration marks Aveda and the Sierra Club's annual fundraiser for clean water. Twenty percent of the bar and food sales will be donated to support clean water. The evening will include music, a fashion show and a silent auction. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 in advance.
Don't feel like leaving the house to celebrate? That's OK too. Plant a tree, turn your lights off for an hour, unplug your electronics or start a compost pile. Do something!
Earth Day Happenings
Celebrate a clean, green Cincinnati at events all around the city
Sunny skies and warm breezes make April a pretty convenient month to celebrate Earth Day — it gets everyone in the celebration mood. Saturday, April 21 marks the worldwide celebration of Earth Day in an effort to promote environmental consciousness, spread awareness and cherish Earth's natural beauty among diverse populations 'round the globe.
Following is a very non-comprehensive list of some Earth Day happenings around the city. Satisfy your green thumb and pick a way or two to celebrate his year. For more greenie-friendly events, check out the events calendar at greenumbrella.org.
• Staples stores around Greater Cincinnati are holding a limited-time binder recycling program. Shoppers will receive $2 off the purchase of a new binder for every binder that they bring in to recycle. The used binders will be sent to TerraCycle for recycling. Through June 30.
• The Cincinnati Zoo hosts Party for the Planet from 4-8:30 p.m. on April 19. E-waste recycling will be available and organizations from all across Cincinnati will be available to talk about how to live green.
• Northside hosts “Reduce, Recycle, RUN!” on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. The 5K race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. at Spring Grove Cemetery. Bring old running shoes to recycle of donate your cell phone for recycling and receive a coupon to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
• The 42nd annual Earth Day Celebration takes place Saturday, April 21 from noon to 5 p.m. at Sawyer Point. Enjoy a number of hands-on exhibits, free swag and tons of kid-friendly entertainment, including a rock climbing wall and a kayak paddle safety pool. Limited quantities of batteries and other electronics will also be accepted for free e-recycling.
• Marvin’s Organic Gardens hosts Parade of Plants a free event that will showcase a number of new, unique plants.
• The Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District kicks off its annual free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program on Saturday, April 21. The program, open only to Hamilton County residents, accepts a number of odd items for safe recycling, including fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, car batteries or antifreeze. For a complete list of accepted items and location and time information, click here.
• Although it comes a bit late, Building Value's ReUse-apalooza celebration doesn't miss out on the Earth Day fun. Diversions include live music, games and a silent auction featuring handcrafted items made from reused materials. Light appetizers and cash bar will be available throughout the night. 7-11 p.m. April 27. $20-$50.
• Park + Vine hosts the Second Annual Earth Day Kombucha Keg Party on Friday, April 20. Visitors can sample Fab Ferment’s kombucha on tap and vegan appetizers including vegan maple bacon donuts, vegan jerky and peanut and almond butter cups. 6 to 8 p.m.
• Cocktails for a Cause will be held at Bartini's downtown on Friday, April 20. This celebration marks Aveda and the Sierra Club's annual fundraiser for clean water. Twenty percent of the bar and food sales will be donated to support clean water. The evening will include music, a fashion show and a silent auction. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 in advance.
Don't feel like leaving the house to celebrate? That's OK too. Plant a tree, turn your lights off for an hour, unplug your electronics or start a compost pile. Do something!
by Stefanie Kremer
09.18.2012
Flea Circus
Crowds flocked to September's City Flea
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept.15, the City Flea was already in full swing as people began filling the empty parking lot at Twelfth and Vine Streets. Lookers and buyers alike crowded underneath the merchants umbrellas 'oohing" and 'awing' over the unique merchandise.
Inspired by the Brooklyn Flea in New York, creators Nick and Lindsey Dewald created a true urban flea market feel in the Gateway Quarter in Over-the-Rhine. For people looking for more crafty items rather than just vintage, the market also was appealing as local artisans showcased their handmade jewelry, T-shirts, pottery and other art.
If you were willing to spend a little more money for a more modern look, Water and Salt had a beautiful display of handmade jewelry. The jewelry was reasonably priced and the artist was at her booth making the jewelry which is always a nice touch. If you didn't have a chance to see the jewelry at the flea, visit her shop on Etsy or catch her at another local event.
Along with many other vendors selling Cincinnati- or Ohio-related pieces, Sarah Horn Ceramics was selling beautiful handmade tiles. The tiles were painted with well-known Cincinnati landmarks and would make great holiday gifts or decorations. You can visit her site here.
This was the last outdoor City Flea of the season but not to worry, there are more upcoming City Flea events where you can get your vintage and craft fix. On Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the City Flea will be back in action at American Can Lofts (4101 Spring Grove Ave., Northside). Admission is free.
by Jac Kern
08.12.2011
Your Weekend To Do List: 8/12-8/14
I hope you got some rest last night, because you're not going to want to miss all there is to do this weekend for a little thing called "sleep."
Anyone who the first FAR-I-ROME-produced Turntables 'n' Snares last year knows how crazy amazing it was. Local bands teamed up with live DJs to create exciting, often improvised mash-ups on stage. Tonight at The Mockbee T-N-S returns with eight bands, eight DJs, Bunk News and artists to create one giant night of mixed media entertainment that blurs genres. Go here to get the full lineup.
If you dig on grub from unda da sea but hate pricey, uptight restaurants, hit up the Great Inland Seafood Festival at Newport on the Levee. Get your fill of shrimp, grabs, oysters at an affordable price - like $10.95 for a whole Maine Lobster affordable. OK, now the Little Mermaid reference seems kind of fucked up. This sealicious fest runs daily through Sunday. Get more info here.
Head over to Southgate House Saturday for the release of Shiny and the Spoon's Ferris Wheel. The Cincinnati-based Folk/Pop trio will celebrate their debut album with The Hiders, Rubber Knife Gang and Lisa Walker. Read an interview with the crew here. If you just can't wait to get your ukulele on, go here for a teaser of the album.
Most people know Cincinnati hosts a tennis tournament each summer but few know the Western & Southern Open is one of the oldest in the US still played in its original city. Starting Saturday and running through Aug. 21, fans can get up close and personal with greats like Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and the Williams sisters. Go here for tournament info and here to read about the history of this great sporting event.
Chicken Lays an Egg's Best of Cincinnati staff pick stamp of approval says it all: Best Quirky Personality For a Vintage Resale Shop. This Northside gem offers everything from vintage men's and women's clothing, to one-of-a-kind housewares, to handmade accessories and much more. Going to a '60s Tiki Luau-themed party? You'll be able to find a full ensemble sure to get you voted best dressed, all for a killer price. It's awesome. And Saturday, the Chickens are producing their first official fashion show at one of the most beautiful venues in Cincy - Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine. In addition to some fierce fashions, there will be DJs, showcased artwork, signature cocktails by Molly Wellman, a photo booth and dance party. Oh, and it's free. Yeah, I'll see you there.
This just scratches the surface. Between Northside Pridefest, Second Sunday on Main and the WEBN Album Project Reunion, this is proof that "There's nothing to do in Cincinnati!" is a fallacy. For all this week's concerts, theater shows, events, and gallery exhibits, peep all of our To Do picks.
by Jac Kern
08.05.2011
Posted In: Concerts, Life, Animals, Culture, Events, Fun, Music at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Your Weekend To Do List: 8/5-8/7
Going to the zoo isn't just for kids (though there always a million of them there). Whether you are a child, have 'em or hate 'em this weekend is perfect for a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Friday-Sunday are Visitor Appreciation Days at the zoo, which means half price admission and parking for everyone! If you need any more reason to visit, there are tons of new exhibits like Night Hunters, African Savannah, Go Green Garden and more. Go here for special prices, hours and directions.
Craftmasters takes over Mainstay Rock Bar Saturday, offering up 10 local bands and 10 $4 craft beers all night long. Get down with Lions Rampant, Frankl Project, Eat Sugar and more as you sip tasty brews like Stone IPA, Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier and Two Brothers Dog Days Dortmunder Lager. Music starts at 7 p.m. with bands on two stages. Five bucks gets you in the door. Get the whole lineup here.
Worried no event will satiate your hunger this weekend? For-goetta-bout it! Glier's annual Goettafest is back with enough pork and oats to satisfy even the hungriest of visitors. Enjoy classics like goetta omelets, goetta burgers and goetta dogs or go crazy with goetta sushi, goetta brownies and goetta eggrolls. As always, there will be plenty of live music, games and rides to keep everyone happy (but wait 30 minutes after eating before going on The Scrambler. Goetta's even less pretty coming up.). The festival runs Friday-Sunday at Newport on the Levee. Go here for festival hours and parking information.
Cincy Blues Fest is one of largest volunteer-run Blues festivals in the world. Celebrate the music and the hard work Friday and Saturday at Sawyer Point. Besides checking out local, regional and national Blues acts, Mike Breen has come up with 19 reasons this is a can't-miss event. Go here to read 'em all.
The Cincinnati Art Museum makes so many fantastic works of art accessible to visitors. This Sunday, you can get an even more in-depth look at one artist's life during its Reel Art film series. Filmmaker Ellen Weissbrod's documentary A Woman Like That focuses on the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a 17th century Italian woman who pursued art during a period when female artists faced much prejudice. Learn about this important Baroque-era artist and meet Weissbrod and co-filmmaker Melissa Powell at a Q&A session following the screening. Go here for ticket information and screening time.
As always, there are many more events, concerts, gallery exhibits and theater shows going on this weekend. Go here to see 'em all. Got a kick-ass event that should be on everyone's To Do list? E-mail arts and event listings to calendar@citybeat.com at least two weeks in advance.
by Jac Kern
08.26.2011
Your Weekend To Do List: 8/26-8/28
If you're a festie fan, this is your weekend because there are three music festivals going on around the Tristate. Ohmstead Music Festival returns to Hannon's Camp American through Sunday, bringing Reggae/Rock groups The Cliftones, Skeetones, Revenge Pinata and more, joining The Ohms (who created the annual fest 10 years ago). Camp, browse vendors and listen to everything from brand new acts to regional talent. Tickets at the gate are only $30 for the weekend.
by Jac Kern
11.16.2012
Your Weekend To Do List: 11/16-11/18
Everyone loves a good surprise party. What’s better than an unexpected night of fun with friends? How about supporting an importance local arts organization in the process? Friday’s Secret ArtWorks event offers an exciting twist on fundraisers as each attendee will walk away with a piece of original artwork. The catch: guests will not know who created their work until it's been purchased. More than 800 small-scale pieces have been donated by more than 300 locally-, nationally- and internationally-renown artists. Guests were invited to preview the offerings online, but the secret artists will not be revealed until tonight. Ticket sales are now over, but tonight’s attendees will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a mysterious night of art at The Center downtown, all to benefit ArtWorks.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra concludes its community concert series “One City, One Symphony” this weekend with the well-loved classic, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Music Director Designate Louis Langrée conducts the performance; these will be his final shows with the CSO before starting his role as music director for the 2013-2014 season. Joining the CSO, Langrée and the May Festival Chorus for the concerts Saturday and Sunday at Music Hall. Go here for tickets.
If you thought this cold weather meant you had to retire your gold lamé hot pants, dry your tears and pull those bad boys out, because OTR Skate is back! Channel your inner roller disco king/queen and roll over to the OTR Rec Center Friday from 8-11 p.m. Five bucks gets you admission and skate rental, complimentary pizza from Cincy By The Slice, free gaming from Wii to air hockey, raffle prizes and music from DJ Positronic, The Yugos and Indigo Wild.
Saturday is all about the little guy as local businesses around the Tri-state take part in Cincinnati Unchained. Get a head start on your holiday shopping (or, if you’re like me, take advantage of sales for your own damn self) and visit independent businesses in an effort to keep your money in the local economy — where it goes much further than when you drop your cash at a big box chain store. Participating Cincinnati Unchained shops offer discounts and free goodies to thank shoppers for supporting local businesses — find a full list here.
Another way to get in on the conscientious gifting trend is giving handmade presents this holiday. Did the Holly Hobbie gene skip over you? No worries. The Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show takes over the Clifton Cultural Arts Center Saturday. This isn’t your grandma’s church basement craft show — expect handmade books, cool local artwork, quirky jewelry, textiles, posters, clothing and many more hand-crafted gifts everyone can appreciate. Plenty of vendors will be on-hand to fuel your shopping in addition to a DJ, craft demos and — as usual — awesome swag bags for the first 100 shoppers. The party runs 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
Comedian Erik Griffin performs at Funny Bone on the Levee Friday-Sunday. Workaholics fans know him best as TelAmeriCorp's Montez Walker, a competitive salesman who has a very healthy sexual relationship with his wife. Here’s a sample of one of Griffin’s finest Montez moments:
Check out our calendar for more art openings, theater shows, concerts and other events happening this weekend and beyond.
