http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/ Critics: University could do more to attract, retain black students Some students at Northern Kentucky University are upset by turmoil in the school's Office of African American Student Affairs, including the firings of top personnel. Combined with NKU's low rate for retaining black students, they question the institution's commitment to diversity.]]> Daniel Ellsberg/Pentagon Papers documentary has disturbing parallels to current day This Oscar-nominated documentary looks at the events that compelled Daniel Ellsberg, a former Marine and defense department staffer, to leak the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times in an effort to stop what he deemed an unjust Vietnam War. Ellsberg's articulate first-person narration and unique personal history give the film an intimacy and emotional depth lacking in most political/historical documentaries. Grade: A-.]]> News Flash! I have an affinity for esoteric wines from little-known regions. As a result, I tend to assume a lot of wines aren’t sufficiently “interesting” to sample. So when an opportunity recently arose to attend a dinner featuring the wines of well-known California producer Rodney Strong, I was dismissive.]]> The Shrine Circus brings its particular brand of American kitsch that includes tightrope walkers, motorcycle stunts and trapezists. It’s a favorite among children and families, delivering on promises of elephant rides, face painting and neon glow-in-the-dark swords. Friday-Sunday at the Cincinnati Gardens.]]> Of all the hot tickets on the spring concert circuit, one of the biggest draws might be DJ Lance Rock, host of Yo Gabba Gabba, the Indie Rock-fueled kids show on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. cable channel. It hits the Aronoff for two shows Saturday.]]> “I love stand-up, but I don’t love show business,” says comedian Kevin Brennan. “People say ‘You picked this business.’ I didn’t really. I picked stand-up comedy, which bleeds into show business.” Brennan, it seems, is just happy telling jokes. Thursday-Sunday at Go Bananas.]]> Kara Walker, Shepard Fairey and the controversial art of appropriation To see just how extensively appropriation is being used in contemporary art, it's useful to compare and contrast two traveling shows now in Cincinnati: Kara Walker's 'Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated)' at the Cincinnati Art Museum and Shepard Fairey's 'Supply and Demand' at the Contemporary Arts Center. The term "appropriation" is used to describe new art that incorporates in some way a pre-existing work into its imagery.]]> The Spiritual H.O.P.E. Society — or the Spiritual Historians of Paranormal Evidence— is a local paranormal team. Their new series of public ghost hunts, “Ghosts in the Museums,” will visit five area museums, starting with the Cincinnati Observatory Center, to allow the public to investigate paranormal claims. 7-11 p.m.]]> Unique children‘s TV show features an eclectic Indie Rock soundtrack Of all the hot tickets on the spring concert circuit, one of the biggest draws might be DJ Lance Rock, host of Yo Gabba Gabba, the Indie Rock-fueled kids show on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. cable channel. Musical guests/fans like The Flaming Lips, Weezer, The Shins and The Killers means that Yo Gabba Gabba’s target audience might not have to pester their parents to convince them to attend.]]> It’s spring outside, but it’s spring inside too … at least inside the Krohn Conservatory. Their Spring Floral Show kicks off Saturday with a simple theme: “Glorious Spring.” To celebrate the true beauty of this season the Krohn has built a traditional spring garden, already in full bloom. Through April 11.]]> Indie Rock trio not afraid to light up melody with chaos The Never Setting Suns have rocked out together since 2008. Their songs might have a structured backbone to begin, but then eight bars of chaos sneak in. They'll start with a melody, tear it up and then destroy it. "I'm just taking what I've loved from musicians like Isaac Brock and Jeff Tweedy," Corey Larrison says, "seeing the things they did, reciprocating that and recognizing that I'm continuing it."]]>