Cincinnati Moon Festival, Brews on the Block, Newport Oktoberfest, Champ Kind from ‘Anchorman,’ Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week and more
MONDAY 24 EVENT: Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week Since 2016, Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week has been offering a curated craft dining experience at restaurants across the city: chef prepared, special multi-course prix fixe menus priced between $25 and $35. This year’s event is bigger than ever, with more than 50 restaurants presenting three-course meals, from New American eateries and steakhouse favorites to upscale Italian and Thai. And with liquor sponsors Marker’s Mark and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, plenty of these eateries are complementing their culinary creations with specialty cocktails from either or both distilleries (for an additional cost). GCRW takes place Sept. 24-30. More info greatercincinnatirestaurantweek.com.
WEDNESDAY 26 FILM: Bad Reputation Thanks to local film group Cincinnati World Cinema, the downtown space at 719 Race St. (occupied for many years by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company) recently returned as a movie theater. CWC’s Garfield Theatre is located in the same spot as former arthouse theater The Movies, which showed cult classics, indie faves and many music films in the ’80s. CWC will touch on those roots this week with a screening of Bad Reputation, a new documentary about Rock legend Joan Jett. Bad Reputation follows Jett’s remarkable career, which kicked off with the pioneering “all-girl” Rock band The Runaways and was followed by a period of superstardom as a solo artist in the early ’80s. Jett remains active and is seen as a trailblazer. The film also includes interviews with Billie Joe Armstrong, Kathleen Hanna, Iggy Pop and other peers and admirers. Bad Reputation premiered at Sundance earlier this year, where it picked up distribution from Magnolia Pictures. It hits on-demand services like iTunes and Amazon on Friday; the Garfield screening is a part of an early “one-night-only” event taking place in theaters across the country. The Cincinnati screening will be followed by a discussion about Jett led by John Alberti, pop culture expert and chair of the English department and director of the Cinema Studies program at Northern Kentucky University. 7 p.m. Wednesday. $10; $15 door. Cincinnati World Cinema, 719 Race St., Downtown, cincyworldcinema.org.
THURSDAY 27 EVENT: Slice Night It’s a pizza party at Yeatman’s Cove with Slice Night, a pizza-tasting event hosted by Cincinnati Magazine. Tickets include access to the event plus all-you-can-eat pizza from local participating eateries like Adriatico’s, Dewey’s, LaRosa’s and Goodfellas, as well as beer, wine and cocktails for purchase. Music will be provided by Q102 and 100 percent of the ticket price goes to benefit cancer research at the UC Institute. 5-9 p.m. Thursday. $15 advance; $20 door; $5 children; $50 VIP (includes a parking pass, two drink tickets and tent seating). Yeatman’s Cove, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, cincinnatimagazine.com.
THURSDAY 27 MUSIC: Lauren Daigle Christian Rock superstar Lauren Daigle heads to the Taft Theatre. Her recent album Look Up Childwas expected to do big numbers in the Contemporary Christian music market, where she is a superstar, but when it was released on Sept. 7 and debuted in the No. 3 slot on Billboard’s all-genre album chart — coming in just behind the latest from superstars Paul McCartney and Eminem — many in the music industry seemed surprised. Big music press outlets have been taking notice, comparing her soul-drenched voice to Adele and Amy Winehouse. Look Up Child seems well on its way to making Daigle a crossover star. After the debut, she told Rolling Stone, “I’m inspired to see music continue to cross-pollinate through genres.” Lauren Daigle performs 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 27) at the Taft Theatre (317 E. Fifth St., Downtown). Tickets/more info: tafttheatre.org.
THURSDAY 27-SATURDAY 29 COMEDY: The Improv Festival of Cincinnati Cincinnati’s improvisational comedy scene has flourished in the past few years. Just look to the Improv Festival of Cincinnati as a powerful indicator of this boom. This year, it boasts 60 percent more performances than it hosted in 2017. While 13 local troupes will be performing, an additional 19 from cities such as Atlanta and Los Angeles will travel to perform here. Previously staged at Over-the-Rhine’s Know Theatre, this year IF Cincy will move a few blocks over to Memorial Hall, which allows the festival to schedule two stages at once and double its comedy offerings. Those familiar with Whose Line Is It Anyway? have already experienced the short-form version of improv, a collection of brief, structured games which typically use audience suggestions as a jumping-off point. Local performers ComedySportz and Cleveland’s Rare Form Improv exclusively perform this sub-genre. Though short-form is the most recognizable style of improvisation, IF Cincy offers audiences a chance to dive into other formats as well, including long-form performances that feel more like an on-the-fly play. The Improv Festival of Cincinnati runs Thursday through Saturday (Sept. 27-29) at Memorial Hall (1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine). More info/tickets: ifcincy.com.
FRIDAY 28 MUSIC: Modest Mouse Modest Mouse brings oddly affecting tales about cockroaches, Orange Julius and Styrofoam boots to the Taft Theatre. Isaac Brock’s voice contains multitudes. Modest Mouse’s longtime frontperson — and only constant member over the band’s 26-year history — emits an anxious yelp that is at once world-weary and childlike, evoking a cross between Kurt Cobain and Daniel Johnston. Modest Mouse’s yearning to transcend Brock’s dour nature permeates each of the band’s eight records, which is not to say they haven’t evolved over the years. Early songs about down-and-out drifters and religious seekers gave way to more universal but no less emotionally urgent themes. After a long layoff during which the band still toured fairly regularly, 2015’s Strangers to Ourselves surfaced, confirming that Brock’s anxiety remains as strong as ever. 8 p.m. Friday. $3950-$49.40. Taft Theatre. 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.
FRIDAY 28 EVENT: Art After Dark At the Cincinnati Art Museum’s monthly after-hours party, the theme is “When You See It” — as in, do you know great art when you see it? Find out Friday while enjoying live music from Us, Today, art-themed scavenger hunts and craft activities, access to exhibits and cocktails and food from Che for purchase (while supplies last). 5-9 p.m. Friday. Free admission. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
FRIDAY 28-SUNDAY 30 COMEDY: David Koechner You know David Koechner from, well, tons of things. He’s most recognized as Todd Packer, Michael Scott’s best friend on The Office, and as Champ Kind from The Anchorman films. Early in his career, though he had steady work, he sought a bit of work stability. “I didn’t ever want to be without a job, so I called my agent and asked, ‘Can you put me on the road?’ ” he says. A week later, she had 11 gigs lined up for him. “They were three months out, so I just worked up an act in town, put a bunch of character pieces together and went out on the road.” These days his set is more family-driven. “I’m married with five kids,” he says. “I call my show Symphony of Chaos, because that’s what my life is.” 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday; 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. $20-$50. Funny Bone Liberty, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, liberty.funnybone.com .
FRIDAY 28-SUNDAY 30 Event: Newport Oktoberfest Greater Cincinnati has had Oktoberfest celebrations all month long, and now the festivities are crossing the river into Northern Kentucky. Pretend you’re in Munich as you stroll from tent-to-tent. Sponsored by Christian Moerlein, there will be traditional German bier tents and food including cream puffs, goetta, bratts, metts and more. Slip on some lederhosen and jive to German music all weekend long. Peep the Log Sawing Competition, Masskrugstemmen Beer Stein Holding Competition or the Oktoberfest Stakes Stick Horse Racing, or shop the Bluegrass Marketplace. 5-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Newport’s Festival park at the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky., cincinnatifestivalsandevents.com.
FRIDAY 28-SUNDAY 30 EVENT: Ruya Coffee Melissa Aydogan is the heart and soul of Rüya Coffee, her Turkish coffee pop-up at the market. Aydogan is a 2018 recipient of a People’s Liberty Globe Grant and she’s turned the nonprofit’s storefront into a Turkish coffeehouse. The interior is decorated in rich shades of reds and oranges accented by velvet pillows, layered rugs and billowy chiffon draped from the ceiling. Families, couples and friendly strangers find themselves nestled into cushioned benches or gathered around a big community table. Open Friday-Sunday. Free. 1805 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, ruyacoffee.com.
SATURDAY 29 MUSIC: 3-2-1 Let’s Jam! A Philanthropic Jazz Tribute to Cowboy Bebop Aiesha Little, a self-professed blerd (black nerd), discovered the grittily nuanced splendor of Cowboy Bebop — one of most richly textured Japanese anime series — on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim as a senior at Central Michigan University in 1998. She was struck by a combination of elements: The series’ stylized look, its unique Jazz-drenched soundtrack and its engaging tale of interstellar bounty hunters in a somewhat distant future. With its 20th anniversary on the horizon, she felt compelled to mark the occasion. Along with a network of like-minded friends, she orchestrated an event to pay homage: 3-2-1 Let’s Jam! A Philanthropic Jazz Tribute to Cowboy Bebop. 3-2-1 Let’s Jam! A Philanthropic Jazz Tribute takes place at Withrow High School (2488 Madison Road, Hyde Park) on Sept. 29; doors open at 6 p.m. More info/tickets: 321letsjam.eventzilla.net.
SATURDAY 29-SUNDAY 30 EVENT: Great Outdoor Weekend The Great Outdoor Weekend, hosted by local nonprofit Green Umbrella, encourages children and adults to go outside this weekend via a plethora of free outdoor and recreational activities. More than 100 events at area parks and other outdoor destinations are open to the public to foster nature awareness and curiosity with events like scavenger hunts at local parks, gardening workshops, outdoor exercise classes, urban (and not-so-urban) hikes, rock climbing, craft making and even canoe adventures. All day Saturday and Sunday. Free. Find a full schedule of associated events at meetmeoutdoors.org.
SATURDAY 29 EVENT: Cincinnati Moon Festival The Chinese Moon Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, and always on a full moon. During this time, it’s believed that the moon is at its brightest and roundest. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, when they would give thanks to the moon for that year’s harvest by offering a sacrifice. Now the traditional Chinese festival is coming to Cincy for the first time ever. Presented by Vibe Cincinnati, it’s a way for the Chinese community to showcase their cultural heritage and share it with the larger community. Expect a glowing lantern display, performances, a movie screening and vendors, plus mooncakes (a baked pastry filled with red bean or lotus seed paste). 2-9 p.m. Saturday. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, facebook.com/vibecincinnati.
SATURDAY 29-SUNDAY 30 EVENT: Pyramid Hill Art Fair Bring your kid. Bring your dog. Bring that void you have been feeling in your Instagram account. Bring it all to Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum for the 16th-annual Pyramid Hill Art Fair. With more than 70 juried arts and crafts vendors present for the two-day event, booths will be set up alongside the monumental sculptures of the park, complemented by live music and food trucks. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 per carload. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
SATURDAY 29 EVENT: Country Applefest Whether you pronounce it caramel or caramel, get ready to get some of the delightful sugary stuff stuck in your teeth. This fall festival is a celebration of all things apple: candy apples, cider, fritters, pies and more. Relish in the apple extravaganza and shop arts and crafts like pottery, jewelry and handmade, possibly apple-scented soaps. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday. Free. Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, countryapplefest.com.
SUNDAY 30 MUSIC: Frankie and the Witch Fingers Frankie and the Witch Fingers is the sound of a garage full of guitars, effects pedals, surfboards and thrift-store Beatles and Velvet Underground album covers stapled to the walls. The Los Angeles quartet shudders and shakes with the visceral impact of an impromptu jam session between The Hives and White Fence, with Mitch Easter conducting, producing and measuring the precise psychedelic dosage to maximize creativity. They are the gold standard of Garage/Psych purveyors, fuzzy enough to be inscrutable, loud enough to be undeniable and high enough to see your house from wherever they are. 8 p.m. Sunday. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.
SUNDAY 30 CLASSICAL: The Akropolis Reed Quintet The Akropolis Reed Quintet formed in 2009 at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. A unique ensemble of five students, each played a different reed instrument and loved the sounds they created together. The acclaimed ensemble makes its Cincinnati debut at Memorial Hall on Sunday (Sept. 30), presented by Matinée Musicale. Their sound is rich, deep and often wildly hilarious, just like their performance practice, which features new compositions and familiar work tailored for its members — in addition to Landry, there’s her husband Matt Landry on saxophone; Ryan Reynolds on bassoon; Andrew Koeppe on bass clarinet; and Tim Gocklin on oboe. The Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform 3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Memorial Hall. More info/tickets: memorialhallotr.com.
SUNDAY 30 EVENT: Midnight Drag Show with The Alley Cats Tokyo Kitty is hosting its first-ever drag show, starring queens Amaya Sexton, Natalia Marie, Sue Nami and Lexi Love. There will be singing, dancing, laughing and a special performance by The Kitten King B. The event includes a complimentary cocktail — The Salem, a mysterious black-cat concoction. The bar will be matching tips to donate to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Transgender Health Clinic. 11:30 p.m. Sunday. $10. Tokyo Kitty, 575 Race St., Downtown, thattokyobar.com.
TUESDAY 02 MUSIC: Liz Phair A lot has changed since Liz Phair’s trailblazing debut, Exile in Guyville, surfaced in 1993. Matador Records’ 25th anniversary reissue of Exile in Guyville — officially dubbed Girly Sound to Guyville in a nod to the bedroom tapes that influenced the album — has kicked off a reemergence of sorts for the now-51-year-old Phair, whose career had been dormant in recent years following a string of glossed-up, mixed-bag records that culminated with 2010’s truly mystifying Funstyle. As expected, set lists from the accompanying tour lean heavily on songs from Exile with a sprinkling from its two follow-ups, 1994’s Whip-Smart and 1998’s underrated Whitechocolatespaceegg — a trio of career-defining records that remind us how necessary Phair’s unvarnished perspective on relationships and sex was then and remains today. 7 p.m. Tuesday. $25 advance; $30 day of. 20th Century Theater, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, the20thcenturytheatre.com.