Shillito’s Elves Will Return for the Holiday Season, This Time in a New Location
One of Cincinnati’s most beloved holiday traditions returns next week, this time in a new location. The famous Shillito’s Elves made their first appearance in the storefront window of Cincinnati department store Shillito’s in the ‘50s. The mechanized figures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting Santa’s mail.…
Sound Advice: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Bring Soulful Americana Rock to Cincinnati
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. One of the most acclaimed bands today, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, make a local appearance on their current headlining tour that has taken them all over the country, from the Ryman to the Ritz, and now to Cincinnati on Dec. 2 at…
Sound Advice: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Bring the Party to Madison Theater
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. In 1950, behaviorist B.F. Skinner trained pigeons to peck at ping pongs, proving anything is possible. Years later, in 2009, a group of college students at the University of Maryland formed a band around the experiment. For some reason a lot of these bands hail…
Sound Advice: Country Music Star Ashley McBryde to Perform in Cincinnati
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. Singer, songwriter and country music star Ashley McBryde continues to grow and exhibit success in many ways. McBryde began her career by independently releasing a self-titled album in 2006 and then Elsebound in 2011. McBryde did not sign with a record label until 2017, leading…
Ohio Native Erika Wennerstrom of the Heartless Bastards Returns Home to Perform at the Woodward Theater
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. One of the city’s best exports is coming back for a homecoming visit at the Woodward Theater on Dec. 9. Heartless Bastards, originally from Cincinnati before a move to Austin, Texas, in 2007, have put out a string of critically-praised records, gone on to play…
Sound Advice: Action Bronson to Perform at Madison Theater in December
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. Action Bronson is a rapper, storyteller, food connoisseur, basketball fanatic and journeyman — this much is clear while listening to his music. Somewhere between avant-garde and true to hip-hop’s roots, Bronson’s approach to the genre is just as innovative as it is fun. He strolls…
John Waters’ Christmas Show Finds the Humor in the ‘Non-Binary Disaster’ of the Holiday Season
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. Filmmaker John Waters has remained one of the most unique, bold and singular cultural voices for more than 50 years. His underground beginnings with infamous films like Pink Flamingos and a handful of other cult, boundary-pushing movies shocked audiences and poked fun at both societal…
Made With Love: Cincinnati Chefs Share the Holiday Dishes They Love and How to Ace Your Holiday Feast
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. From now through the end of the year, any number of culinary delights related to the many winter holidays will grace dinner tables across the world. Sure, there are the classics like Thanksgiving (and Christmas) turkey and green bean casserole. But what makes something a…
Opinion: Why Cincinnati Deserves its Own Annual Film Festival
This story is featured in CityBeat’s Nov. 29 print edition. We’re getting used to seeing movies at least partially filmed in Cincinnati open up with strong Oscars buzz. This goes back at least to Rain Man, which debuted in December of 1988 and went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor…
Esquire Names Over-the-Rhine’s Nolia One of the 50 Best New Restaurants in the U.S.
An Over-the-Rhine restaurant has caught the eyes, or, should we say, the tastebuds, of Esquire.com as some of its writers reveal their picks for the top 50 new restaurants in the United States. Opened in April 2022 in the former Please spot on Clay Street, James Beard Foundation-nominated Nolia no doubt brought some elevated Southern…
Kenny Chesney to Bring His Tour to Cincinnati in the Sweet ‘Summertime’
Cincinnati will be groovin’ when the sun goes down June 29 as country superstar and semi-professional beach bum Kenny Chesney brings his “Sun Goes Down 2024” tour to TQL Stadium. With Chesney’s tour nearly or completely selling out 20 NFL stadiums across the country, the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” crooner and eight-time Entertainer…
Freestore Foodbank Doubles Donations on Giving Tuesday
Now that you’ve braved the Black Friday crowds, spurred on the Small Business Saturday economy and slayed the Cyber Monday deals, it’s time to spread the spending love. Nov. 28 is Giving Tuesday, the annual event that encourages people to embrace the spirit of generosity and contribute to charitable causes. Like Black Friday and Cyber…
Celebrate the Holidays With This Sparkly Bike Party in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown
A merry and bright bike party will light up the night in Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati this December. Art on the Streets will hold its annual Holiday BRIGHT Ride Saturday, Dec. 9. Participants can bring out their bikes, skates, scooters, boards and other wheels to celebrate, and organizers are encouraging participants to go all out…
Guest Commentary: Youngstown State Appointing MAGA Election Denier Bill Johnson as its President is Appalling
Appalling. No other word fits what Youngstown State University did recently by secretly anointing a MAGA Republican, with a shameful congressional history, as its next president. The abrupt announcement of Ohio Congressman Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, to the top post was met with dismay by university stakeholders — students, faculty, staff, alumni, community — left in…
Checking in on Ohio Firearms Bills as the Year Ends
With a new year looming, Ohio lawmakers are trying to spur firearm legislation forward. State senators are holding hearings on a measure banning gun store-specific merchant codes, despite credit card companies halting the idea months ago. Meanwhile in the House, lawmakers want to bring a controversial proposal restricting local agencies’ interaction with federal authorities to…
Review: Joaquin Phoenix and Ridley Scott Turn ‘Napoleon’ into a Violent Epic Starring a Petty Brat
At one point in Ridley Scott’s new biopic Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte yells at someone, “You think you’re so smart just because you have boats!” You wouldn’t expect something so bratty and petulant to come out of the mouth of the legendary French commander and leader. But you would expect something so bratty and petulant to…
Napoleon Dynamite Live is Coming to Newport, GOSH!
Gimme your tots…and tickets to see Napoleon Dynamite Live in Newport this spring. Napoleon Dynamite Live, a special stage show featuring some of the stars of the iconic, early-aughts teen movie, Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro), will hit the MegaCorps Pavilion stage Saturday, April 20. “The beloved indie…
Creators of Reimagined Tarot Deck to Take Part in Discussion, ‘Vibe Check’ Readings in Cincinnati
Get ready to pass the vibe check, Cincinnati. The creators of a holistic tarot deck and guidebook that promotes self-care and reflection are stopping in the Queen City for a panel discussion and tarot-reading event this December. The Sacred Web Tarot Deck & Guidebook were created by Dayton, Ohio, mother-son team Jannie Bui Brown and…
‘Send me Reinforcements’: U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance Urges Central Ohio Republicans to Back Bernie Moreno
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance swung through New Albany to stump for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. Vance endorsed the Cleveland-area entrepreneur months ago, at least in part, to stave off the kind of protracted primary Vance had to navigate in 2022. But while the Republican field in 2024 is…
Ohio Catholic Bishops Spent Big on Failed Effort to Defeat Abortion-Rights Amendment
Ohio’s Catholic bishops spent $1.7 million in an attempt to defeat an abortion-rights measure that passed easily on Nov. 7, according to an analysis by a group of Catholics that urges the church to change its stance on the issue. The expenditure mostly comes from donations by a laity most of whom disagree with the…
No Holiday Peak Pay for Amazon Air Hub Workers, Union Says Management Continues Retaliation Efforts
Employees at the Amazon air hub at KCVG Airport in Hebron, Kentucky, will go without peak pay for a second holiday season in a row. “There are no peak pay, no bonuses, no one who is hired on is receiving hiring bonuses,” said KCVG employee Jordan Quinn. “We’re just expected to work six days a…
The Fight to Inspire: Meet Ohio’s LGBTQ+ Everyday Elder Heroes
This story was originally published by the Buckeye Flame and republished here with permission. With age comes a considerable amount of freedom — freedom to express ourselves, reflect on paths we’ve taken and rise up and recognize that our presence still matters at any age. “We need to remain true to our base and never…
Director of Ohio Teachers Pension Fund Placed on Leave
Bill Neville, executive director of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, has been placed on leave while special counsel hired by the Ohio Attorney General’s office investigates allegations made against him by system employees. The complaints, first reported by NBC4, appear to be separate from other controversies over the fund’s performance and investment strategies.…
Factory 52 Celebrates First Holiday Season With Lineup of Festive Programs
Factory 52, a mixed-use development in Norwood on the site of the former United States Playing Card Company factory, is celebrating its first holiday season with its “Deck the Halls” programming lineup. “Deck the Halls” is a series of holiday events with the goal of bringing the community together. “In its inaugural holiday season, Factory…
Paint-and-Sip Studio Pinot’s Palette to Open in Kenwood
A new paint-and-sip experience is opening its doors in Kenwood this December. Pinot’s Palette, a paint-and-sip studio that offers guests a blend of artistry and relaxation along with a curated selection of beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails, will open at 7714, C, Montgomery Road. It’s holding a grand opening happy hour Friday, Dec. 1 from…
Here’s Where We’re At On Redistricting Drama in Ohio
The newest measure to change the Ohio Constitution and reform the redistricting process in Ohio has cleared its most recent hurdle: a typo. The Ohio Ballot Board met Monday, quickly certifying a proposed constitutional amendment that would “replace the current politician-run redistricting process.” The board’s only role is to determine if an amendment follows the…
Covington Yard Gets a Winter Wonderland Makeover
Winter festivities have come to Covington Yard as it decks its halls for the holidays. The food container park has transformed into Covington Winter WonderYard for the season. Featuring two towering trees made of kegs, an enormous Advent Calendar stuffed with daily giveaway goodies, a light tunnel, themed hangout containers, photo ops and tons of…
Guest Commentary: Gerrymandered Ohio Lawmakers Push More Extremist Laws
Even after the year we’ve had with corrupt state politicians trying to con us out of our most fundamental rights, they continue their devious streak. I know you’re exhausted with Ohio politics under gerrymandered authoritarians, but knowledge is power so pay attention. The same scoundrels who blew $18 million in taxpayer money to wrest majority…
Cincinnati Zoo Announces Death of 3-Year-Old Bonobo
The Cincinnati Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its young bonobos, an endangered ape species. “We are devastated to share that 3-year-old bonobo Amali passed away,” the zoo wrote on Facebook. According to the zoo, Amali died after a week of receiving supportive care for respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. The…
Fifty West Brewing Brings Back Ice Rink and Winter Activities for the Season
Fifty West Brewing Company is once again transforming its burger bar campus into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, curling, bonfires and more. The popular, family-friendly 40’x80’ ice skating rink opens for the season Tuesday, Nov. 21 and features upgraded ice and skates this year. Admission is $10 per person — children under the…
Braxton Brewing’s Dark Charge Block Party Features New Imperial Stouts and an Exclusive Dinner
Braxton Brewing Co. is gearing up for its annual Dark Charge Winter Block Party, with new Dark Charge Imperial Stout variants and a brand new immersive dinner event featuring bourbon, beer and food from The B-Line, a collection of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour distilleries and bourbon-forward bars and restaurants in Northern Kentucky. This is…
Renaissance Park Transforms into Yuletide Village for the Holidays
You can make merry this holiday season at ye olde Renaissance Park in Waynesville with the return of Yuletide Village. Yuletide Village transforms the park’s 16th-century English village into a festive wonderland, filled with colorful lights, carolers, holiday treats and a little bit of Christmas’ darker side. “Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park is a cherished…
Ohio Second Amendment ‘Sanctuary’ Measure Cleared for the House Floor
An Ohio House committee has signed off on the Second Amendment Preservation Act, clearing the way for its consideration on the floor. The measure removes references in state firearms law to federal statutes and places strict limits on cooperation with federal officials. The stated purpose being to keep local agencies from enforcing federal laws or…
As Potential Hurdles to Abortion Amendment Proposed, Advocates Ready to Keep up the Fight
The legislative back-and-forth regarding reproductive rights continues to sow uncertainty in Ohio, but advocates who worked to get a constitutional amendment in place say are ready to continue the fight. Shortly after Issue 1 passed with almost 57% of the vote in the November general election, Republican legislators were already pledging to fight against the initiative’s success, even…
NKY Skate Shop Petitions to Keep Lights on at Florence Skate Park
A Florence skate shop is shedding light on a dim situation in Northern Kentucky. Alex Evans, owner of Grateful Skate Shop in Florence, started a petition to turn the lights on at the Florence Skate Park, commonly known as “Flopa.” He said the lights are much needed now that the sun goes down around 5:30…
Cincinnati Regional Chamber Announces Dates for its 2024 Festivals
Time to get excited, Cincinnati: the Cincinnati Regional Chamber has announced the dates for its 2024 festivals: Asian Food Fest, Taste of Cincinnati, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and the return of BLINK. “2024 stands to be a pinnacle year for our events,” Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, said in a press release.…
Woman-Owned Pop-Up M.T.A.P. Clothing to Open in Over-the-Rhine
A new woman-owned clothing store pop-up is opening in Over-the-Rhine, and its owner is using her brand to empower women to know they’re “More Than a Pussy.” M.T.A.P. (More Than a Pussy) Clothing is a women’s retail brand helmed by Dani Jay, a former corporate accountant who left her job to pursue her dreams in…
Pharmacy Middleman Grants Huge Bonuses for Winning Business Meant to Help the Poor
Medicaid might be a taxpayer-funded health program for the poor, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t getting rich off of it — including employees of a company the state is suing on antitrust grounds. Several employees of drug middleman Express Scripts last year raked in bonuses of $750,000 each for getting the business of a…
Ohio House Passes Bill that GOP Says Promotes Free Speech in Classrooms. Educators Disagree
The Ohio House passed a bill that Republicans say supports free speech in the classroom, but Democrats and educators disagree. House Bill 214 would mandate school districts to establish policies that ban teachers, students and those applying for jobs from adhering to a certain political or ideological belief. The policies would be publicly available. State Rep.…
The Port Partners With Realtist Association to Make Homeownership for Cincinnatians More Accessible
Cincinnati leaders announced a historic partnership Thursday that aims to make homeownership more accessible to many in the community, particularly for Cincinnati’s Black and brown residents. As it stands, Black homeownership in Cincinnati proper is at about 25%, while in Hamilton County, it hovers between 33-34% — a 40% gap from white homeownership in Greater…
Cincinnati Socialists Call Out Rep. Greg Landsman for Censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib
The Cincinnati Socialists organization is calling out Rep. Greg Landsman’s stance on Israel. The group rallied outside Main Street’s John Weld Peck Federal Building on Nov. 16, calling on the federal government to halt funding for Israeli Defense Forces. “We’re here to protest U.S. tax dollars going to fund the indiscriminate killing of civilians in…
Check Out This Trailer for a New Docuseries Featuring an All-Cincinnati Cast, Creator
A new docuseries that chronicles five Cincinnatians and the soundtrack to their lives premieres this Monday. On Nov. 20, the first episode of Songology will debut on the IWPTV Channel of YouTube and the VR platform Spatial.io. The six-week series was created, directed and produced by local artist Ingrid Woode. Songology was filmed in 2020…
In ‘May December,’ Todd Haynes Turns an Old Tabloid Tale into a First-Rate Sexual Thriller
“You do it nicely, ‘cause it really does matter how it looks.” So says Gracie (Julianne Moore) to Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) in Todd Haynes’ May December. Ostensibly, she’s talking about arranging the maraschino cherries in a pineapple upside-down cake. But, spoken from the lips of a registered sex offender to the ears of a famous…
Sec. Frank LaRose Misses Deadline for U.S. Senate Financial Disclosures
The three Republican candidates hoping to topple U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, go before voters in a few months, and by now should’ve disclosed information about their personal finances. Two of them, state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, and Westlake entrepreneur Bernie Moreno, have already done so. After filing an extension through Nov. 14, though,…
Lawmaker Behind Ohio Bill Blocking Gender-Affirming Care Believes Care is ‘Child Abuse’
A Republican lawmaker who introduced a bill that would prevent doctors from providing gender-affirming care to trans youth said he believes that type of care is child abuse. “(Gender-affirming care) is not best medical practice,” Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, said to the Senate Government Oversight Committee Wednesday morning. “I do believe it is child abuse.” Click is…
Over-the-Rhine Art Supply Thrift Store Indigo Hippo to Host Fundraiser Event Next Month
Cincinnati’s first creative reuse center and art supply thrift store will celebrate seven years of business during its annual fundraising event in December. Indigo Hippo launched its year-end fundraising campaign Nov. 15, which accompanies the annual event. The ReMADE: A Sustainable Art Experience fundraiser is on Dec. 6 at the Woodward Theater. The fundraising event will…
Santa to Kick Off Cincinnati Museum Center’s Holiday Season With Helicopter Arrival
Santa Claus is leaving his reindeer at the North Pole for a special appearance at the Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) on Black Friday. On Friday, Nov. 24, Santa will arrive at the museum in style courtesy of a UC Health helicopter to kick off the holiday celebrations. Everyone is invited to gather at the fountain…
Take a Walk on the Holiday Wild Side at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will once again light up the night this holiday season with the annual Festival of Lights. The 41st annual PNC Festival of Lights will run Nov. 17-Jan. 7 and will be open nightly, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The zoo opens at 10 a.m. every day,…
When Will Cincinnati Start to See Rail Sale Money?
We now have an idea when Cincinnati may start to see money flow in from the sale of the Cincinnati Southern Railway (CSR). Voters passed Issue 22 on Nov. 7, which approved the sale of the CSR to Norfolk Southern for $1.6 billion. The money will exist in a trust that the CSR board will…
First Anti-Abortion Policy Post-Issue 1 Enters Ohio Senate
Legislation that would give tax credits for donations to “pregnancy resource centers” which do not advise individuals on abortion was introduced in the Ohio Senate this week. State Sen. Sandra O’Brien, R-Ashtabula, brought Senate Bill 159 to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. The bill seeks to allow a tax credit for those who donate…
Pumping the Brakes: Ohio House Speaker Dismisses Effort to Limit Court Jurisdiction on Issue 1
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens threw cold water on a bid to thwart the recent abortion rights amendment Issue 1. Instead of attempting to deny the courts’ jurisdiction or rushing to the ballot with a repeal effort, Stephens argued lawmakers should focus on maternal and early childhood care. Despite the speaker’s measured response, Democrats remain…
