Howdy howdy, dear readers; I’m Case Fenner, CityBeat’s new arts, culture and events Reporter.
I want to start by saying I’m deeply grateful for the long line of journalists and community champions that came before me, and I’m lucky to be given the chance to support the central vision that’s made CityBeat a trusted news source for the past 32 years. I truly stand on the shoulders of giants.
I’m also absolutely ecstatic to be part of this current CityBeat team – to work alongside people as dedicated, compassionate, and deeply weird as I am is a dream come true.
You may recognize me as the person who answered your election questions last March, or delved into the Queen City’s diabolic underbelly this summer. Before all that, though, I grew up in rural Iowa, where my family and I raised hogs, chickens and the odd goat or two on our generational family farm. I eventually traded in farm life for the bright lights of Iowa City and the University of Iowa (go Hawks!); where I majored in creative writing and education. While at the university I met my wonderful partner – a Cincinnati native – and cut my journalistic teeth at KRUI 89.7 FM, the school’s student radio program. I spent two years as the station’s news director, and co-hosted the news show “Let Me Ruin Your Day” almost every Sunday morning.
After graduating from the U of I, my partner and I decided to relocate to the northern banks of the Ohio River. We now live in a small house in Madisonville, alongside our beloved cat, Winky. Like his owners, Winky is a odd little guy.
As the new arts, culture and events reporter, I’m excited to affix a unique lens to the high quality, Cincy-centric reporting that CityBeat readers have come to expect. I hope to help open the doors of the city’s art institutions, spotlight the city’s up-and-coming artists, and bridge the gaps that sometimes arise between the two. More than anything, I hope to make Cincinnati’s art culture available and accessible to everyone. I’ll also be putting together the popular “10 Things to do in Cincinnati this weekend” list every Wednesday!
So, if you see me out and about – at the ballet, or in a mosh pit, or even just grocery shopping – stop and say hi. If you’ve got a story to share, or you know someone who does, email me at cfenner@citybeat.com. My ears are always open, and I’m always ready to get weird.
