It's Final Friday! The best day of the month for sauntering through Over-the-Rhine, perusing local art and sipping on some vino. One of many gallery openings takes place at the Art Academy of Cincinnati from 5-8 p.m. In Context is a thesis exhibition for art teachers working towards their Masters of Arts in Art Education. —-Read all about each artist's perspective here.
Before, after or between gallery stops, be sure to swing by Fountain Square for the MidPoint Indie Summer Series from 7-11 p.m. Indie Rock kings Ted Leo and the Pharmacists headline the free show with support from Tweak Bird and Belle Histoire. As always, there will be plenty of cold beer and tasty grub to keep you satisfied throughout the evening, and don't forget to stock up on MidPoint gear and wristbands to September's big festival (less than two months away!). Go here to read the latest on MPMF, including ticket information, performer announcements and venue details.
Concerts in the park are all over the city this summer, but dance performances? De la Dance Company presents Dance Under the Stars Friday and Saturday at Oakley Park, beginning at dusk. Dancers of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience will grace the park with their moves during this free, public performance. Companies include aim cincinnati, ballet tech of ohio, MamLuft&Co. and many more. For directions and performance details, go here.
Whiskey and Rock & Roll go together like unicorns and glitter (sorry) and FAR-I-ROME, who has brought us Clifton Heights Music Festival, Turntables-N-Snares, OTR Skate and other fun local music events, has recognized this wonderful combo. This Saturday, $10 will get you samples of Jameson, Red Breast, Buffalo Trace and Jack Daniels from 8-10 p.m. at Northside Tavern. Afterward, enjoy a free show featuring local rockers The Prohibitionists, The Dukes, Sacred Spirits and Oso Bear. Go here for more info.
This weekend's Glendale Beer, Wine and Food Festival allows guests munch and sip their way through the the town's picturesque Village Square. Sample from a selection of 90 beers and wines, enjoy live music and purchase art and jewelry while checking out historical buildings along the way. The fest runs Friday-Sunday with a Burgers and Beaujolais luncheon at the Iron Horse Saturday. Go here for event times, vendors and directions.
Designer, photographer and singer-songwriter Maurice Mattei's band The Tempers play York Street Cafe Saturday to celebrate their latest release, Strum and Drag. The new album features nods to Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Neil Young and many other greats, while keeping a distinctively original song all the while. Read more in Mike Breen's Spill It column.
There are even more events, festivals, theater shows and concerts happening, so go here to check them all out.