16 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Week (Nov. 14-19)

Festival of Lights // Photo: Teagan Dumont

THURSDAY 14

ATTRACTIONS: Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center
The 73rd-annual Holiday Junction will transform the Cincinnati Museum Center into a whimsical winter wonderland through Jan. 5, 2020. The classic Duke Energy Holiday Trains display includes more than 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives that run on 1,000 feet of track. Real train aficionados can have fun identifying the new and old formations within the display’s intricate diorama, including a Carlisle & Finch 1904 toy train and a pre-World War II Lionel set. In addition to a whole lot of locomotives, the event also features a special “interactive winter wonderland” where guests can build snowmen, leave footprints and even take a ride on a train. You can also pay a visit to Brickopolis, where you’ll find plenty of Disney and comic book character portrayed in fun LEGO-style scenes. Or head to Tower A on weekends to get a view of the Union Terminal rail yard. Through Jan. 5, 2020. $14.50 adult; $13.50 senior; $10.50 ages 3-12; $5.50 ages 1-2; free for members. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
Photo: Catie Viox

THURSDAY 14

ART: Tyler Shields’ Fairytale
Photographer Tyler Shields has become a Cincinnati favorite since his first show at Miller Gallery in 2012, Controlled Chaos. Before that exhibit, CityBeat contributor Maria Seda-Reeder interviewed Shields, writing, “The Jacksonville, Florida native gets a lot of flack for being so popular. Newsweek/Daily Beast columnist Chris Lee wrote, ‘Shields remains something of a joke in fine arts circles and is written off as a star-fucker by his vocal detractors.’ To hear him tell it, he’s just a guy who never went to art school (or high school, for that matter), taught himself how to edit skate videos (he was a professional inline vert skater in his late teens/early twenties) and took a picture with his roommate’s camera that got really big on MySpace.” Since Controlled Chaos, Shields — nicknamed the “Warhol of his generation” by Sotheby’s — has exhibited multiple times at Miller Gallery: in 2013, 2016 and 2018. The new exhibit, Fairytale, will feature his modern and inverse interpretations of classic stories. Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. On view through Dec. 24. Free admission. Miller Gallery, 2715 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, facebook.com/millergallery.
Photo: Tyler Shields

THURSDAY 14

MUSIC: Ruben Sings Luther
Singer Ruben Studdard, whose career took off after he won the second season of American Idol in 2003, has been performing concerts that pay tribute to the late R&B legend Luther Vandross. Studdard’s ties to Vandross stretch back to the very start of his career: He performed a head-turning version of “Superstar” for his first-round song on Idol, which set the stage for his ultimate overall win. “Superstar” was originally released in 1969 by the duo Delaney & Bonnie (co-written with Leon Russell), but it was a bigger hit for The Carpenters in 1971 and then for Vandross in 1983. Studdard’s recorded version — a single from his debut album, Soulful — was nominated for a Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Grammy; the 2004 award ultimately went to Vandross himself for his work on the song “Dance with My Father.” Last spring, Studdard released his Ruben Sings Luther album, which features his arrangements of Vandross hits like “Always and Forever,” “Power of Love” and “Never Too Much.” 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. $45-$65. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com.
Photo: Davenport Design

THURSDAY 14

ONSTAGE: The Lifespan of a Fact
The Lifespan of a Fact explores the battle between storytelling and accuracy onstage at the Playhouse in the Park. Through Nov. 16. Tickets from $30. 962 Mt Adams Circle, Over-the-Rhine, cincyplay.com.
Photo: Mikki Schaffner Photography

THURSDAY 14

EVENT: Taft House Party
Head to the Taft Museum of Art for an after-work happy hour and house party, co-hosted by the Civic Garden Center’s Young Professional Green Team. Think calm and lean into green with “soft jams” by DJ Mowgli, spiked hot apple cider, food from the Cheesecakery, a chance to create your own light-up peony and a guided meditation session in the galleries. The CGC will present a talk on current exhibit Poetry of Nature: Hudson River School Landscapes from the New York Historical Society, a collection of paintings that “reveal natural wonders that sparked the first artistic movement in the United States,” says the museum. 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Free admission. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Photo: Provided by the Taft

FRIDAY 15

ART: Antique Christmas at the Taft Museum of Art
The Taft Museum of Art’s annual holiday display, Antique Christmas, has bedecked the historic home-museum with a nostalgic collection of vintage ornaments, including Disney and German fairy tale pieces; trees decorated with pre-World War II miniature glass ornaments from Germany, Poland and Japan; Art Deco gift boxes; various iterations of Santa Claus figurines; and an exterior swept with evergreen garlands and wreaths. There will also be, according to a description, “A whimsical display of the types of transportation Santa Claus uses to make his special deliveries, as well as a feather tree hung with brightly colored Russian ornaments watched over by figures of Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden.” Through Jan. 5, 2020. $9.99 adults; $8 seniors; free kids. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Photo: Provided by the Taft

FRIDAY 15

MUSIC: Billy Corgan
Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan plays a solo show at the Madison Theater. 7 p.m. doors Friday, Nov. 15. $50; $60 at the door. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington, madisontheater.com.
Photo: djdroga

FRIDAY 15

EVENT: Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom Anniversary
The Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom is celebrating its one-year anniversary in a big, boozy way. The brewery released its 11th-biennial barrel-aged Utopias in select locations on Oct. 15 and will be releasing it on draft for the first time in the Cincy taproom on Nov. 15. But this isn’t just any regular beer release — Utopias is one of the most expensive, exclusive and extreme beers on the market. With an ABV of 28 percent, the top-shelf beer is illegal in 15 states. According to a press release from Sam Adams, the rich, barrel-aged brew has a flavor profile reminiscent of a fine sherry or vintage port. This year’s edition was aged in cognac and Madeira finishing barrels. The celebration is free to enjoy, but in order to participate in the special Utopias tasting, which includes a one-ounce pour and commemorative glass, you must purchase a ticket. The brewery will also release Barley-topias at the event, a barleywine anniversary beer which is aged in Utopias barrels. Barley-topias will be available on tap and in bottles. There will also be barbecue from The Beerded Pig and live music. 6-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. Free admission; $20 Utopias tasting. Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom, 1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/samadamscincy.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

FRIDAY 15

CLASSICAL: American Life with the CSO
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will celebrate legendary African-American composers via American Life at Over-the-Rhine’s Music Hall. Kicking off with Adolphus Hailstork’s “An American Port of Call,” the concert will explore works by James Lee III, Florence Price, William Grant Still and Jazz giant Duke Ellington. Of the latter, Ellington’s composition “Harlem” will be performed, manifesting a Sunday morning walk through the New York neighborhood in the early-1950s. In Ellington’s memoir, he writes of the work: “It is Sunday morning. We a strolling from 110th Street up Seventh Avenue, heading north through the Spanish and West Indian neighborhood towards the 125th Street business area... You may hear a parade go by, or a funeral or you may recognize the passage of those who are making Civil Rights demands.” Immerse yourself in this experience, among others, during this two-hour concert. 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15; 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. $14-$107. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Conductor Thomas Wilkins // Photo: Kaylor Management

FRIDAY 15

MUSIC: Cincy’s R&B Fest
Several turn-of-the-century R&B stars will be on hand for the first Cincy’s R&B Fest, showcasing artists primarily from the Atlanta and Texas areas. Jagged Edge had its biggest success in the early ’00s, with hits like “Where the Party At” and “Let’s Get Married,” which won a 2001 Soul Train Music Award (as did their sophomore album, J.E. Heartbreak). The Atlanta group has worked extensively with Jermaine Dupri and his So So Def label. Also from Atlanta, 112 had a banner year in 1997, hitting the charts several times, including with their single “Cupid.” The group was also featured on Puff Daddy’s Grammy-winning Biggie Smalls tribute, “I’ll Be Missing You,” alongside Faith Evans. Ginuwine was one of the top R&B artists in the world in the late ’90s/early ’00s, hitting the Platinum-selling mark with his first three albums. He is best known for his ubiquitous debut single, the raunchy hit “Pony,” which featured the timelessly poetic line, “If you’re horny, let’s do it, ride it, my pony.” Tevin Campbell, SILK and H-Town round out the lineup. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. $49.50-$250. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, heritagebankcenter.com.
Jagged Edge // Photo: A Jagged Love Story album cover

SATURDAY 16

MUSIC: Gregory Alan Isakov
Singer-songwriter and horticulturist Gregory Alan Isakov brings his evocative Indie Folk to Madison Theater. 7 p.m. doors Saturday, Nov. 16. Currently sold out. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington, madisontheater.com.
Photo: Rebecca Caridad

SATURDAY 16

EVENT: Wizard Fest at the Ludlow Garage
If you spent your adolescence (or adulthood) pining for an admissions letter from Hogwarts delivered via owl or chimney, you’ll soon get your chance to experience the magic. On Saturday, the Ludlow Garage will transform into the wizarding world beloved by fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Aptly dubbed Wizardfest, the one-night-only event is touring across the United States by way of Pop Up Party Tours. Of the festivities, you can put your knowledge to the test in trivia; participate in a post-Halloween costume contest, broomsticks in tow; and, for those 21 and over, you can meander over to the Leaky Cauldron and kick back with a Butterbeer or Polyjuice Potion. Adding to the magical atmosphere, a live DJ will play tracks from the film franchise — prepare to dance like someone cast tarantallegra on ya (CityBeat does not endorse jinxing wizards, witches, muggles or, hell, even squibs). If you’re looking to be as happy as a house elf with a sock, a sweepstakes prize for a trip for two to London is also on the table. Throw your name in the Goblet of Fire for a chance to win. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. $16-$36 general admission; $76 seat with wand and goodie bag. Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, popuppartytours.com.
Photo: Unsplash

SATURDAY 16

EVENT: Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights
It’s time to get fired up about freezing your face off at the Cincinnati Zoo in the name of time-honored tradition and holiday magic. The Festival of Lights is back for its 37th year of wintery amazement. Voted the No. 1 zoo light show in the country by readers of USA Today, 3 million LED lights (that’s 284 miles of lights) transform the zoo into a dazzling display of color and festive cheer. New this year is an immersive Northern Lights experience and Fiona’s Fairyland, where five fairy hippopotamuses will be hidden for visitors to find. Ride the Toyland Express train past the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, snack at the two S’mores-n-More stations, meet the “royal sisters” at the Frozen Wonderland, catch a Madcap black light puppet show and snap a pic with Santa, who will start taking visitors an hour before the festival begins. Whatever you do, make sure to do it with a cup of hot cocoa (spiked or not) in hand. Through Jan. 4, 2020. Free with zoo admission: $19 adult; $13 child/senior; online discounts available. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Photo: Derek Dammann

SUNDAY 17

MUSIC: Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers
Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers bring a hyper-sensory blend of Hip Hop, Emo, Pop, Folk, Jazz and AltRock to Bogart’s. 7 p.m. doors Sunday, Nov. 17. $70. Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, bogarts.com.
Photo: Provided by Bogart's

SUNDAY 17

MUSIC: Cincinnati Pops Totally ’80s
The Cincinnati Pops take it back to the 1980s with this evening of programming and themed performances. The Pops, led by conductor Stuart Chafetz and vocalists Aaron Finley and Julie Reiber, will be performing the biggest hits of the decade from acts like Blondie, Cher, George Michael and Kool & The Gang. The Heroes Rise Street Dance Experience will also be on hand to perform “old school, eye-popping, pop-locking moves.” Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best (or worst) 1980s attire; leg warmers, Members Only jackets and crimped hair are welcome. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Tickets start at $25. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Photo: facebook.com/cincinnatipops

TUESDAY 19

MUSIC: Elvis Costello and the Imposters
If you are a fan of Elvis Costello and you’ve never seen him live, you need to make amends for that tragedy, pronto. I’ve seen the no-duh Rock Hall inductee multiple times over the past three decades and I somehow manage to forget what a force he is on the concert stage, so I’ve ended up leaving each time surprised again that I’d just seen one of the best Rock shows I’ll ever see. Backed by his amazing band The Imposters (featuring longtime co-conspirators Steve Nieve on keyboards and Pete Thomas on drums), Costello can still pump it up on his crucial early hits, while also delivering emotionally heavy classics like “I Want You” as if the incident that inspired the song happened yesterday. He is also impossibly charming, his banter often worthy of its own stand-up set. Costello’s current tour is titled “Just Trust,” which — as explained in a cheeky press statement — is the “answer to the musical questions: ‘Will they play my favourite song?,’ or, ‘Are they going to frighten the horses with a lot of excellent songs that are rarely performed?,’ not to mention, ‘Can I expect the hits of yesteryear and those of tomorrow?’ ” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19. $43-$103. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.
Photo: James O'Mara