21 Things To Do in Cincinnati This Week (Feb. 19-25)

WEDNESDAY 19

ONSTAGE: americUS at the Playhouse in the Park
Multicultural, multidisciplinary performance collective Universes creates a portrait of America in americUS at the Playhouse in the Park. Through March 8. Tickets start at $30. Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.
Photo: Mikki Schaffner Photography

WEDNESDAY 19

ART: The Taft’s N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives
Unearth the work of a 20th-century artist that inspired the likes of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. Large-scale, vivid and fantastical, the illustrations of Newell Convers Wyeth — known as N.C. Wyeth — are on display at the Taft Museum of Art via a retrospective exhibition titled N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives. Through May 3. 316 Pike St, Taft Museum of Art, Downtown. taftmusuem.org.
Photo: Courtesy Taft Museum of Art

WEDNESDAY 19

ART: Genius of Liberty: The Long Struggle for Women’s Equality at the Main Branch of the Public Library
The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote. And this centennial is being celebrated at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s Main Branch via the exhibit, Genius of Liberty: The Long Struggle for Women’s Equality. The show, which takes its name from an 1850s feminist publication by Cincinnati advocate Elizabeth Aldrich, showcases facts and ephemera ranging from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to the adoption of the 19th Amendment. “Few copies of (Genius of Liberty) have survived to the present day but you can see some issues in the exhibit,” says Katherine Durack, an independent scholar and former Miami University faculty member, in a release. Durack, who also hosts the podcast Genius of Liberty, curated the exhibit with reference librarians Christopher Smith and Diane Mallstrom. In addition to feminist facts and figures, there are also fun displays about local historical suffragettes like Trixie Friganza, who raised money and advocated for the cause and “inspired the song ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame,’” as well as Laura Carter Pruden, “mother of the Magic 8 Ball inventor” and member of Cincinnati’s Harriet Taylor Upton Club. Through April 26. Free admission. Main Library, 800 Vine St., Downtown, cincinnatilibrary.org.
Photo: Provided by the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

WEDNESDAY 19

ATTRACTION: Bloom & Grow at the Krohn Conservatory
If the dull gray of winter is getting you down, you don’t have to wait until April to enjoy lush, green landscapes. Krohn Conservatory is hosting its Bloom & Grow floral show, an exhibit dedicated to the bright colors of the born-again flowers that bloom in springtime. Vibrantly colored and kid-friendly, this exhibit features tulips and daffodils, a nature-lined “hiking” path, a reading nook and activities to challenge your crafting skills while getting away from the cold a little early. Through March 8. $7 adults; $5 ages 5-17; free children 4 and under. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.
Photo: Cincinnati Parks

THURSDAY 20

MUSIC: Stuyedeyed
Brooklyn-based Stuyedeyed (pronounced "stide-ide") is a mosaic of musical dynamics and cultural awareness, whose adopted hometown is one of the planet's biggest melting pots. As for the quartet's musical aesthetic, Stuyedeyed's intense blend of Punk, Garage Rock and Psychedelia howls with inescapable rage and passion. Their latest EP, Moments of Terribleness, exudes the verve and fury of bands like Black Sabbath, Suicidal Tendencies, At The Drive-In and Fugazi, while also often twisting things through a trippy, kaleidoscopic lens. Thursday, Feb. 20. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St, Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.
Photo: Rachel Cabitt

FRIDAY 21

MUSIC: KRS-One
Legendary rapper KRS-One is performing in Cincinnati this week. With his philosophical, political and socially-minded lyrical daggers, KRS-One emerged from The Bronx in the mid-’80s with Boogie Down Productions, whose 1987 album Criminal Minded is a cornerstone Hip Hop classic. BDP's DJ Scott La Rock was shot and killed during the making of the album's follow-up, By All Means Necessary, leaving KRS to carry on the project for a couple more albums before recording under his own name beginning with 1993's Return of the Boom Bap. The influential, pioneering Hip Hop artist is scheduled to appear at OTR Live in Over-the-Rhine on Friday, Feb. 21. Local artists Sons of Silverton and DJ Pillo will also perform at the 10 p.m. show. Doors open at 9 p.m. Advanced tickets are available via otrlivemusic.com.
Photo: Provided by OTR Live

FRIDAY 21

MUSIC: Left Lane Cruiser
Explosive guitar/drums duo Left Lane Cruiser play the Southgate House Revival. Friday, Feb. 21. The Southgate House Revival. 111 E. Sixth St. Newport, southgatehouse.com.
Photo: Joel Faurote

FRIDAY 21

EVENT: The Art of Food
The Carnegie in Covington is hosting the 14th-annual Art of Food celebration on Feb. 21. And the theme? “Family style.” This one-of-a-kind culinary f?te combines food, fun and art for an evening of culture and cuisine. This year, six top local chefs are partnering to prepare a unique and “curated” five-course sit-down dinner. Participating chefs include Scotty Berens of Dead Low Brewery, Doug Faulkner of Dojo Gelato, Tony Ferrari of Fausto, Steve Waddell of Jeff Thomas Catering and Stephen Williams and Mitch Arens of Y’all Hospitality. Coffee Emporium, Sixteen Bricks bakery and wine vendor Cutting Edge Selections are also participating. In addition to the meal, guests will be treated to interactive creative works like live painting and dance by more than a dozen visual and performing artists. Tickets include entertainment, dinner and wine and beer pairings. 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. $125; $240 per couple. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington, thecarnegie.com.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger

FRIDAY 21

EVENT: Precipitation Retaliation Happy Hour
Ever wanted to watch the likeness of a snowman slowly melt into ash in a glowing inferno? Come to Bockfest’s annual Precipitation Retaliation Happy Hour at Milton’s and gawk as avid Bockfest fans set a hiberal effigy alight, carrot nose and all. Legend goes, a Frosty-shaped victim is burned at the stake each year as an offering — or warning — to the weather gods after an unprecedented snowfall almost canceled the 2008 Bockfest parade and party. Since 2009, people have been lighting a snowman on fire to ward off bad weather and it has, apparently, worked. They’re doing it again this year, and presumably consuming large amounts of beer afterward. 4-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Free admission. Milton’s, 301 Milton St., Liberty Hill, facebook.com/bockfest.
Photo: facebook.com/MiltonsTheProspectHillTavern

FRIDAY 21

ART: Vhils Opening Celebration at the Contemporary Arts Center
Portuguese street artist Alexandre Farto, aka Vhils, is best known for his pioneering bas-relief carving technique, in which he literally scratches the surface of urban environments by carving large-scale portraits of everyday people directly into outdoor walls. He does so through industrial means — drilling, controlled explosions, ripping away debris, etc. Most recently, you may have noticed his portrait of John Mercer Langston at 1818 Logan St. in Over-the-Rhine, a mural he created as part of 2019’s BLINK light and art experience. Now Cincinnatians can see the artist’s work rendered on gallery walls at the Contemporary Arts Center. Titled Haze, the exhibition will mark Vhils’ first large-scale solo show in a United States art institution. It seeks to create a “subtle dialogue” with the CAC’s iconic architecture, as designed by the late Zaha Hadid. Sprawling through two floors, most of the exhibited works are site-specific: “carved wooden doors, sculptural dioramas, large-scale and small-scale hand-carved billboard pieces, immersive video installations and carved plasterboard compositions.” According to the show’s description, it also seeks to create a dialogue between Cincinnati and other locations in which Vhils has worked across the globe. Opening reception 8-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Exhibit on display through July 6. Free. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
Photo: Alexander Silva // Contemporary Arts Center

FRIDAY 21

EVENT: PHW Mardi Gras Ball
Price Hill Will’s annual fundraiser celebrates the spirit of the neighborhood in the style of New Orleans. PHW is a nonprofit with the mission of creating systemic change in Price Hill through “equitable physical, civic, social and economic development that improves the quality of life for all families” in their community. This Mardi Gras Ball honors PHW’s achievements and successes of the past year and gears up for the next with a Cajun dinner catered by Mardi Gras on Madison, plus entertainment by MYCincinnnati Youth Orchestra and the Price Hillharmonic, a cash bar, games, raffle prizes and costume prizes for the “most festive” Mardi Gras outfit. The evening also includes the Top of the Hill Awards to recognize leaders making a difference in Lower, East and West Price Hill. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. $125 single; $225 couples; $50 pay it forward to help a Price Hill resident who might otherwise not be able to afford a ticket. The Sanctuary, 2110 St. Michael St., East Price Hill, pricehillwill.org.
Photo: facebook.com/PriceHillWill

FRIDAY 21

EVENT: Cincinnati Cyclones Wizards Weekend
Calling all witches, wizards and muggles: The Cincinnati Cyclones are hosting a special themed Wizards Weekend. Grab your robes and your wands and head down to the Heritage Bank Center to — unofficially — celebrate the world of Harry Potter. Be one of the first 3,000 fans to apparate to the stadium to receive a special Twister wand on Friday and Puckchop wand on Saturday. The Wizards Weekend Family 4-Pack includes four tickets to the game, four themed Cyclones scarves, and four Chick-fil-A sandwiches. You can also grab a famed butterbeer from the concession stand to imbibe while watching the game. $18-$30; $77 family pack. 7:30 p.m. puck drop Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, cycloneshockey.com.
Photo: facebook.com/cincinnaticyclones

SATURDAY 22

MUSIC: Kyle Daniel
Kyle Daniel brings modern day Americana to the Southgate House Revival. Daniel blends melodies synonymous with anti-establishment-'70s Rock and classic Country bravado. 7 p.m. doors Saturday, Feb. 22. $12 advanced; $15 at the door. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, southgatehouse.com.
Photo: Sean Marshall

SATURDAY 22

EVENT: Cincinnati Home + Garden Show
Do you live inside of a home, apartment, other structure or even a garden? Are you looking for ideas on how to decorate or remodel any of those said spaces? Head to the 51st annual Cincinnati Home + Garden Show, “a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals.” Basically, you can wander and look at booths filled with displays, goods and info. There’s even a White Claw lounge where you can drink hard seltzer and think about landscape design. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 and Friday, Feb. 28; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, March 1. $14 adults; free ages 12 and under. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown, cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.
Photo: facebook.com/CincinnatiHomeAndGardenShow

SATURDAY 22

EVENT: Bark Bash at the Cincinnati Museum Center
The Cincinnati Museum Center is celebrating canine companions with a Bark Bash, using the current OMNIMAX film Superpower Dogs as a starting point. During the event, the museum rotunda will feature a treat station from local nonprofit Brewhaus Bakery & Dog Bones, service dogs from Circle Tail and 4 Paws for Ability, info from the Matt Haverkamp Foundation and the Blue Line K9 Protect agencies, cookie decorating stations for humans, expert panels about the value of support animals and selfie opportunities with Red Dog Pet Resort’s mascot. Screenings of Superpower Dogs, which is narrated by Chris Evans and follows six brave dogs on extraordinary journeys, will take place hourly. Get details about each organization’s mission at cincymuseum.org. Certified service animals are allowed at the event, but family pets are not. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Events in the rotunda are free; OMNIMAX tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for children. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
Chris Evans // Photo: Reed Smoot ASC for Cosmic Pictures

SATURDAY 22

FILM: CatVideoFest
Described as a 70-minute “compilation reel of the latest, best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos and, of course, classic internet powerhouses,” CatVideoFest will have screenings across the country, including three dates at the Esquire Theatre. For every ticket purchased, 10 percent of sales will be donated to The Scratching Post in Silverton. The Scratching Post has operated since 1990 with the mission of promoting the welfare of cats and kittens in the Cincinnati area. Along with housing around 100 cats, the nonprofit spays and neuters the animals, vaccinates them, tests them for feline leukemia and FIV, and places them for adoption. 7 p.m. Feb. 22; 2 p.m. Feb. 23; 7 p.m. Feb. 25. $10. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, esquiretheatre.com.
Photo: Provided by CatVideoFest

SATURDAY 22

EVENT: 20th Century Cincinnati
20th Century Cincinnati is back and taking over the Sharonville Convention Center for a weekend of “modernist art, furnishings, fashion and architecture.” Take a step back into the Atomic Age and stroll aisle after aisle of goods ranging from paintings, pottery and posters to ephemera, jewelry and apparel. Prices range from high-end to impulse buy, making it a vintage modern show for both avid collectors in search of iconic pieces and curious shoppers alike. This year’s special exhibit is Modernist Mud - Ohio Formed and Fired, featuring art and studio pottery from the likes of Rookwood, Roseville, Cowan and other Ohio makers. If you want to get a sneak peek, opt for the Java Preview on Saturday. It starts at 9 a.m. and includes an “exclusive two-hour shopping period, a complimentary coffee/juice bar, and a full weekend pass.” 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23; Java Preview 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. $8 two-day admission; free 18 and under; $25 advance Java Preview; $35 preview door. Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, 20thcenturycincinnati.com.
Photo: Queen City Shows

SATURDAY 22

EVENT: MainStrasse Mardi Gras Parade
Covington’s MainStrasse is celebrating Mardi Gras with a family-friendly parade and party. In classic carnival style, there will be fat heads — actual large, papier-mache heads or paper masks that people wear over their own faces or carry during the parade — music, dancing and plenty of beads. Make your way from the kick-off point at Ninth and Main streets for an evening of indulging at restaurants and bars before the start of Lent. There will be drink specials throughout MainStrasse Village. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Free admission. MainStrasse Village, Covington, facebook.com/mainstrassevillage.
Photo: facebook.com/MainStrasseVillage

SUNDAY 23

MUSIC: Taylor Shannon Memorial Concert
Since his untimely passing in late January, Cincinnati Rock/Country singer/songwriter/guitarist Taylor Shannon’s Facebook page has turned into a cyber memorial, with friends and fans sharing messages about Shannon — who was just 30 at the time of his death — on a daily basis. The beloved musician, who showcased his Country music skills on his solo albums before exploring a more Rock sound with his band Smoke Parade, will be celebrated by his musical peers in the most fitting way possible: with a concert. The Southgate House Revival is hosting the memorial show, which is scheduled to run eight hours and is dubbed on the event poster as a “Celebration of Life.” Donations and money raised via raffles and “split the pots” will go to help Shannon’s wife, Maddie. Local musical acts slated to appear include the Dallas Moore Band, Billie Gant, Mason James, Gangbox, Elton Clifton, Scott Luck Band, Mike Reeder and many more. Those who can’t be at the concert but would still like to help can make donations to the “Taylor Shannon Memorial Fund” at any U.S. Bank branch in the area. The show should be an emotional ride and serve as a reminder of how Shannon’s spirit will live on through his music and the memory of his kindness and good will. Shannon himself wrote in his final Instagram post, “Rock n Roll will never.” Noon Sunday, Feb. 23. Free (donations encouraged). Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, southgatehouse.com.
Photo: Taylor Hahn

SUNDAY 23

MUSIC: Lindsay Beaver
Compared to most instruments, a drummer who also handles lead vocals is very rare. A drummer with a voice that roars and soars with cage-rattling soulfulness is even harder to find but that’s just what the powerful, multi-talented Lindsay Beaver brings to the table. Beaver’s 2018 debut for the legendary Blues label Alligator Records is a rollicking showcase for not only her dazzling drumming and vocal skills, but also her dynamic songwriting, which is steeped in the sounds of early Rock & Roll, vintage R&B and rowdy roadhouse Blues, all delivered with a Punk Rock energy. A native of Canada currently living in and working out of Austin, Texas, Beaver was classically-trained as a singer and Jazz-trained on the drums, but the passion evident in her music is something that can’t be taught. The prime influences Beaver cites range from Billie Holiday and Little Richard to The Ramones and Queens of the Stone Age, which is a great approximation of what new listeners have in store when they tune in to her powerhouse Rock & Soul. 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Free. Fretboard Brewing, 5800 Creek Road, Blue Ash, fretboardbrewing.com.
Photo: Barbara Frigiere