Macy's Arts Sampler roundup - February 11
We are unbelievably excited that the first of three Macy's Arts Sampler days are almost here! Starting THIS Saturday, the Cincinnati region will come alive with free arts events all over the city for everyone to come enjoy. We've been hosting Sampler Weekends for 26 years now, and have been working hard to make new improvements to help you get the most out of these unique experiences.
Our newest addition to Sampler this year is our Macy's Arts Sampler App! In addition to a complete listing of Macy’s Arts Sampler events, the Sampler app includes show descriptions, a mapping function that provides directions to venues, and connections to Facebook and Twitter. Users can bookmark events to create a personalized schedule, and even make a donation to the ArtsWave community campaign directly from the app.
"Macy’s Arts Sampler is our signature event each year with over 100 free performances and activities all over the region" said Rebecca Bromels, ArtsWave’s Director of Communications. "We wanted to offer everyone the very latest technology to help them find favorite arts groups, events in their neighborhood, and the best activities to enjoy with family or friends.” Content will be updated in real time to keep audiences up-to-date on performances and any last-minute changes.
Most of all, we see the Macy’s Arts Sampler app as an opportunity to gauge the community’s interest in a year-round arts event calendar and app. “We know that there’s some desire for a collaborative arts calendar,” says Mary McCullough-Hudson, President and CEO of ArtsWave. “Public response to the Sampler app will provide us with important feedback on this idea and guide our next moves in this evolving medium.”
Now, on to THIS Saturday!
Know Theatre at the Cincinnati Symphony, Macy's Arts Sampler 2011
Arts Roundup:
Downtown Itinerary for Families:
- Start the day at 10 am at Music Hall with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s family concert, The Big Bad Brass Bash! Highlighting the brass family of instruments, the concert includes the delightful story of Tubby the Tuba featuring Carson McTeer and narrated by Stacey Woolley. Check out the Highland Dancers in the lobby after the show.
- Head up the hill to Mt. Adams for events at Playhouse in the Park and Cincinnati Art Museum. Kids can enjoy two great shows: the Z Puppets Rosenschnaz presenting “In a Fool’s Kitchen” at Playhouse (10:30 and 1:00 pm) and Madcap Puppets’ “Jack and the Gentle Giant” at CAM (Noon and 2 pm). Playhouse also has backstage tours and creative dramatics class for kids.
- At the Art Museum, there’ll be international music from Kique Infante, Sakura Ladies Chorus and the Bacchanal Steel Drums. And, the BombShells of Cincinnati will be bombing the Great Hall at CAM with their latest creation: Operation Truly Newly (fiber) Chihuly. BombShells will be on hand to help guests create their own yarn creations to add to the huge fuzzy chandelier.
Places to Play All Day:
- Carnival of Arts at the West Chester Library starts at Noon featuring local musicians, theatre groups, and more.
- Wyoming Fine Arts Center features programming all day starting at 9 am—music, dance, make and take crafts, etc.
- Fitton Center for the Creative Arts also has a full day of programming starting at 10 am including make and take crafts.
Three back-to-back choral concerts by Cincinnati BoyChoir, Cincinnati Children’s Choir, and MUSE at St. John’s Unitarian Church in Clifton starting at 1:00 pm. - Stroll around the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood and visit Ballet Theatre Midwest, New Edgecliff Theatre, and the Irish Heritage Center starting at 11:00 am.
Toddler Activities:
- If your wee one is not quite ready to sit still for the Symphony concert, you need to check out Linton Music’s Peanut Butter and Jam concerts at the Clovernook Center for the Blind at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. “Bim Bam Boom!” will feature percussion instruments which is sure to delight little drummer boys and girls.
- Also, Wyoming Fine Arts Center has Musik Kids activities for Babies from 9 to 9:30 am, and for toddlers from 9:30 to 10.
Great Picks for Adults and Teens:
- The Whipping Man, at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati at 2 p.m. Please note this production contains strong adult language and themes and may not be suitable for all ages. Limited seating available. Call 421-3555 to reserve tickets.
- Porgy & Bess: Opera Redux at Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church at 7:00 pm. One hour version of the Gershwin classic staged by Cincinnati Opera. You can also catch this show at Noon at the Fairfield Arts Center.
- Mini-classes and performances at Contemporary Dance Theatre in College Hill starting at 11:30 AM.
- Playhouse’s Scene Shop tour leaves on the hour from 12:30 to 3:30 at 1430 Gilbert Avenue—a fascinating chance to see how sets are painted and constructed.
- New Edgecliff Theatre offers an open rehearsal of the upcoming one-man show, St. Nicholas, at the Columbia Performance Center at 1:00 pm. Audience members can make “suggestions” for the scene to the actor and director.
- The Betts House offers free admission to their exhibit “The Big Shake” at 1 pm.
What are you looking forward to on Saturday? Let us know here, and please share your pictures, videos and experiences via Facebook and Twitter using the #MacysSampler hashtag.
