NEW TWIST ON AN OLD FAVORITE
This year, our Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer event takes on an added dimension. Renowned international visual artist, author, and arts educator Annie Ruth, will reveal, “Sisters of Legacy,” a large, original piece of mixed-media art inspired by historic Black performances in Music Hall, as the Friends of Music Hall continue their commitment to public engagement.
Holly Brians Ragusa, Wurlitzer chair for Friends of Music Hall, recognized the value of using art as a bridge across communities and proposed the concept to Annie Ruth. She also connected Tarita Preston and Chris Powell, Cincinnati-based entrepreneurs and art collectors, to the privately funded project.
According to Ruth, “The work will focus on Music Hall as the central element and highlight African American performers and imagery including Mamie Smith, Leontyne Price and Marian Anderson.”
Inside the ballroom, Evans Mirageas, the Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, will once again host Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer for two showings on Friday, December 10th. The event will include performances by the Otto M. Budig Cincinnati Ballet Academy, award-winning organist Jelani Eddington, opera singers Victoria Okafor and Avery Bargasse, as well as Kenny Smith’s Peace & Serenity Choir.
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General Admission is $32; Seniors, Students, Military and Groups $27. |
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IT'S A WRAP
Whenever someone says, “it’s a wrap,” they typically are referring to an ending. The filming of a show. The rehearsal of a performance. In this case, it’s only the beginning for the Cincinnati Bell Connector, which has been gifted a wrap in the likeness of Music Hall before the holidays begin.
In conjunction with the five-year anniversary of the Cincinnati Bell Connector, ArtsWave provided funding for the wrap, based on a photograph in their library. Installed by Adsposure, the artwork debuted on the streetcar in September.
Now residents, visitors and patrons of Music Hall can ride through the streets and experience the same gushing pride we all feel for our city’s magnificent arts icon.
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FROM FINIALS TO THE ORGAN MAN
On September 20th, Friends of Music Hall welcomed members and honored guests to their annual meeting in the Music Hall ballroom. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and light bites prepared by Essen Kitchen while Trent Sims performed on our Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Peter Koenig, FMH President, reviewed our accomplishments and distributed our first Annual Report. Mindy Rosen, Executive Director, provided a brief summary of work and thanked all FMH’s dedicated volunteers, who served in creative ways during the pandemic.
The evening’s spotlight was a presentation by Thea Tjepkema, FMH’s board member and historical preservationist. Thea spoke passionately about FMH’s major 2021 project: the restoration of the finials. Featuring a video produced by board member, Yemi Oyediran, Ms. Tjepkema shared the journey of the finial restoration, from primary research to architectural design and production with Cincinnati’s Arya Studio. Installation was completed in June.
FMH also honored past board member Ron Wehmeier who lovingly restored the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. He continues to maintain the Wurlitzer and conducts special tours. Holly Brians Ragusa, Special Events Committee Chair, shared a video honoring Ron— “The Organ Man” —for his contributions. Ron received an engraved platter, crafted by FMH volunteer Cliff Goosmann from 19th century wood retrieved from Music Hall.
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FIDDLER ON THE ROOFTOP OF MUSIC HALL
Watch this engaging video clip recorded during the ish Festival in September. Cincinnati Arts Association employee, Gary Kidney, took to the roof of Music Hall to be featured as the "Fiddler on the Roof".
The ish Festival, held in Washington Park, celebrated the incredible artists, artisans, performers, and vendors who make our Cincinnati Jewish community special for people who are Jewish or Jew-ish. The Festival's theme “From Generation to Generation,” featured creative, inclusive, and culturally diverse programming for all ages, including an opening concert by internationally acclaimed reggae, rap and alternative rock singer, Matisyahu.
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BECOME A FRIEND
Your friendship and support means so much. As a member, your gift will contribute resources needed to preserve, engage and celebrate Cincinnati Music Hall as a National Historic Landmark of international significance and keep our region’s premier cultural center in top condition for future generations.
Learn more about our giving levels and the benefits that go with them.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors |
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