The BIG3, the professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, is coming to Cincinnati’s CFG Bank Arena on July 28, 2024. Each event features six games between 12 teams comprised of Hall of Fame coaches – such as Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving and Nancy Lieberman – and the best and most competitive 3-on-3 players in the world, such as 7x NBA All-Star Joe Johnson, 2021 NBA Champion Jeff Teague, Franklin ‘Frank Nitty’ Session, and other former NBA, college, and international basketball stars. 

The BIG3 has strong roots in the state. Ohio-native Charles Oakley is the coach of Killer 3’s, and Xavier alumnus Jordan Crawford plays for the 2023 BIG3 Champion Enemies. The league is also partnering with P&G for several initiatives around the Cincinnati event, including supporting the Cincinnati Music Festival (July 25-27) and the construction of a Nancy Lieberman Dream Court, part of the league’s overall mission to give back to the communities and cities in which the BIG3 stops each summer.  

The league’s seventh season, which is currently underway, has debuted to record ratings on CBS, Paramount+, X, and a new program with premier creators and influencers. The first two weeks of the season played in Oakland, CA, and Tampa, FL, to near-sold-out crowds and more than 7 million live viewers across all platforms. Next year, the BIG3 will be transitioning away from a touring model and become based in cities for the first time in league history. A selection of the initial markets will be Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, and London. 

Tickets for the BIG3’s stop in Cincinnati and all other season seven dates can be purchased at big3.com/tickets.

Corteo at Cirque du Soleil returns to Cincinnati on May 9 through 12, 2024.

About Corteo

Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The Stage

Set Designer Jean Rabasse has divided the Venue and its rotating stage in tow, with each half of the audience facing the other half, so they see not only the performance, but also have a performer’s eye view of the audience. This is a first for Cirque du Soleil.

When it comes to the visuals of the stage, it was a visit to the exhibition “The Great Parade: Portrait of the Artist as Clown” at the national Gallery of Canada that inspired Jean Rabasse to paint the CORTEO Procession on the curtains. His design was influenced by the work of such painters as Willette, Picasso, Tiepolo, Pelez, and Knight.

The Costumes

To create over 260 costumes for Corteo’s cast, Costume Designer Dominique Lemieux set out to accentuate the natural beauty of the artists. She used more than a hundred different fabrics and trims, concentrating on a subtle color palette that includes blues, pinks, fuchsia, and gold with appliquéd spangles and jewels.

Most of the fabrics were dyed, sublimated, and silk screen printed to give them a patina of age while retaining the attributes necessary for high-performance acrobatics.

More about Corteo

Corteo first premiered in Montreal in 2005 and has visited more than 60 cities in 19 different countries as a Big Top show before transforming to an arena show in 2016. More than 9 million people have been enthralled by the world of Corteo.

Don’t miss Corteo in Cincinnati, OH at Heritage bank Center from May 9th through May 12th. Get your tickets to Corteo online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.

We were looking for a little some- thing different to do for two days. That’s it….Louisville! Threw some clothes in the car and my man, grabbed two friends, and off we went!

In a quick one and a half hours, we made it. The perfect distance for 36 hours in Louisville.

First stop was Old Carter Whiskey Co.

I met Sherri Carter (Dobay) at Bourbon Classic a few years ago. We became instant friends and I knew we would meet again someday! She has taken Old Carter Whiskey Co. to new heights! Seriously, the experience was wonderful. Her bourbons are a different level. If you’ve never had them, you MUST give them a try. Sherri gave us a tour of her private Old Carter Social Club. A “members only” club that is impeccably furnished with a wood and chandelier vibe. New releases can be purchased through the private club membership….it’s exclusive and worth it. The Old Carter Social Club was created to offer members exclusive access to special Club releases, as well as provide a swanky, private downtown Louisville location to sit and enjoy complimentary tastings with the Old Carter team. Members may bring up to five guests for a tasting. The program is by appointment only, ensuring one-on-one hospitality. Sherri is also an artist which definitely adds to her depth of knowledge in the arts and knowledge of bourbon making. If you would like to become a member, e-mail her at sherri@oldcarterwhiskeyco.com to be added to the waitlist for club membership.

Next stop: Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Row experience, a newer distiller located in the heart of downtown Louisville. I noticed a man in a cowboy hat with a big smile on his face and walked right over to him and introduced myself. Yep, it was one of the owners, Jason Brauner. Jason is passionate about his bourbons (and his restaurant, Bourbon’s Bistro!). This was a fun and informative tour and tasting and a bit of a different facility than so many of the others! Bourbons with a bit of spice would be my description, similar to describing Jason, the owner! Upon his recommendation and enthusiasm, we headed over to Bourbon’s Bistro for dinner. Home cooking “farm to table” with a twist! It was so good!

My number one choice for accommodations in Louisville is always the Seelbach Hilton, located downtown. Rich in history, grand, and the Rookwood rathskeller in the lower level is just spectacular old style with updates for accommodations. A grand hotel in the best location!

Sunday morning was our version of Derby day! We headed over to the Kentucky Derby Museum located at Churchill Downs. I have never been in all my trips to Louisville, and what have I been missing! We ALL loved

it! Following the tour was a 360° in the round film that made you feel as if you were standing amongst all of the stunning race horses. Staring in awe at the rolling green hills, watching the horses gallop and frolic (ponies too!), all-around history in the making. Kentucky Derby magic. As this year is the 150th anniversary of the Run for the Roses, the spirit was in the air. After the film, we were escorted into the stands at the track. A vibe. A pulse. Our wonderful tour guide fully embodied the passion of the Kentucky Derby and the grandness of Churchill Downs. We did make a quick stop at the gift shop and purchased several fun items, including sweatshirts, hats, and cool posters from the past commemorating previous races.

This was a stop that is absolutely a must if you’re heading to Louisville!

Next, we headed to Louisville Mega Cavern which is a 100 acre limestone cavern capable of shrugging off a 260-mph tornado and boasts a constant 58-degree temperature. The cavern under the Louisville Zoo has remained

virtually dormant since the last load of limestone was mined nearly 20 years ago to build bridges and roads across the Midwest.

We did the Mega Tram. The Historic Tram Tour will take you on an underground adventure rich in history, geology, mining, recycling, green building technology, and is just simply HUGE in scale!

Next time we will definitely do the Mega Zips Course which is zip lines weaving through the cavern!

One more stop to go….the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. We did the Progressive Walking tour and taste. It was a stunning day and the perfect backdrop to see the grounds, Rickhouses, and facilities! Stitzel-Weller is located in Shively, a suburb of Louisville.

The facility initially served as the home of the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Now home to Diageo brands Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper and Orphan Barrel, Stitzel–Weller Distillery serves as a monument to the fathers of bourbon and an important part of Kentucky’s bourbon history. Five brass keys once hung on the door of the legendary Distillery. Discover what these keys represent for Blade and Bow Bourbon and the history of whiskey when you visit.

I treasure my weekend getaways, Louisville is always such a great time with adventure, dining and tasting! Thank you “Go to Louisville” for planning the perfect trip!

There are many great restaurants in the downtown vicinity… But one thing that has been lacking is a cool vibe spot with a great breakfast/brunch, with or without the mimosas. Introducing Unexpected Burgers & Bourbon… located in the fabulous Kinley Hotel at the corner of Race Street and Seventh Street.

Ready to bring a unique blend of casual, contemporary dining and innovative flavors directly to you, wherever you choose to savor them.

A casual dining destination where exceptional service, culinary excellence, and a vibrant atmosphere meet. From the first light of day to the gentle dusk, Chef Matt Case is committed to starting your morning with a sumptuous breakfast, and concluding with dinner experiences that delight and satisfy.

Start your Day the Unexpected Way!

Venture to Unexpected Burgers & Bourbon for a breakfast experience that’s anything but ordinary. Chef Matt is serving up morning delights that will awaken your taste buds and elevate your start to the day. From gourmet twists on classic favorites to his signature bourbon-infused specialties, the breakfast menu is designed to surprise and satisfy.

Whether you’re a hotel guest seeking the convenience of a delicious meal steps from your room, or around the corner, or a local in search of a new breakfast destination, come discover the unique flavors and casual contemporary vibe.

Embrace the unexpected and make your morning memorable. Open for breakfast and ready to turn the first meal of the day into a culinary adventure. See you there!

Come for an Unforgettable Dinner Experience

Embark on a culinary adventure at Unexpected Burgers & Bourbon…where every dinner is a discovery. Indulge in gourmet burgers, contemporary sides, and an ambiance that whispers casual sophistication.

A Toast to the Evening: Complement your meal with expertly curated selections of wine and bourbon. Consider starting with the house signature bourbon to fully embrace the essence of the dining experience. For the wine enthusiast, a glass of red wine pairs exquisitely with the gourmet burgers, enriching your palate.

Unexpected Burgers & Bourbon promises an evening filled with unexpected delights. Let Unexpected Burgers & Boutbon be your destination for relaxation, great food, and impeccable drinks.

Visit Unexpected701.com for hours and details!

Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery will showcase our Spring themed exhibiton, ‘Ides of Spring.’ ABB will display a variety of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other media by talented, local, and regional artists with disabilities and exclusive art from the gallery collection. This exhibition runs from Nov. 30 to May 13, 2024.

Art Beyond Boundaries provides a professional, mainstream fine arts exhibition venue for artists with disabilities, located at 1410 Main Street in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. With your support, we can continue providing a gallery, workshops, programs, and services for our artists and people with disabilities. For more information, “friend” or “follow” the gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and/or contact the gallery.

Whether you’re craving surf..turf…or BOTH…. Prime Cincinnati’s got you covered! Also…Street City Urban Gourmet AND Primo Middletown!

It’s Theater season….time to plan your dining experience before the show! You must try the Pre-Theater two-course dining experience at Prime Cincinnati…literally the best meal and atmosphere right across the street!

In addition….The Spring Two-Course Menu at Prime is now available Sunday through Thursday for only $55! 

Next door at Street City Urban Gourmet, the New two-course Spring Menu is now available EVERYDAY for only $37!

All of Nelson Castillo’s restaurants (Prime Cincinnati, Primo Middletown and Street City Urban Gourmet) are here to accommodate ALL of your dining experiences and special occasion needs!

Prime Cincinnati and Street City Urban Gourmet are both located right on 6th street (across from The Aronoff Center for the Arts), with access also to “UNEXPECTED”….the premier speakeasy of Downtown Cincinnati! Be sure to secure your spot in this incredible evening gathering place. 

Nelson Castillo, owner of Prime Cincinnati at 580 Walnut St. ( also Street City Urban Gourmet), recently opened Primo Middletown in the former BeauVerre Riourdan Studios Building in Downtown Middletown.

Primo Middletown, like Prime, focuses on USDA Prime, certified Angus Beef steaks, along with an expanded menu, including Italian dishes, like veal chops and Osso Buco…classics for an Italian steakhouse. Castillo also acquired a pasta maker from Italy which he uses to supply his restaurants, and also sell retail pasta. There are wine dinners with menu pairings, and a high-end wine list that pairs well with an Italian steakhouse.

Primo Middletown also has a secret speakeasy accessible through the kitchen, which features more than 100 rare and allocated Bourbons. Unlike Prime, Primo’s speakeasy also has a cigar lounge. A membership to either “UNEXPECTED” speakeasy (either downtown Cincinnati or Middletown) will allow access to both! Castillo is wowing the guests of Primo Middletown….it is fabulous…and a welcome new hotspot for the Middletown and greater Cincinnati patrons of fine dining!

For more details on booking private events for your upcoming events and dining experiences at any of these fabulous locations, or to make reservations…visit PrimeCincinnati.com or PrimePrimo.com.