Shen Yun Brings 5,000 Years to Cincinnati

Exquisite beauty from the heavens. Profound wisdom from dynasties past. Discover authentic Chinese culture, as Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, comes to Aronoff Center in February.

Shen Yun, a New York-based company, was founded in 2006 by an impressive group of Chinese artists. Their dream was to create a renaissance for mankind’s most ancient heritage. Today, their wish has become an international phenomenon. 

Shen Yun performs in 150 cities worldwide. With breathtaking dances, gorgeous costumes, live orchestra, and dynamic backdrops, this is a show brimming with themes of courage, hope, and triumph of good over evil. Shen Yun is the world’s only company depicting Chinese culture as it had been before it was nearly destroyed by decades of communist rule.

Each year, the company debuts a new lineup of original music and choreography, ranging from classical Chinese dance to traditional ethnic and folk dance styles to theatrical depictions of beloved stories. 

Shen Yun features hundreds of handmade costumes—showcasing apparel from China’s 5,000 years of history. Their exquisite colors blend seamlessly with the animated backdrops, instantly transporting the audience to another world. 

Prepare for an experience that will take your breath away.

Shen Yun at Aronoff Center February 15-16. For tickets and more information, visit shenyun.com/cincinnati. 

Welcome to Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House!

Get ready to embrace the festive spirit at Cincinnati’s Christkindlmarkt, where holiday traditions come alive with a European flair along the scenic riverfront! This winter, Moerlein Lager House invites locals and visitors alike to experience this beloved German-inspired market, held at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage in Smale Riverfront Park. Adjacent to Moerlein Lager House, the Christkindlmarkt transforms the space into a charming open-air village filled with seasonal treats, unique gifts, and heartwarming entertainment.

Explore artisan-crafted goods like German nutcrackers, ornaments, and holiday decor, alongside savory foods and sweet treats. Sip on warm Glühwein, savor Bavarian roasted nuts, or cozy up with hot chocolate as you stroll through festive chalets. New this year, visitors can enjoy the Mercedes-Benz of Ft. Mitchell Igloo Boardwalk and Stock Yard’s Holiday Ice Rink for an enchanting winter experience.

For more details on dates, activities, and vendor offerings, visit
cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com 

Make this winter season one to remember at Christkindlmarkt, where cherished traditions meet festive cheer right in the heart of Cincinnati.

Where Earth & Ocean intertwine to create a unique culinary experience

At E+O, Earth & Ocean are lovingly combined, refined, and explored, creating a truly unique culinary experience. The Earth and Ocean concept is defined by a passion for Asian Cuisine and world class hospitality. Calling upon influences from the Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian countries, E+O starts with a dish then works backwards, procuring the highest quality local ingredients before bringing it to life. Earth and Ocean means more than just a range of menu options. E+O stands for our commitment to doing whatever it takes, going wherever we must, in order to find the freshest ingredients and combine them in a way that creates a nuanced, unique, culinary experience. Expertly trained and committed to their craft, our chefs are determined to deliver a culinary experience unlike anything our guests have experienced before. By constantly refining key aspects of our menu, our chefs work to unlock the true beauty that lies between Earth & Ocean.

Located on West Freedom Way in downtown Cincinnati, E+O is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11:00am- 9:00pm, and Friday from 11:00am- 10:00pm. E+O also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am- 3:00pm. Happy Hour, that includes discounts on select appetizers, sushi, burgers, and alcoholic beverages, is offered Monday through Friday from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. E+O is ideal for business meetings, celebratory gatherings, birthdays, and more. Reservations are encouraged; however, walk-ins are always welcome. Reservations can be made online at www.eokitchen.com

In Pursuit of Empathy

ABB presents, “In Pursuit of Empathy” as its contribution to the 2024 FOTOFOCUS Biennial, “Back Stories”. This is a collection of documentary, narrative, abstract and/or conceptual lens based imagery that represents the artists’ perception of empathy. There is a planned artist talk by Maurice Harris that augments the display of Mary BarrRhodes and Ben Britton’s photos of paintings reconstructed over music as living, moving projections.

Featured artists in this group show are: Jymi Bolden, Ben Britton, Stacey Dolen, Dorothy Feldis, Tim Harrier, Dee Henry, Jane Hobson, Dave Kempton, Gary Lerma, Larry Pytlinski, Mary Barr Rhodes, Craig Rouse, Ann Segal, Brad Smith, Sue Wilke, and J. Miles Wolf.

Let your senses take flight

Alara, one of Cincinnati’s hottest new restaurants.

A world away from the ordinary, Alara invites you to an immersive dining experience that encourages exploring, sharing, and tasting your way through innovative dishes that are expertly prepared and exquisitely presented. Featuring a seasonal New American menu emphasizing prime meats and seafood, the culinary team utilizes luxury ingredients to create fun and approachable dishes for every diner. With an open kitchen that fosters a social atmosphere, Alara strips away the conventional formalities of fine dining while focusing on high-quality food and next-level hospitality in a lively yet elegant setting.

Located on Madison Road in  Madisonville,  Alara is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4:00pm-10:00pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00pm-11:00 pm. In addition to the stylish main dining room, our three private dining spaces are ideal settings for business events or celebratory gatherings alike. Happy hour is offered Monday-Friday from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm in the bar area. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are always welcome. You can make a reservation online at AlaraCincinnati.com.

Comin’ In Hot: How the BIG3 is bringing 3-on-3 basketball success to Cincinnati

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.