‘Today’ is a video that features beautiful HD cinematography of Cincinnati. The video shows a number of Cincinnati landmarks, the city’s many beautiful parks, and a variety of cityscapes. This is all shown with a unique concert-style performance by University of Cincinnati students. Be sure to watch the entire video as the transitions in the song make for interesting transitions in the cinematography.
This weekend you can kick off the Mardi Gras spirit a little early, Findlay Market style. The Market is getting their Fat Tuesday on this Sunday with the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Merchant Spirit Contest. The event will feature competitions among the merchants of Findlay Market for most creative stand decoration, costumes, and overall spirit of the Mardi Gras.
The panel of judges (Eric Vosmeier and Alexandra Kesman from the Know Theatre and Ballet Tech’s Marvel Gentry Davis) will pick the first and second place winning stands. The first place winner walks away with $200, a Mardi Gras trophy, and tickets to the Know Theatre. Second place will receive $100. The winners of the stand contest will be announced at 11:30 am, just before the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. This will happen at the Market tent across from Market Wines.
There will also be live music from several bands, a Mardi Gras Parade, beer, face painting, and a low-land seafood boil sampling starting at 12:30pm. Taste of Belgium will also be getting into the Mardi Gras spirit with a special set of savory Shrimp & Grit Waffles available this weekend only – creating a truly unique Cajun-Belgian experience.
“We incorporate sharp cheddar, coarse corn grits and loads of cayenne pepper into our waffle dough,” said Taste of Belgium owner Jean-Fracois Flechet. “We then top the waffle with cocktail shrimps sauteed in olive, garlic and white wine and freshly chopped green onions and cilantro to cool you down.”
The ‘Cajun waffles’ will be available on Saturday and Sunday for $6.50, and will can also be purchased in packs of four for just $14. Due to limited supply, those interested in purchasing more than a few grits waffles are instructed to call the store ahead of time at (51) 381-3280 due to limited supply.
Mardi Gras at the Market is this Sunday, February 14 from 10am to 4pm. Findlay Market (map) is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday. Even if there’s snow on the ground, Findlay will still be open (barring a level 3 snow emergency). There’s plenty of free off-street bicycle and automobile parking and is easily accessible via Metro bus routes 46, 64, 78, 6, and 17 (plan your trip now).
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland discusses the $400 million that the state received for passenger rail start up service on the proposed 3C Corridor. In the impromptu interview in the halls of the statehouse, Governor Strickland denounces those he calls “cheerleaders for failure,” and emphasizes how important this money is for Ohio and the state’s future.
On Sunday, February 14 Metro is challenging Cincinntians to fill one of the transit authority’s new articulated buses with valuable items that can make a positive impact for those struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12.
Metro officials will be collecting non-perishable food items, personal care items, cleaning products, first-aid supplies, bottled water, and summer clothing (new clothing only is requested). Matthew 25: Ministries, a local non-denominational organization working to help the needy, will also be collecting cash and check donations that will be distributed to those in need in Haiti.
‘Have a Heart for Haiti’ will take place at the Hyde Park Kroger (map) from 12pm to 6pm on Valentine’s Day.
Haiti earthquake damage photo from Matthew 25: Ministries
On Thursday, February 18 a unique trio of Broadway performers will take the stage to perform a “romantic, cabaret-style” evening of musical theatre at The Carnegie’s famous Otto M. Budig Theatre.
The performance begins at 7:30pm and will feature Teresa De Zarn, Mark Hardy, and Jessica Hendy on stage at the same time in a truly unique and rare performance. Between the three of the veteran Broadway performers they have taken curtain calls in premeir Broadway productions such as “CATS,” “Aida,” Titanic,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “A New Brain,” “The Secret Garden” and “Les Miserables.”
“Teresa, Jessica, and I are thrilled to be coming together to sing this music we love in such a warm performance space,” said Hardy. “Though we all spent years in New York working in the theatre, we all had to move to Cincinnati to get to work together.”
The show itself will feature romantic golden age selections from composers Cole Porter and George Gershwin, and will also include songs from several productions currently on Broadway. According to production coordinators, the three performers are also going to be playing off of each other with frequent duets and trios, offering up humorous stories from their audition experiences, and share rare music from shows that never got past the developmental stage.
It’s a pleasure for me to get to work with them – as well as pianist Mark Femia – and rehearsals have been so much fun that it certainly doesn’t feel like work. “It will be an evening of diverse songs and stories with classics as well as newer material. The thing about great Broadway songs is that they never age; some of the older songs feel like the freshest.”
Broadway Veterans in Concert is a one night only performance, so be sure to get your tickets ($15 to $18) early by visiting The Carnegie Box Office (map) Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, calling (859) 957-1940, or by ordering online.
Interior photo from The Carnegie taken by elycefeliz.