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The Yoga Bar to celebrate grand opening this weekend

The Yoga Bar will host a weekend of events this weekend to celebrate the grand opening of downtown Cincinnati’s newest yoga studio.

There will be a Yogini-Tini Opening Gala tonight from 7pm to 10pm that will include beer, wine, and specialty crafted drinks. Those who show up will also be able to meet owner Rachel Roberts in person, talk to the instructors, and tour the studio located on Main Street. Roberts also says that there will be live music from Quincy Live early in the evening, with dance music by DJ Sinceer during the latter part of the night. Cocktail attire is recommended for those attending.

The interesting thing about The Yoga Bar is the bar that remains from the former discothèque called Club Crush that previously occupied the space.

“Where else can you learn more about others’ lives than at a bar?,” Roberts asked UrbanCincy in early September 2010. The bar will now be used to cater to yoga students by providing a selection of healthful, rejuvenating non-alcoholic drinks like coconut water and Kumbucha tea.

Roberts says that on Sunday the yoga studio will be blessed with a traditional Hindu Ganesha Puja to honor its new beginning. This traditionally Indian ceremony is also open to the public.

Regular classes will begin on Monday, October 4 with morning classes at 7am, lunch hour classes, and 6pm offerings. Classes will cost $15 for drop-ins or $108 for unlimited monthly memberships.

Roberts also plans on using the 2,300-square-foot space for community events. Those interested in hosting weekend events can contact her at (970) 274-4402, YogaBarCincy@gmail.com, or by dropping by the studio (map).  Stay connected by following The Yoga Bar on Twitter @TheYogaBar, or by becoming a fan of the studio on Facebook.

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Cincinnati Celtic Festival returns this weekend, moves to Fountain Square

Cincinnati’s annual Celtic Festival is returning this year after high costs and low sponsorships kept the festival from happening in 2009 after close to 20 years of operations. During that time festival organizers have worked hard to right-size the event and make it more approachable by moving it to Fountain Square and keeping admission free.

“We were looking for another way to do this after moving the event to Sawyer Point where we had grand plans to try to rival the Dublin Irish Festival and really take advantage of that magnificent venue,” explained Patrick Lindsay, Chairman, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Foundation. “We had a great event in 2007, but 2008 had terrible weather as a result of the odd hurricane that came through.”

Lindsay says that they looked at a variety of new venues that would allow for a more flexible festival, but that they decided to go with Fountain Square after reaching an agreement with 3CDC and the Fountain Square Management Group. The new agreements, Lindsay says, will give the festival the ability to expand on to 5th Street if the demand is there while also tapping into the built-in infrastructure for events on the public square.

“This agreement is bringing the festival back and putting it right were we wanted it all along in the center of the city,” Lindsay exclaimed. “We are adamant about making this a first-class event with top-notch entertainment, and this venue will allow us to do just that.”

Aside from the new location, the 2010 Cincinnati Celtic Festival will also be held in October instead of March. Lindsay explained that the spring time festival was difficult to manage with the weather in Cincinnati at that time. Additionally, they see the early October time as fitting in nicely with other festivals taking place around Cincinnati at that time.

“It’s going to be so much fun to have the festival again, and have three weekends of Oktoberfest and Celtic festivals during Irish sweater weather. To be able to bring the crowd downtown and tie in with the ever-growing residential community and businesses there will be great.”

As the festival moves forward the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are looking to establish a good track record again and growing the festival in both its reach and authenticity. Lindsay says that may mean the festival stays at Fountain Square, or that other venues like the redeveloped Washington Park may be considered. The goal, he says, is to be able to provide authentic live music, food and more while also staying true to the foundation’s mission of promoting Irish heritage and culture in the community, feeding the hungry, and promoting educational opportunities between American and Ireland.

“There is a big Irish community in the Cincinnati region. The Scottish, Welsh, and British Isles all have great representations here…we’re just looking forward to celebrating those cultures and bringing back this festival experience to Cincinnati.”

The 2010 Cincinnati Celtic Festival will take place on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 on Fountain Square (map). The event will be free event will include Celtic music, dancing, merchandise, contests, food and drink, and more.  Free bicycle parking is available outside on Fountain Square, inside the Fountain Square parking garage, and on surrounding streets.  The event is also served by every Metro bus route terminating at Government Square (plan your trip).

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Get tuned up for the 2010 MidPoint Music Festival

This weekend thousands of music fans from around the Midwest will descend on Cincinnati for the annual MidPoint Music Festival that started in 2002. The music festival has been grown over the last three years by its new organizers Dan McCabe. This year’s festival will showcase over 230 performances at venues throughout Cincinnati’s center city.

While much of the focus is on the music, and rightfully so, Cincinnati is also on display showcasing its galleries, restaurants, and other offerings to the thousands of music fans. For those who may be unfamiliar with MidPoint, or Cincinnati’s center city, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the 10th annual MidPoint Music Festival.

Food Options:
Music starts at 7pm each night of the festival and is scheduled to last late into the night. As a result, many festival-goers will be searching for food options. Since last year’s festival many new offerings have sprung up in the areas surrounding the performance venues.

Cincinnati’s many food trucks will be on the move throughout the weekend, Mr. Sushi has late night offerings on 6th Street, Senate is now open and serving gourmet street food in the Gateway Quarter, Joe’s Diner has reasonably priced diner fare just off of Main Street in Over-the-Rhine, and a variety of existing establishments like Shanghai Mamas, Lucy Blue Pizza, and Gilpin’s Bagel Deli will be serving late into the night. Festival organizers also say that many of the MPMF venues will be serving food as well.

New Venues:
Festival organizer Dan McCabe has also been able to take advantage of several new venues now open for this year’s three-day event. Located downtown on W. 6th Street, FB’s will be new to this year’s festival. In Over-the-Rhine, Neon’s Unplugged will be another new venue and will also be the host for the Gold Star Chili Artist Clubhouse. Nearby MOTR, owned by McCabe, will be the other new venue and will continue to offer live music daily without a cover charge after the festival is over.

Free Stuff:
While MPMF is a bargain with three-day wristbands costing just $39 (available up through the start of the festival only), one-day passes at $20, or a cover charge at each venue, there are also plenty of options for folks to enjoy the festival at no cost. One such opportunity is the festival’s new partnership with the public library. Free live music will be offered on Fountain Square each night starting at 7pm. A free poster expo will be held at 5pm each day at the Know Theatre as a way for local artists to showcase their artistic talents.

Other Downtown Happenings:
Aside from MPMF, there are a plethora of other activities happening in the downtown area this weekend including the Final Friday gallery walk in Over-the-Rhine, Atomic Number 10’s one-year anniversary party, The Lackman’s grand opening, and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Music:
More than 230 performances in three nights can be difficult to plan for, even for the most ardent music fan, so here are a few strategies to think about heading into the weekend:

  • Get a Pass: If you missed out on the opportunity to purchase a three-day wristband, or are unable commit to the whole weekend, buy a one-day pass for $20 at any venue throughout the festival. Not only will it allow you the opportunity to explore different venues, but it also provides the opportunity to ride the free Metro Hybrid Shuttles.
  • Be Curious: Much of the fun at MPMF can be had by checking out new places and new bands that you may not have known. There are a total of 25 venues this year that will provide ample opportunity for even veteran Cincinnati music fans to experience music in new and interesting ways.
  • Support Local Artists: While the festival is a showcase for many artists outside the region, there are others that are a part of the Cincinnati scene which are worth seeing, especially if you have not seen them before. There are too many to name, but here are a few: Pomegranates, The Seedy Seeds, Wussy, You You’re Awesome, and Chocolate Horse.
  • Seek Out National & International Artists: While the local scene is key, MPMF provides bands from outside our region the chance to come in and play to a large crowd. It also provides fans the opportunity to sample some of music’s biggest up-and-comers. Again, there are just too many to name, but here are a few must see performances this weekend: Caribou, Phantogram, Surfer Blood, Best Coast, and Male Bonding.

The 2010 MidPoint Music Festival will be the biggest, and looks to be the best, one yet. Organizers and businesses expect downtown Cincinnati to be packed and turn into a giant playground for music fans.

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Arts & Entertainment News

2010 Mt. Adams Oktoberfest keeps season of Bavarian festivals brewing

Oktoberfest season is in full swing in Cincinnati. Last weekend MainStrasse Village celebrated its popular annual Oktoberfest celebration, and a slew of additional events and celebrations are scheduled to take place over the next two weeks including the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration outside Munich which takes place this weekend in downtown Cincinnati.

Before Oktoberfest Zinzinnati takes place this weekend, German food and beer lovers can celebrate in Mt. Adams Wednesday evening as that neighborhood celebrates the season in grand fashion.

The 2010 Mt. Adams Oktoberfest will include authentic Bavarian music, dancing, food, and beer. The free outdoor street festival will take place Pavillion Street (map) which will be closed to traffic. The festival is being presented by Moerlein Lagers & Ales who will be proudly serving their seasonal Fifth & Vine Oktoberfest Marzen.

Eight nearby bars including Aliveone, Blind Lemon, Crowley’s, Longworth’s, Monk’s Cove, Mt. Adams Pavilion, Tavern on the Hill, and Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon will be participating in the Oktoberfest celebration.

The event will take place from 6pm to 10pm on Wednesday, September 15 in Cincinnati’s historic hilltop Mt. Adams neighborhood. Automobile parking will be available at nearby garages and lots, but availability is expected to be limited. As a result, event organizers are encouraging those willing to take Metro bus service (plan your trip) or take avantage of free bicycle parking available.

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Arts & Entertainment News

MPMF partnering with public library to bring family-friendly programming to this year’s festival

The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County is teaming up with the MidPoint Music Festival to offer family-friendly daytime programming during this year’s music fest.  Organizers have planned a trifecta of media offerings based around Cincinnati’s music scene that will be available during all three days of MidPoint, September 23-25.

“We’re geared for nightlife, but we hear from folks wanting to experience the festival during the daytime,” said Dan McCabe, the festival’s executive producer. “The library has done a great job creating compelling programs we’re lucky enough to offer for free. Anyone can enjoy this, but especially parents who don’t normally get out to see live bands…this is your chance to bring your kids out, hear some music, and not be in a late-night bar.”

The Downtown branch of The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, located at 800 Vine Street, will host music performances by local bands on the outdoor terrace at 12pm and 4pm each day of the festival.  Thursday will include performances by Magnolia Mountain and The Bears of Blue River, Friday will have The Young Republic w/Adrein & The Fine Print and Tobie Milford, while The Coppertone and The Trouble With Boys will close things out on Saturday.

The Library is also offering a photography exhibition in the main atrium of the South Building. Where the Kids are Goin’ Tonight: Music Photography by John Curley, David Garza, and Michael Wilson is a showing of three photographers from Cincinnati who have turned their focus toward musicians – including locals like Magnolia Mountain, Wussy and Greenhorne, as well as out of town visitors like Lyle Lovett.

On Wednesday, September 15, Mr. Rhythm Man from 89.7FM WNKU will host the exhibition opening that is open to the public. Curley, Garza, and Wilson should be on hand to talk about their work and there will be giveaways, including a chance to win passes to MidPoint Music Festival. The exhibition will be on view through October 8.

Finally, in addition to the music on Saturday, the Library’s Real to Reel documentary series will be highlighting stories from Cincinnati’s musical past with three films.

The series kicks off at 1:30pm with Midsummer Rock, a 1970 WLWT-produced documentary of the Cincinnati Summer Pop Festival featuring some of the first filmed performances of Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Grand Funk, as well as rare footage of Steve Winwood’s Traffic. Then at 3pm Philip Paul: Keeping the Beat honors the career of the former house drummer at King Records, who still plays weekly at age 85. Next at 3:30pm take a closer look at The Historic Southgate House, one of the region’s storied music venues. And finally at 4pm follow one of Cincinnati’s best-known bands on their 1993 European tour in Ladies and Gentlemen: The Afghan Whigs. The filmmakers will be on hand to introduce each work in the Library’s tower room.