CityBeat - Volume 29, Issue 2 - January 21 - February 3, 2026

ULTIMATE GUIDE 2026 CONCERTS

BY BROOKE BURKHARDT

VOL. 29 | ISSUE 02

CONTRIBUTING

NEWS

HHundreds gather at Fountain Square for ICE protest

BY MADELINE FENING

undreds of people gathered Downtown Jan. 8 to protest the shooting death of a Minneapolis woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, or ICE, agent.

The shooting happened on Jan. 7 — ICE agent Jonathan Ross allegedly shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good at point-blank range while Good was in her vehicle unarmed. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good weaponized her vehicle against Ross before the shooting, but video evidence shared online has prompted criticism of the Trump administration’s characterization of events.

Protests about the shooting popped up in Minneapolis and across the country Jan. 8, including Fountain Square. The demonstration was organized by Cincinnati Party for Socialism and Liberation and featured speakers from varying advocacy groups, including 50501 Cincinnati, DSA Cincinnati and NKY for Palestine. Signs from the protest included, “ICE is a terrorist organization” and “Abolish the death squads.” Some just carried pictures of Good, including video screenshots from her shooting death.

Ben Barden, an organizer with 50501 Cincinnati, urged protesters to harness their anger over her death.

“It’s a traumatic event, what we saw yesterday,” Barden said. “You can’t avoid that, but you can channel the fear. You can harness it, use it. Use that anger. And every day you wake up you can use that anger, and we will come closer to the day when the law will be enforced in this country, it will be enforced against that agent.”

Speakers urged protesters to sign an online petition calling on city leaders to designate Cincinnati as a sanctuary city. Cincinnati once declared itself a sanctuary city in 2017, but the title was largely symbolic.

The U.S. Department of Justice last year released a list of states and cities it considers “sanctuary jurisdictions” that did not include Cincinnati. The term, while not a legal definition, is used to identify cities that “materially impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations,” according to the justice department. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said in February 2025 that Cincinnati Police Department would not assist ICE agents with deportation efforts, but that her officers would follow federal law.

The petition has surpassed its 2,000 signature goal as of Jan. 9.

City Council Member

Seth Walsh Announces State Office Campaign

BY MADELINE FENING

Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh announced his campaign for state treasurer Jan. 8, making him the first Democrat to enter the race.

“I’ll bring real transparency to how Ohio manages its money, because your family deserves to see where every dollar goes and why,” Walsh said in a press release. “I’ll protect public pensions while making smart investments and partnerships that strengthen our farmers, our neighborhoods and the long-term stability of our state.”

Walsh, 34, is still a relative political newcomer. He was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December 2022 by then-Council Member Reggie Harris to serve out now-Congressman Greg Landsman’s council term. Walsh was first formally elected to council in 2023 when he secured the bottom spot out of the city’s nine at-large council seats, edging out Republican Liz Keating by less than one percentage point. He finished higher in the 2025 race, inching toward the middle of the pack in sixth place.

Before joining council, Walsh was chief executive officer of the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, where he led $85 million in economic developments along Hamilton Avenue in College Hill. Prior to that, Walsh was the executive director for the Sedamsville Community Development Corporation and the assistant director for the CDC Association of Greater Cincinnati, which is now known as HomeBase. He holds a political science degree from Xavier University.

“Seth Walsh has been a fighter for working people and a staunch watchdog over public funds as a member of Cincinnati City Council, and he’ll bring that same resolve to Columbus as our next state treasurer,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde. “With Ohioans across the state struggling with the cost of living, Seth will ensure our tax dollars are invested wisely and that the treasurer’s office works for all Ohioans, not billionaires and special interests.”

Walsh is the only Democrat in the race so far. Three Republicans are currently looking to unseat Republican Robert Sprague: former state Rep. Jay Edwards, current state Sen. Kristina Daley Roegner and former state Sen. Niraj Antani.

Ohio’s primary is set for May 5. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

Jeff Ruby Restaurant Group settles employee lawsuit for $1.5 million

BY MADELINE FENING

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment is settling a 2024 class-action lawsuit from former employees who say they were not paid tips they earned.

The restaurant group will pay $1.55 million toward a settlement fund available to more than 700 servers, bartenders and server assistants, according to court filings.

The class action suit included claims from more than 127 employees, led by Jonathan Lamb, a former Jeff Ruby’s server in Lexington, Kentucky, and Jim Belmont, a former server at Carlo and Johnny in Montgomery.

More employees will be notified to file claims if they are eligible — employees must have started working at one of the restaurant group’s locations in Ohio from 2021 or in Kentucky from 2019.

Some employees claim to be owed up to $19,000, according to court filings. The lawsuit alleged the restaurant group failed to accurately pay tips and wages to some of its employees. One example includes management allegedly not paying tipped employees the full minimum wage for nontipped hours, like opening prep work, or being required to work off the clock entirely.

lawsuit without admitting any legal wrongdoing, according to court documents, but CEO Britney Ruby Miller denied the allegations after the suit was filed in 2024.

“Today, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment was made aware of a lawsuit filed by ONE disgruntled former employee,” reads a statement from Ruby Miller posted to Instagram. “Our family-owned business is passionately dedicated to our employees. They are not only our greatest asset—they are family. Our purpose statement is to ‘transform the hospitality industry by improving lives through our culture of caring.’ We have always and will always stand up for justice and truth. The actions alleged in the lawsuit are untrue and we plan to defend ourselves vigorously to the fullest extent of the law.”

A similar federal lawsuit was filed against Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment by former employees in 2013. Employees from Carlo & Johnny and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse claimed in the lawsuit that they were required to share tips with back-of-house employees in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act

That case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment did not immediately respond to a statement request from CityBeat about the most recent settlement.

The to

ULTIMATE GUIDE 2026 CONCERTS

BY BROOKE BURKHARDT

Cincinnati stages are no stranger to its share of worldwide artists.

In 2023, Paycor Stadium’s audience transformed from football fans to fangirls when Taylor Swift made a stop on her iconic “The Eras Tour.” Riverbend morphed into a sea of “Parrot Heads” with leis and margaritas in hand every time Jimmy Buffet came to town.

Sometimes, you may even be able to hear the thundering bass bursting through MegaCorp when driving in Newport.

Wherever you end up in the Tri-State area, there’s always someone playing music nearby. With the amount of stars including Cincinnati on their tour stops, the city offers anything from a more intimate venue to a football stadium to accompany the artist’s fanbase.

This year, several artists are celebrating their milestone tours in Cincinnati.

TRAIN makes their annual Riverbend appearance for a 25th anniversary of its album Drops of Jupiter, as well as Rod Stewart and Journey on their farewell tours.

Other highlights include rap icon Cardi B returning to the stage after five years for her “Little Miss Drama” tour at Heritage Bank Center and celebrated British indie band The Wombats performing at Bogart’s after an eight-year absence from the city.

Looking for a bit of a 2000s throwback? DJ Pauly D will turn Bogart’s into Jersey Shore

to beat those January blues at the end of the month.

While thinking of warmer weather, Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone will accompany Chris Stapleton as his country music brings in the August heat. Ranging from celebrated country artists to R&B superstars to rock legends, these are the local concerts you need to have on your radar this year.

RIVERBEND AND PNC PAVILLION

6295 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH

Friday, May 8

SATCHVAI Band featuring Joe Satriani and Steve Vai with Animals as Leaders

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

Hardy: The Country! Country! Tour with special guests Tucker Wetmore and McCoy Moore

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 20

Meghan Trainor: The Get in Girl Tour with special guests Icona Pop and Ryan Trainor

Doors: 5 p.m.

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 8

Jack Johnson: Surfilmusic Tour with special guest Hermanos Gutiérrez

Doors: 6 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 27

5 Seconds of Summer: Everyone’s a Star World Tour

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 29

Train: Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere with special guests Barenaked Ladies and Matt Nathanson

Doors: 5:15 p.m.

Showtime: 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Evanescence 2026 World Tour with Spiritbox and Nova Twins

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Styx and Chicago, the Windy Cities Tour-All the Hits…Your Kind of Tour

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8

Lynyrd Skynyrd & Foreigner: Double Trouble

Double Vision Tour with special guest Six Gun

Sally

Doors: 5 p.m.

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 9

Rod Stewart: One Last Time with special guest

Richard Marx

Doors: 6 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 25

The Return of the Carnival of Sins: Mötley Crue with special guests Tesla and Extreme

Doors: 5 p.m.

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

All tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Taft Theatre and The Andrew J Brady Music Center box offices during business hours. Check the schedule for all operating hours.

BOGART’S

2621 Short Vine St, Cincinnati, OH

Thursday, Jan. 29

Lord of the Lost and The Birthday Massacre

Showtime: 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30

DJ Pauly D

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Bayker Blankenship

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13

The Wombats

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 20

Badflower

Showtime: 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 26

Kameron Marlowe

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3

The Record Company

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11 INZO

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 12

Avery Anna

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Friday, March 13

Pecos & the Rooftops

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 14

Jordan Jensen

Showtime: 7 p.m

Tuesday, March 17

The Happy Fits

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 21

Our Lady Peace

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Monday, March 23

Filter

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24

ERRA with Currents Showtime: 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 27

Two Feet

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 28

Circle Jerks

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1

Mammoth Showtime: 7 p.m.

Friday, April 3

Teenage Bottlerocket

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 10

Aly & AJ

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12

Shadow of Intent

Showtime: 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13

Stephen Lynch

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Benjamin Tod

Showtime: 7 p.m.

All tickets can be purchased at Bogarts.com or ticketmaster.com.

PAYCOR STADIUM

1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

Thursday, July 23-Saturday, July 25

Cincinnati Music Festival Presented by P&G

- Featuring Tyrese, Ledisi, Charlie Wilson, Nelly, 803Fresh, SWV, Trey Songz, Mary J. Blige, Doug E. Fresh and Heatwave -Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show featuring Lainey Wilson and Allen Stone -Showtime: 6 p.m.

All tickets can be purchased at livenation.com or ticketmaster.com.

MADISON LIVE!

734 Madison Ave, Covington, KY

Saturday, Feb. 21

Exhorder, Ringworm, Phobia, SLOWHOLE

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 7

Needle//Fear, Obsidian Mind, Wave Painter, Peasant Crown, TABZ

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19

Burning Witches, War Hammer, Critical Khaos Showtime: 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 28

Merkules “The Controlled Chaos Tour” Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 4

Hirax, Savage Master, Desolus Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

4•4 featuring DJ Seoul Showtime: 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 11

Crowbar with Eyehategod matinee show Showtime: 2 p.m.

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Saturday, April 11

Crowbar, Eyehategod, Emanating Peace, These Eyes and Primal Force

Showtime: 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22

UADA and Mortiis: The Witches of Dystopia tour MMXXVI

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12

Unprocessed, Allt and Midwinter

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at livenation.com.

MEGACORP PAVILLION

101 W. Fourth St, Newport, KY

Sunday, March 15

Dark Star Orchestra

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 11

49 Winchester

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14

Lake Street Drive

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

Ethel Cain with 9Million

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at promowestlive.com or in person at the box office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during operating hours.

THE ANDREW J. BRADY MUSIC CENTER

25 Race St. Cincinnati, OH

Monday, Feb. 23

Excision

Doors: 4:30 p.m.

Showtime: 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 8

Mariah the Scientist: Hearts Sold Separately Tour

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Monday, March 30

Boys Like Girls: The Soundtrack of Your Life Tour with special guests iDKHOW and Arrows in Action

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

Nate Smith: Long Live Country Rock and Roll Tour with special guests Josh Ross and Brandon Wisham

Doors: 6 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6

YUNGBLUD: Idols - The World Tour

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

*NOTE: THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT*

All tickets can be purchased online at ticket master.com or in person at the box office during business hours.

HERITAGE BANK CENTER

100 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH

Wednesday, Feb. 4

GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2026

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 20

Boys 4 Life Tour featuring B2K & Bow Wow with Jeremih, Waka Flocka and Amerie

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10

Three Days Grace: Alienation Tour with I Prevail and The Funeral Portrait

Doors: 5 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 19

Cardi B - Little Miss Drama Tour

Doors: 6 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 26

The New Edition Way Tour with New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton

Doors: 6:30 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 13

Journey: Final Frontier Tour

Doors: 6 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m.

Monday, July 27

Forrest Frank: The Jesus Generation Tour with Tori Kelly and Cory Asbury

Doors: 5:30 p.m.

Showtime: 7 p.m.

*NOTE: THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT*

Tickets are available for purchase at heritagebankcenter.com or in person at the box office Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Report Once Again Names Cincinnati

One of Top ‘Arts Vibrant’ Regions in the Country

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

Cincinnati is a pretty artsy city, according to a new report.

SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, recently released its 10th annual Arts Vibrancy Index, with the Cincinnati region ranking 42nd out of the top 100 most arts-vibrant regions in the United States. Analyzing the levels of supply, demand and federal and state government support for the arts, the index ranks those 100 communities out of more than 900 across the country. Cincinnati’s ranking puts it in the top 5% for arts vibrancy nationally.

“Being recognized again speaks to the strength and consistency of our arts ecosystem,” Alecia Kintner, president and CEO of ArtsWave, said in a press release. “This sustained recognition

reflects a long-standing, shared commitment to collective action for the arts from individual donors and artists to organizations, civic and business partners. The data reinforces the role the arts play as a public good that strengthens our entire region.”

Additionally, Cincinnati was named as one of just 22 communities that have appeared on the Arts Vibrancy Index at least three times since 2020. Cincinnati debuted on the list in 2020 at No. 20 amongst other large regions. This is the first year the index has not separated all the communities by their size. This year, the research center also expanded its analysis to provide deeper insight into long-term trends shaping the arts and culture sector, according to the press release.

You can get the week’s headlines, learn about what’s happening this weekend, find out what's going on in the arts and culture scene, and more.

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Overall, the index is made up of 13 unique metrics that touch on supply, demand and government support for arts and culture. It’s also adjusted for cost of living and population differences across each region. Among the metrics, Cincinnati ranked in the top 100 communities for its number of arts and culture employees, contributed revenue, program revenue, total compensation, total expenses, federal arts funding, federal arts grants and total government support.

ArtsWave says Cincinnati’s continued presence in the index “reflects a broad and interconnected arts ecosystem, with creative activity happening year-round across neighborhoods, public spaces and institutions,” from major events like BLINK to everyday arts experiences.

South Fairmount’s Lunkenheimer Valve Company District

placed on National Register of Historic Places

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

Aformer industrial campus in South Fairmount set for redevelopment is now on the National Register of Historic Places, the United States government’s official list of historical buildings, sites and structures considered worthy of preservation.

The Lunkenheimer Valve Company District, a group of former manufacturing buildings located between Beekman and Pinetree streets to the west and east and Waverly and Queen City avenues to the north and south, is owned by Cincinnati’s The Port, a public agency that works to redevelop unproductive real estate into opportunities for job creation and housing. The Hamilton County Landbank, a managed entity of The Port, sponsored its nomination to the National Register as part of revitalization efforts in South Fairmount.

“We are incredibly proud that these buildings have been recognized at the national level,”

The Port President and CEO, Laura Brunner, said in a press release. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure this landmark remains a vibrant part of our city’s architectural, cultural and industrial identity. This nomination reinforces our belief that preserving the past is essential to inspiring the future.”

The district was once the site of the family-owned Lunkenheimer Valve Company in the 1800s and early 1900s, which employed thousands of workers in the area to produce industrial items like valves, oil lubricators and steam whistles that helped power locomotives, ships and aircraft, including parts for Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis. You can still see some of the original equipment sitting on top of the foundry building.

turning the Lunkenheimer Foundry Building at 1515 Tremont St., the Lunkenheimer Office Building at 1500 Waverly Ave. and the Midwest Textiles Building at 2450 Beekman St. into a mixed-use hub, with affordable, workforce and market-rate housing and retail space. The Port says the spot on the National Register is another win toward preserving and rehabilitating these buildings.

“Driving across the Western Hills Viaduct into the West Side, the Lunkenheimer Valve Company building stands as a massive presence,” said Beth Johnson, executive director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association. “Its walls hold a unique history that shaped modern manufacturing and anchored the surrounding community. Listing this property in the National Register acknowledges both its past and its continued importance to Cincinnati’s industrial and cultural landscape. This designation is a strategic step towards its preservation, creating a new life for the building and for this vital gateway to the West Side.”

Along with Lunkenheimer’s placement on the National Register, the Landbank says it has achieved other milestones, like environmental cleanup of the foundry, obtaining stabilization funding for the foundry and office buildings and gaining control of all three sites. In 2026, the group plans to continue its stabilization and environmental remediation efforts on the sites.

The Port adds that the Lunkenheimer project builds on the revitalization momentum in the neighborhood, which is now home to the Mill Creek Greenway Trail and will benefit from the replacement of the Western Hills Viaduct.

You can learn more about The Port and its projects at cincinnatiport.org.

ARTS & CULTURE

Cincinnati earns spot on MovieMaker Magazine’s top cities to live and work

BY STAFF REPORT

Cincinnati Backlot 2023. Photo provided | Bryan Houston

Cincinnati is continuing its transformation into a Midwest Hollywood as it, for the ninth year in a row, snagged a spot on MovieMaker Magazine’s 2026 “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” list. The Queen City dropped from its former place at No. 11, where it had been since 2022, to No. 15 among major cities in the United States and Canada.

MovieMaker says it evaluates cities based on production activity, tax incentives, crew depth, permitting efficiency, infrastructure, cost of living and overall livability. The magazine highlighted Cincinnati’s streamlined permitting process through Film Cincinnati, a robust local crew base, below-average cost of living and production resources that can support both large-scale studio projects and independent works as reasons for the ranking.

It also praised the Queen City’s quality-of-life features, like the number of green spaces and bike trails, as well as its prevalent Italianate architecture, which makes it an ideal location for period pieces.

Film Cincinnati President and CEO Kristen Schlotman says the ranking puts a spotlight on Cincinnati as a destination for world-class

storytelling and those who work in the creative sector.

“This recognition reflects decades of strategic investment in making Cincinnati a place where filmmakers can succeed while having a great quality of life,” Schlotman said in a press release. “It affirms the growing influence of the creative economy and underscores Cincinnati’s emergence as a national leader in production.”

Also helping Cincinnati in the rankings is Ohio’s 30% film tax rebate, which allows filmmakers to maintain production quality within budget.

Cincinnati was the highest-ranking Ohio city on the list, with Cleveland coming in at No. 23. Louisville, Kentucky, ranked just below Cincinnati at No. 16, and Toronto took the top spot.

In 2024 and 2025, Cincinnati hosted movie productions like James Gunn’s Superman, as well as Kelly Reichardt’s The Mastermind, starring Josh O’Connell and Alana Haim.

The Chaperones, directed by India Donaldson and starring Paul Dano, David Johnson and Cooper Hoffman, was the latest film to wrap principal photography, says Film Cincinnati.

Several Cincinnati museums in the running to be named best museums in the country

Cincinnati Museum Center, known as CMC, is in the running to be named the best museum in the country in two different categories of a popular readers’ choice poll.

CMC’s Cincinnati History Museum, as well as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, was nominated alongside 18 other history museums across the country in USA Today’s 10Best History Museums Reader’s Choice Award poll. Nominees were selected by a panel of experts and editors. CMC’s Cincinnati Children’s Museum is also once again nominated in the 10Best Children’s Museums category.

Winners will be decided following a fourweek online vote, with voting ending at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 9. You can vote in each category once per day and once per device.

The Cincinnati History Museum finished in the top three of the same poll in 2024 and 2025, while the Cincinnati Children’s Museum secured a spot in the top five both of those years. CMC says it’s hoping to climb in the rankings this year.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside the hundreds of incredible museums across the country, but this year, it’s time to confirm what we believe to be true: This city has the best museums in the country,” Elizabeth Pierce, CMC’s president and CEO, said in a press release.

According to 10Best’s leader boards, the Freedom Center is currently ranked second and Cincinnati History Museum is ranked third in their category, while the children’s museum is ranked first in its category.

Vote for the best history museum at 10best. usatoday.com/awards/best-history-museum/ and the best children’s museum at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-childrens-museum/

Camp Washington’s American Sign Museum has also been nominated for 10Best Pop Culture Museums, where it’s currently ranked No. 2 in votes. You can vote for that category through Feb. 18.

Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., West End, More info: cincymuseum.org.

Arnold’s to host signing for ‘Mr. Cincinnati’ Jim Tarbell’s newest book

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

Downtown Cincinnati’s Arnold’s Bar and Grill will host a special event dedicated to Mr. Cincinnati and the Man of Many Hats, Jim Tarbell.

Tarbell is one of Cincinnati’s most colorful characters, having served on Cincinnati City Council and as the city’s vice mayor as a member of the Charter Party. He also opened the first iteration of music venue Ludlow Garage in 1969 and was the owner of Arnold’s from 1976 to 1998.

The bar will host a book-signing for Tarbell’s newest book, Tarbellpalooza!, on Saturday,

Jan. 24. The book features a joyful collection of memories and reflections, curated by Cincinnati historian Greg Hand, in a voice that reflects Tarbell’s humor, curiosity and love of Cincinnati. The book also celebrates community, creativity and “the beautiful chaos of a city built on music, meals and moments shared.”

The event will also double as a celebration of Tarbell’s life of saying ‘yes’ to Cincinnati, says Arnold’s.

“Jim Tarbell has spent decades documenting, defending and delighting in this city’s music, food, neighborhoods, bars and people. His fingerprints are everywhere, from legendary venues and late-night conversations to the stories that make Cincinnati feel like home,” the bar shared in a press release.

The event is open to the public. Tarbellpalooza! will be available to purchase and Tarbell will be on hand to sign books and tell stories. There will also be live music from Jake Speed & the Freddies from 8-11 p.m., and Braxton Brewing Company has created a special Tarbellpalooza beer just for the night.

Arnold’s Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. More info: arnoldsbarandgrill.com.

FOOD & DRINK

Moerlein Lager House’s Fire & Ice Dinner Series returns this month

Warm up a bit this winter with a fusion of opposites at Moerlein Lager House’s 2026 Fire & Ice Dinner Series.

Back for another year, Fire & Ice offers an elevated dining experience through immersive themed dinners. Each dinner begins with a welcome cocktail or mocktail curated by mixologist Molly Wellmann and a charcuterie reception, followed by three courses crafted to fit the theme of the night, as well as cocktail, beer, wine or bourbon pairings. As guests dine, they will be able to enjoy fire performers and fire pits.

All the dinners will take place indoors, which will be decorated to create an immersive environment that blends warmth and winter magic. A special guest will host each dinner.

Themed dinners include:

Friday, Jan. 23: Origin Trade Goods – Sauces & Spices Curated Dinner with Origin Trade Goods Owner and Chef Tom Hull

A bold, flavor-driven dinner that celebrates the culinary connections between New Orleans and Covington, blending spices, heritage and storytelling in its dishes.

Saturday, Jan. 24: Revel Urban Winery – A Taste of Italy Wine Dinner with Revel Urban Winery’s Founder and Co-owner Anthony Maieron and Winemaker Alex Sena

Enjoy an Italian-inspired dinner with curated Revel wine pairings alongside stories of tradition, craftsmanship and passion.

Friday, Jan. 30: Fire & Spice: A Hot Sauce Experience with Chef Nathan Whittington and

the Lager House Culinary Team

A spice-forward dinner that will delve into different hot sauce profiles that will be balanced by cooling textures and fresh ingredients to create depth and contrast.

Saturday, Jan. 31: Mardi Gras Magic with Molly Wellmann

Wellmann’s fan-favorite annual Mardi Gras dinner will feature a festive and flavor-packed menu from Chef Danny and the Lager House team. Guests can also expect perfectly paired cocktails, beads, music, decor and the full spirit of Mardi Gras.

Friday, Feb. 6: Sazerac Bourbon Dinner with Hannah Stalter

An elevated bourbon dinner featuring selections from the Sazerac portfolio, including Weller, Eagle Rare (exclusive Barrel Pick), Buffalo Trace and even some surprises. Each one will be paired with chef-driven courses crafted to complement the depth and character of the bourbons.

Saturday, Feb. 7: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun… and Guys Just Wanna Drink Bourbon with Molly Wellmann and Friends

A lively and interactive finale that blends banter, bold flavors and spirited pairings. Each course is paired with your choice of a cocktail or a bourbon.

Tickets to the Fire & Ice Dinner Series are limited.

Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks. More info: moerleinlagerhouse. com.

Northside LQBTQ+ Bar Good Judy’s closes indefinitely

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

ANorthside LGBTQ+ bar, Good Judy’s, will close this winter as its owner puts the concept up for sale.

Last week, the Hamilton Avenue bar posted to Facebook that its current owner is pursuing opportunities that require frequent travel, making it difficult to continue operating the bar.

“Many of us hope that the next owner will possibly maintain and grow with some of the events that Good Judy’s community have already developed here,” the bar shared. “In the past two years more than 50 drag artists and other performers have taken the Good Judy’s stage led by some fabulous show hosts. We want to thank them as well as the regular DJs, and organizers of our monthly furry, poly and roller derby events that became staples at Good Judy’s.”

Good Judy’s says the sale, however, may bring a new concept to space. The bar says its Ohio liquor license is transferable anywhere statewide and is available for $20,000. The physical components of the venue and the equipment are available at an additional cost starting at around $5,000, and monthly rents and utilities combined will be around $2,000 per month.

If you are interested in purchasing Good Judy’s, you can send inquiries via text to (513) 384-8708.

We will miss seeing the familiar, friendly faces that made Judy’s a weekly gathering place,” the bar wrote. “We are deeply grateful to everyone—staff, performers and patrons—who have been part of the Good Judy’s family.”

Good Judy’s is located at 4169 Hamilton Ave.

Downtown Cincinnati darts bar Flight Club is sending one lucky guest to Vegas

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

You and a guest of your choice have the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas this January, thanks to a special giveaway from downtown Cincinnati’s newest darts bar, Flight Club.

Flight Club holds its Flight Fridays programming, featuring competitive socializing, curated cocktails and high-energy games, including the Bulleyes Challenge that offers one guest the opportunity to earn a $100 bar tab, weekly. To add an extra layer of excitement, on Friday, Jan. 30, Flight Club will also host a one-night-only giveaway, Limbo to Las Vegas.

Mariemont’s The National Exemplar Named ‘Southwest Ohio Restaurant of the Year’

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

AMariemont restaurant that’s been serving the community for over 40 years was just named one of Ohio’s restaurants of the year.

The Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance recently awarded The National Exemplar with its Southwest Ohio Restaurant of the Year, one of the state’s highest honors in hospitality, food and service. The restaurant says the award not only reflects a standout year, but the 42 years of thoughtful stewardship and consistency that have made it a neighborhood staple.

“This award isn’t about a single moment or a single year,” Michael Pardo, president and CEO of the Phoenix Restaurant Group, said in a press release. “It’s a reflection of the commitment made more than four decades ago. One built on consistency and taking pride in doing the basics exceptionally well. Our goal has never been to be trendy or different; it has always been to create an exemplary dining experience where guests know they’ll enjoy great food, friendly service and feel welcome every time they walk through the door.”

The National Exemplar was founded inside the historic Mariemont Inn in 1983 by Ken Pendery and has since grown alongside the

village, serving third- and fourth-generation families of diners. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a menu of American classics.

The Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance award also comes on the heels of The National Exemplar being named one of “5 essential steakhouses” by Cincinnati Enquirer food writer Keith Pandolfi, says the restaurant.

In honor of the award, The National Exemplar says it plans to celebrate with guests through in-restaurant acknowledgements and future events.

The National Exemplar, 6880 Wooster Pike, Mariemont. More info: nationalexemplar.com.

Limbo to Las Vegas will take place from 8-10 p.m. that night. Guests can enjoy live DJs, a classic limbo challenge and the debut of a new Limbo dart game, letting you see how low you can go both on and off the dart board.

While you’re at Limbo to Las Vegas, you can enter for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas, including a stay at The Venetian and a $200 bar tab at Flight Club’s Vegas location.

Flight Club, 125 W. Fifth St., Downtown. More info: flightclubdartsusa.com.

MUSIC

Barry Manilow to perform ‘final’ show in Cincinnati this March

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

Grammy-, Tony- and Emmy-winning music icon Barry Manilow is going on tour this February, which will include a series of final shows in six cities.

Manilow will bring his high-energy and hitpacked show to Heritage Bank Center for the last time on March 5. Other “final” cities in the tour include Charlotte, Norfolk, Baltimore, Nashville and Lexington. Audiences can expect a lineup of Manilow’s greatest hits like “Mandy,” “I Write Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana (At the Copa),” paired with Manilow’s signature showmanship.

At each show, Manilow will celebrate local music educators with the Manilow Music Teacher Award, which honors educators who bring music to life for their students. Nominees will be announced on Jan. 22, with voting opening the same day. The teacher who gets the most online votes will be recognized on stage during the concert and receive a $5,000 cash award as

well as $5,000 in “Manilow Bucks,” which can be used to buy classroom instruments.

Tickets went on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16.

In addition to his tour, Manilow is promising fans a big year of his music. He recently released a music video for his new single, “Once Before I Go.” The song was produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Demonte Posey and written by Peter Allen and Dean Pitchford.

In December, Manilow announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer and was undergoing surgery, forcing him to reschedule previously announced January tour dates. His team credits early detection for Manilow’s prognosis, saying the operation went well and Manilow’s medical team is optimistic.

For more information on the tour, tickets, VIP packages and more, visit barrymanilow.com

Walnut Hills’ Caffè

Vivace named one of world’s best

jazz venues by music magazine

BY KATHERINE BARRIER

Caffè Vivace. Photo provided | Caffè Vivace on Facebook

Anational music magazine is putting a spotlight on one of Cincinnati’s most popular jazz clubs.

Caffè Vivace in Walnut Hills was included in DownBeat Magazine’s 2026 guide of the Best Jazz Venues, an annual list that highlights premier jazz venues around the world. DownBeat is one of the most respected and longest-running jazz publications in the world, and venues, which are chosen by editors and contributors, that are included in its annual guide meet high standards for artistic quality, sound, consistency and commitment to jazz.

Best known for its curated programming and performances from both emerging and established artists, Caffè Vivace says the honor reflects its ongoing commitment to hosting high-quality international and local

live jazz musicians in an intimate and artist-centered setting. The guide is also widely read by touring artists, managers, booking agents and serious jazz audiences, helping put Caffè Vivace on the radar of both artists and listeners.

“We are honored to be recognized by DownBeat,” Caffè Vivace owner Brent Gallaher said in a press release. “This acknowledgment recognizes and celebrates our mission to support artists and create a welcoming space where great music can thrive.”

You can see the full annual list in the February 2026 issue of DownBeat. Visit Caffè Vivace’s website or social media for upcoming shows.

Caffè Vivace, 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills. More info: jazzvivace.org

Chris Stapleton to Bring ‘All-American Road Show’ Tour to Cincinnati This Summer

Country superstar and Grammy Awardwinner Chris Stapleton is bringing another leg of his tour to Cincinnati this summer.

On Jan. 8, Stapleton announced 20 new dates for his All-American Road Show tour, including a stop at Paycor Stadium Saturday, Aug. 1. He’ll be joined by fellow country artist Lainey Wilson and R&B and soul singer-songwriter Allen Stone.

Tickets went on sale Friday, Jan 16.

The announcment follows Stapleton’s four nominations in the 68th annual Grammy

Awards, including Best Country Song (“A Song To Sing” with Miranda Lambert), Best Country Solo Performance (“Bad As I Used To Be”) and two nominations in the Best Country Duo/ Group Performance category (“A Song To Sing” with Lambert and “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” with George Strait).

Stapleton has also recently released the music video for his Grammy- and CMA Award-winning song, “White Horse,” which stars actor Josh Brolin, and, within the past year has released several songs, including “Heart Letting Go” from Netflix show Nobody Wants This, “A Song To Sing” with Miranda Lambert and “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1 the Album.

SOUND ADVICE

BY JASON GARGANO SHARP PINS

January 30 • Woodward Theater Singer/songwriter/guitarist Kai Slater is a wisp of a guy armed with shaggy hair, stylish thrift-store clothes and enough memorable melodies to make Bob Pollard stand to attention. The 21-year-old Chicagoan is having a moment, the result of two stellar 2025 solo albums as Sharp Pins — Radio DDR dropped in May 2025, followed by Balloon, Balloon, Balloon in November — as well as contributions to his other band, Lifeguard, a post-punk outfit that also put out a well-received album last year.

Sharp Pins fuses the lo-fi, DIY ethos of punk and indie rock with the catchy songcraft of classic rock and pop, yielding tunes both familiar and idiosyncratic.

“I got really inspired by The Jam, Television Personalities, The Times, Dolly Mixture,” Slater said in an interview with Demo Magazine early last year when comparing Sharp Pins to his other projects. “I’ve always been influenced by The

Beatles and The Who. That was the core of what I was trying to write for a lot of my life, so I was like, ‘I’ll try to hone in on that in my solo music.’ ” Balloon, Balloon, Balloon is especially earwormy — 21 songs in 44 minutes, each a brief but distinctive world of its own. Album opener “Popafanout” burrows into one’s cortex via jangly, Byrds-like guitars and Slater’s affecting delivery of oblique lines like, “All the silverstone creep/ Sludging around on the Puget Sound/Oh, what it means to me.” Yet there is little doubt about the topic of “I Don’t Have the Heart,” which sounds like A Hard Day’s Night-era Beatles, a Rickenbacker guitar ringing as Slater sings, “I’ve waited so long to be near you/But I don’t have the heart/ To show how I feel.”

Slater’s touring version of Sharp Pins features bassist Joe Glass and drummer Peter Cimbalo (per the album’s liner notes, “two young freakbeats of America”). Like those of their creative forefathers Guided by Voices, Sharp Pins songs explore a different dynamic in a live setting — the sound of lo-fi gems breaking free into a new realm.

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