Arts + Benefits :: What to do this week!

Joyfully spontaneous? Socially conscientious? Artistically curious?
To receive these weekly Express event picks BY EMAIL or RSS FEED you must SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG (above). This is different from joining our email list.

Readers are welcome to add their own picks for THIS week (scroll down.) For more events see the Fundraisers Datebook or the E•X•P/arts Calendar.

Thursday – August 5

[Concert] It’s Commonly Jazz
There’s nothing like an evening of al fresco jazz in idyllic Eden Park to kick off a “Friday eve.” The gifted, award-winning pianist William Menefield graces the shaded basin of Seasongood Pavilion with his sophisticated brand of jazz, enhanced by classical training at CCM. The Thursday night series is being promoted as a sustainable event, so you are encouraged to carpool or take advantage of the #1 Metro bus that drops you off right at the Pavilion entrance.

Where: Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park
When: 6 p.m.
More information: 513.242.6617 or www.itscommonlyjazz.com

Friday – August 6

[Theater] Riding Shotgun
Cincinnati writer and advertising exec, Greg Newberry, has authored a new play that tells the story of high school buddies who come together decades later for a road trip to the Golden Gate. During their journey they explore not only the countryside, but also their own successes and failures, and what might be done to re-capture forgotten dreams. A play about “guys” for guys, and the women who love them. Best to leave the kids at home. Also, August 7, 13 & 14

Where: Corbett Theater, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights
When: 8 p.m.
More information: www.RidingShotgunThePlay.com or www.expresscincinnati.com, Digital Edition, page A4.

Saturday – August 7

[Concert] A Movie Music Spectacular
Have you ever looked at the list of movies for which John Williams has written the musical score? It’s kinda like the Yankees in baseball. Lots of winners, even before George Lucas and Steven Spielberg came along. Williams makes a rare appearance with the Cincinnati Pops, filling the Riverbend atmosphere with lots of great tunes from his most famous scores. You’ll know the hits, but there are bound to be some surprises, as well. (”I didn’t know he wrote that!”)

What: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Where: Riverbend Music Center
When: 7:30 p.m.
More information: 513.381.3300 or www.cincinnatipops.org

[Concert] Fun, Fun, Fun
The 60s as a decade is not known as being particularly light-hearted, but J.R. Cassidy would like to change that. The Kentucky Symphony music director has set aside the darkness of drugs and protest songs and is unleashing the Fun, Fun, Fun of 60s pop, rock and Motown with a concert ranging from funky to cheesy to just plain silly. Come sing along, show your kids what “real music” was, and enjoy the view of downtown from beautiful Devou Park.

What: Kentucky Symphony Orchestra
Where: Devou Park Bandshell, Covington
When: 7:30 p.m.
More information: 859.431.6216 or www.kyso.org

Sunday – August 8

[Visual Art] Picture It: A Festival of Photography
We highlighted the current photography exhibit at the Taft – TruthBeauty: Pictorialism and the Photograph as Art, 1845–1945 – a couple of weeks ago. Now the Taft has taken this a step further to create an interactive afternoon devoted to the photograph – past, present and future. Inspire your children or yourself(!) by viewing the creations of masters, receiving tips on techniques and executing your own personal photo hunt in the museum. Fun for kids of all ages.

Where: Taft Museum of Art
When: 12–4 p.m.
More information: 513.684.4515 or visit www.taftmuseum.org

Have a suggestion for another fine arts event or benefit this week? Post it here right now!

.