Arts + Benefits :: What to do this week!

Joyfully spontaneous? Socially conscientious? Artistically curious?
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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.

Tuesday – August 10

[Benefit] Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open
If it’s hot, it must be time for pro tennis in Cincinnati. The best players in the world come to the Queen City and the ladies have first shot this week. Women’s matches run each day, with the finals on Sunday afternoon. Beneficiaries are UC Barrett Cancer Center at University Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Where: Lindner Tennis Center, Mason
More information: www.cincytennis.com

Thursday – August 12

[Benefit] Library book sale – Friends of the Cincinnati Public Library
This is simply a great opportunity to grab some bargains: used books, CDs, audio and video tapes, DVD’s, and books-on-tape at bargain prices. If books, music and/or movies are your thing, get to the warehouse in Hartwell early to maximize your chances. The sale runs through Sunday.

Where: Friends Warehouse, 8456 Vine St., Hartwell
When: 10-7:30, also Friday-Sunday – hours vary
More information: 513-369-6035 or friends.cincinnatilibrary.org

[Concert] Tracy Walker
In this age of rampant pigeonholing, Tracy Walker proudly rejects any attempt to categorize her music. Even the name of her record label – Gallimaufry Records – means “hodgepodge.” She juxtaposes folk, rock, country, jazz and blues, but through it all shines a singular, special talent that continues to thrill local and regional audiences. Check her out. You won’t be disappointed.

What: Kennedy Heights Arts Center Summer Concert Series.
Where: 6546 Montgomery Road, Kennedy Heights
More information: 513.631.4278 or www.kennedyarts.org

Friday – August 13

[Benefit] An Art Affair to Remember
The 16th annual Art Affair is designed to evoke the mood of the famous Gregory Peck/Deborah Kerr movie. Combining art, music, food, treasures, and pink champagne, this should be a wonderful and fun evening in support of a truly worthy cause – child abuse prevention.

What: Fundraiser for Family Nurturing Center of Northern Kentucky
Where: Triple Crown Country Club, Richwood
When: 7 p.m.
More information: 859-525-3200 x30 or www.familynuture.org

[Concert] Balkan Fusion
OK, I admit it. I love fusions of varied styles: French/Vietnamese cuisine, mixed art media, jazz/rock. It’s one thing for a group to play a variety of styles. It’s even more awesome when they blend these styles into something unique and special. Let me introduce you to Eastern Blok: classical guitar, woodwinds, upright bass and percussion. The recipe is a dollop of jazz, a dribble of classical and, well…Balkan, with its fascinating sonic flavors of Byzantine, Ottoman and gypsy. Mighty complex, in a good way, and plenty tasty.

Where: The Blue Wisp, 318 E. Eighth St., downtown
When: 8:30 p.m.
More information: 513-241-9477, www.thebluewisp.com or www.easternblok.net

Saturday – August 14

[Dance] Gala of International Dance Stars
The event has seemed to fly under the radar in the past, probably because of its mid-August timing. If you love dance, do not let this pass you by. Outstanding performers from around the globe bring a myriad of influences to the P&G stage. One night only. For you Cincinnati Ballet fans, one of the choreographers is Darrell Grand Moultrie, whose “Simply Sammy” was the highlight of the spring. Not to be missed. Check out the website – there are pre- and post-events to enjoy, as well.

What: Gala and performance to benefit ballet tech cincinnati
Where: Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center
When: 8 p.m.
More information: 621-ARTS, www.cincinnatiarts.org or www.ballettechcincinnati.org

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