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.

Monday – August 16

[Benefit] Western & Southern Financial Group Master’s Open
There are only nine tournaments in the world that have the depth of field of our annual men’s and women’s tournaments in Mason. This is the strongest men’s field in Cincinnati history, containing the top 40 of those not injured. Now that the women have crowned their champion, Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, et al, take center court all week. What a great opportunity to see this phenomenal talent up-close-and-personal.

Where: Lindner Tennis Center, Mason
When: Each day through Sunday, August 22
More information: www.cincytennis.com

Thursday – August 19

[Happy Hour] Wild About Wine
The most important thing to know about this is to GET YOUR TICKETS NOW. As big as the Zoo is, they only have SO many glasses, and this event usually sells out, so jump on it. This is a lot of fun. All sorts of creatures, and they bring out the animals too. Plus, the wine is very fine, as is the food. Go. Enjoy.

Where: The Cincinnati Zoo
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
More information: www.cincinnatizoo.org/events/Wild_About_Wine3.htm

[Benefit] Fox and Hound 5k
If wine is not your thing, you can still behave like an animal and chase (or be chased!) during the Fox and Hound 5k, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. In a fun twist, the “foxes” will start five minutes ahead of the “hounds.” So start your engines!  If you aren’t a runner or a walker, you can attend the after-party only, and become a completely different kind of animal.

Where: People Purple Bridge, Newport
When: 7:30pm
More information: www.ucp-cincinnati.org/foxandhound5k

Friday – August 20

[Theater] Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain lived in Cincinnati as a young man, so it fits that we honor the 100th anniversary of his death with a show, and a fun one at that. Thanks in part to the music of “King of the Road,” Roger Miller, Big River won seven Tony awards, including “Best Musical.” The Carnegie stages this joyous romp in a locale fitting for Twain – a theatre built in 1904 while Twain was still alive. Great music. Great fun. Bring the kids. Share some history.

Where: Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington
When: 7:30 p.m. (Also August 21, 22, 27 28 & 29. Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.)
More information: 859-491-2030 or www.thecarnegie.com

[Concert] Ohio Lunch
According to Jazz Times, ”Faehnle is simply one of the best guitarists working today…” Known for his work with way-cool Pink Martini and Diana Krall, Ohio-native Faehnle brings his own group to the Wisp to showcase their new CD. Ed Felson and his Wisp crew continue to book great touring groups down on East 8th. Check out this superb musician and see what all the fuss is about.

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

Saturday – August 21

[Benefit] Bloom
Snuggled in a verdant valley in the midst of Indian Hill, Stepping Stones Center is a welcoming place where individuals with disabilities come to learn how to become more physically and emotionally independent. Bloom is a lovely event held each August on the grounds of the facility. Come help them raise much-needed funds and enjoy tapas dining, live and silent auctions and a little reggae on a warm summer eve.

Where: Stepping Stones Center, 5650 Given Road, Indian Hill
When: 6:30 p.m.
More information: 513-831-4660 or www.steppingstonescenter.org

Sunday – August 22

[Visual Art] Cincinnati Art Museum
One of the things I love to do on a languid weekend afternoon in August is beat the heat and wander around one of our great museums. There are several exhibits at the CAM wrapping up in the next few weeks that are well-worth seeing. Whether it’s the multi-dimensional collage of the late Robert Rauschenberg, the stylized nature depictions of Cincinnati’s own Charley Harper, or the decade-spanning photos of Walker Evans and 360 degree panorama of Las Vegas by local photog, Tom Schiff, there is something to amaze and delight the whole family. If that’s not enough, take a fascinating look back at your Queen City through the eyes of artists-past in the permanent Cincinnati wing of the Art Museum. You’ll always discover something new.

Where: 953 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park
When: 11-5
More information: 513-721-ARTS or www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org

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