CINCINNATI (Tuesday, July 10, 2012) – Let the programs begin! Washington Park re-opened to an enthusiastic crowd of 1,500 people Friday, July 6th. A steady flow of children, families, dog owners, community residents, office workers and World Choir Games participants have been enjoying the park morning, noon and night since the opening.
Cincinnati Parks & 3CDC hope to increase the growing number of Washington Park fans by offering weekly programming, beginning this week:
Wednesday, July 11: Bandstand Bluegrass from 7-9pm
Thursday, July 12: Jazz in the Park from 7-9pm
Friday, July 13: Friday Flow, 7-10pm
Saturday, July 14: City Flea, 10am-4pm
Saturday, July 14: Curiosity Saturdays, Noon-2pm
Saturday, July 14: Date Night Movies, 9-11pm
The details are below. Find out more about the Park at www.washingtonpark.org. Click through to Facebook, Twitter, and especially Flickr for photos from the ribbon cutting:
Bandstand Bluegrass: Wednesdays, July 11 – September 5, 7PM to 9PM
Every Wednesday, gather ’round the bandstand and enjoy free performances from the likes of Jake Speed & The Freddies, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars and many, many more. Whether you’re new to scene or simply a long time fan, Washington Park promises to offer some of the best musical performances you’ve ever experienced! Tomorrow, local bluegrass and ragtime favorite Jake Speed & The Freddies will take to the bandstand from 7PM to 9PM.
Jake Speed & the Freddies make up boxcars full of original Cincinnati songs while reviving the music of legends like Woody Guthrie, Jimmie Rodgers, Elizabeth Cotten, and Jesse Fuller. The Freddies’ travels aboard the Cincinnati music scene have landed them many high profile shows, including opening sets for national acts such as Ralph Stanley, Yonder Mountain String Band, Chris Hillman of The Byrds, Over-the-Rhine and Jay Bennett (from the band, Wilco).
A special thanks to our presenting sponsor Social Venture Partners Cincinnati. Be sure to visit www.washingtonpark.org for more details, including a full band lineup!
Jazz in the Park: Thursdays, July 12 – September 6, 7PM to 9PM
From 7PM to 9PM every Thursday night, Washington Park will be filled with the sounds of sweet, soulful Jazz. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, or simply take a seat and enjoy–Jazz in the Park will have something special waiting just for you.
On Thursday night, Jazz aficionados can enjoy performances from the one and only Chris Comer Quintet, featuring Scott Snyder and Terry Twitty, along with a special guest performance from ISWHAT?!’s Napoleon Maddox. The Chris Comer Trio is a fender-rhodes based jazz group led by pianist, composer and former talk show host Chris Comer.
ISWHAT?! has released several CDs featuring both local artists (Chris Comer on keyboards) and internationally acclaimed musicians such as Hamid Drake and Melvin Gibbs. The group continues to tour internationally and Napoleon Maddox is one of the most effective musical ambassadors from Cincinnati traveling the globe and collaborating with a myriad of noteworthy musicians.
A special thanks to presenting sponsor Community Shares. Be sure to sure to check back for more information, including a detailed band schedule.
Friday Flow: Fridays, July 13 – September 7, 7PM to 10PM
Every Friday night, the silky sounds of R&B and Neo Soul will take over Washington Park. You can get up and dance, or simply sit back and enjoy as local and national performers take to the stage delight the crowd with their smooth moves and soulful voices. Each night will feature a unique combination of local, national and regional acts.
Neo-Soul sensation, Dwele, is set to take the stage this Friday. A major player in the contemporary soul music of today, Dwele has collaborated and with everyone from Earth Wind & Fire (“That’s The Way of the World”) and Common (“The People”) to Slum Village (“Tainted”) and Kanye West (“Flashing Lights”)—many of which have spawned a number of memorable hits. Remember, this is a FREE concert, and everyone is welcome!
This Friday night, you can also expect performances from Under New Orders, Darris Sneed & The Pulse, as well as DJ’s from “Selecta’s Choice”, featuring DJ Rare Groove, DJ Apryl Reign & DJ Pillo). Mahogany’s will also be the in the park, serving of up some of their delicious soul food combinations.
A special thanks to our presenting sponsor Procter & Gamble and to our media partner, Radio One.
City Flea: Saturday, July 14, 10AM to 4PM
Now that the park is open, it’s time to make way for City Flea! The City Flea is a place for the city’s countless creative minds and skilled hands to share what they are working on or collecting. The flea serves as a venue for social interaction amongst the already burgeoning local community of entrepreneurs, artists, and enthusiasts. It is a new common space for city dwellers who are strolling after brunch, walking the dog, thirsty for coffee, hungry for lunch, on their way to Findlay Market, or just looking for someplace to hang out.
This Saturday, July 14, from 10AM to 4PM, you favorite urban flea market will make its way to Washington Park. Whether you are a collector, looking to browse, or a simply curious, City Flea is sure to have something that will pique your interest. For more information regarding City Flea, visit www.thecityflea.com.
Curiosity Saturday: Saturdays, July 7 – September 1, 12PM to 2PM
Curiosity Saturdays will feature a variety of FREE interactive programs designed foster children’s creativity, feed their curiosity, and expose them to the many wonders of nature in a unique, urban setting. Parents and children alike can expect appearances from organizations like the Cincinnati Museum’s “Pompei” Program, Cincinnati Park’s “Explore Nature” Progam, the Cincinnati Public Library, and many more.
This Saturday, Happen Inc, will host one of their “creative experience” session in the Children’s Playground. Each session is designed to increase art awareness, stimulate children’s creativity, and promote “family time” between parents and their children.
A special thanks to our presenting sponsor Fifth Third Bank and to our supporting sponsor Procter & Gamble.
Date Night: July 14 – September 1, 9PM to 11PM
Date night is coming to Washington Park! If you’re looking for a new way to spend quality time with your special someone, then look no further than the park! Every Saturday from now until September, couples are invited to lay down their blankets, curl up on the Civic Lawn and enjoy a one-of-a-kind date night. A new flick will be featured each night, which means you can expect everything from big-name blockbusters to well-known classics.
This week, Washington Park’s Date Night will feature a screening of the guy-friendly Captain America. Visit www.washingtonpark.org for the full Date Night movie schedule.
