MasonBuzz.com

The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 194 will hold an all-you-can-eat Bluegrass breakfast Saturday at the Mason American Legion, 401 Reading Road.

The buffet-style breakfast boasts all the traditional favorites, including bacon, eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, goetta, hash browns and sausage.

Proceeds from the event help find programs supported by the squadron, including Child Welfare, the Children’s Miracle Network, Buckeye Boys State and to support veterans and their families.

Cost is $8. For more information, call Jerry Behymer at 513-519-7595 or email behymerg@aol.com

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: american legion, breakfast, buckeye boys state, charity, child welfare, children's miracle network, mason, sone of the american legion, squadron 194, veterans

The Donauschwaben Dancers perform at Findlay Market. Schwabenfest 2012 will be held May 11-12 at Donauschwaben Park in Colerain Township. Photo provided by Shelley Drury.

Have any plans for the weekend yet? From the All-American Rejects to Titanic the Musical to the Newport Jazz Festival, there is plenty going on around Greater Cincinnati. Here are some ideas to get you started.

May 10: This American Life — Live!
8 p.m., screenings at multiple theaters. Host Ira Glass and contributors present stories, plus things you could never do on the radio. Stories by David Rakoff, Glynn Washington and Tig Notaro, a new short film by Mike Birbiglia, music by OK Go, dance by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, and others. Broadcasting from the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. $20. To find a theater near you, call 513-770-0713 or visit www.fathomevents.com.

May 11: 4EGSquare
5-10 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Visit all nine 4EG bars at one location. 4EG venues include: aliveOne, KeyStone Bar & Grill (Covington and Hyde Park), the Lackman, the Stand, Mt Adams Pavilion, the Righteous Room, the Sandbar and Tap & Go. Music by Bad Veins and DJ Matt Joy. Includes food and giveaways. Family friendly. Free. 513-721-0083; www.myfountainsquare.com.

May 11-12: Schwabenfest 2012
6-11:30 p.m. Friday, 4-11:30 p.m. Saturday. Donauschwaben Park, 4290 Dry Ridge Road, Colerain Township. German-style festival with Gemuetlichkeit, cash bar, music and dancing. Homemade sausage dinners and desserts. $3. Through May 12. 513-385-2098; www.donauschwaben.com.

May 11-13: Appalachian Festival at Coney
9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township. Artisans, crafts, dance and food vendors. Storytelling and bluegrass music entertainment. Frugal Friday half-price admission (free under ages 3). $8, $4 ages 55 and up, $2 ages 4-11, free ages 3 and under. Parking: $6. Through May 13. 513-251-3378; www.appalachianfestival.org.

May 12: 500 Miles to Memphis
9 p.m., Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. Doors open 8 p.m. $10. 859-491-2444; www.madisontheateronline.com

May 12-13: Newport, KY Jazz Festival
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-6:30 p.m. Sunday. Festival Park Newport, Riverboat Row, Newport. Inaugural year of festival. Beverages available. Saturday: Traditional Jazz featuring Old Green Eyes at noon. Latin jazz featuring Monk River at 3:30 p.m. Modern jazz featuring Cincy Brass at 7 p.m. Sunday: Vocal and orchestral jazz featuring Sound Body at noon. Big band jazz featuring the Blue Wisp Band at 3:30 p.m. One day: $10-$15 VIP, $5-$10 lawn. Two days: $20 VIP, $12 lawn. 859-815-1389; www.newportonthelevee.com.

May 12: Women’s Health Expo
10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown. “Skinny-tinis” by vitaminwater, lululemon fashion shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., vendors, seminars and free health screenings. Presented by Cincy Chic. http://ccwomenshealth.eventbrite.com

May 12: Bella Vite E&J Gallo Wine Tasting
5-10 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown. Vast assortment of local, national and international wines starting at $1. Ages 18 and up. Free admission. 513-763-8036; www.myfountainsquare.com.

May 13: All-American Rejects
8 p.m., Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. Doors open 7:30 p.m. $25-$27; plus fees. 800-745-3000; www.livenation.com.

Through May 13: Les Miserables
8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25-year anniversary production of Boublil and Schonberg’s legendary musical with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Sign-interpreted performance. For details, call 513-241-2345. Presented by Broadway Across America. $27.50-$97.50. 513-621-2787; www.cincinnatiarts.org.

Through May 19: May Festival

The 2012 Cincinnati May Festival will take place on May 11-12 and May 18-19 at Music Hall in Cincinnati, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, and on May 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1140 Madison Ave., Covington. Ages 18 and up. Reservations required for all performances. 513-381-3300; www.mayfestival.com

Friday: 8-10 p.m., Music Hall. Festival opens with Stabat Mater, stirring portrait of Mary as she grieves for her son, Jesus, and Te Deum, hymn of thanksgiving and praise, from Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces. Mood shifts from sacred to profane with Orff’s popular Carmina Burana. $25 and up.

Saturday: 8-10 p.m., Music Hall. Two French works starting with celebrated Gloria by Poulenc. Followed by Durufle’s Requiem, which established the composer as a significant French composer. $25 and up.

Sunday: 8-9:30 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. May Festival Youth Chorus opens concert. James Conlon opens May Festival Chorus portion with remaining two a cappella works from Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces. $35.

Through May 19: Titanic the Musical
Performance times vary. Aronoff Center, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Commemorate 100th anniversary of ill-fated voyage by meeting individuals who played integral part in tragic event: officers, crew and passengers from all classes. Presented by Cincinnati Music Theatre. $22; $20 seniors, military and students. 513-621-2787; www.cincinnatiarts.org.

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: 4egsquare, 500 miles to memphis, all-american rejects, appalachian festival, aronoff center, bella vite, cincinnati, coney island, downtown, e&J gallo wine tasting, fountain square, german, ira glass, les miserables, may festival, music hall, newport ky jazz festival, schwabenfest, the phoenix, this american life, titanic the musical, women's health expo

Harry Jackson, 3, gets help making a spiral sandwich from his mom Sandra during the Half Pint kids club at Whole Foods market in Deerfield Township on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. The kids made the sandwiches using wraps, cream cheese, basil, and tomatoes. The Enquirer/Leigh Taylor

Looking for things to do close to home this weekend?  From football to fiestas, here’s what’s happening in Mason this weekend.

Half Pints Kids Club
10 a.m., Saturday, May 5
Whole Foods Market Mason, 5805 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Township

Interactive class introduces children to new foods through crafts and games.  Free.  513-398-9358; www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/mason.

Preserving the Harvest: Berry Canning Class
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Whole Foods Market Mason, 5805 Deerfield Blvd., Deerfield Township

Lindsey, with CrunchySavings.com, teaches how to make berry jams and jellies from your harvest at home.  Cost: $5.  Reservations required.  513-398-9358; www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/mason.

Cincinnati Gridiron Kids Open House
Noon Saturday, May 5
Wall2Wall Soccer, 846 Reading Road, Mason

Learn more about the organization’s educational football program for children ages 3-7 and take a free class.  Free.  513-340-3335;  www.cincinnatigridironkids.com.

Back2Back Cinco de Mayo Family Reunion
4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Grace Chapel, 406 4th Ave., Mason

This free festive celebration features an afternoon of games, food, music and children’s activities.  Guest speakers and Back2Back directors Todd and Beth Guckenberger will share ministry updates from Back2Back sites. A cookout-style dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m.  Free.  513-754-0333; www.grace-chapel.com.

Cincinnati Civic Orchestra Spring Concert
3-5 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Christ’s Church at Mason, 5165 Western Row Road, Mason

Joel Payne, trumpet soloist, performs Concerto in C Minor by B. Marcello. Selections: Variations on America by Charles Ives, Kismet Overture by A. Borodin, Symphony No. 7, the Great by Franz Schubert.  Free.  513-861-9978.

Posted in: Community, Events, Health & Fitness, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: back2back cinco de mayo family reunion, canning, christ's church at mason, cincinnati civic orchestra, cincinnati gridiron kids, concert, crunchsavings, deerfield township, events, family, grace chapel, half print kids club, mason, open house, wall2wall soccer, whole foods market mason, workshop

Cincinnati Gridiron Kids will hold an open house event at noon Saturday at Wall2Wall Soccer in Mason.

The organization for children ages 3-7 will offer a free class at noon that day.  The program helps children learn the game of football in a non-contact and non-competitive environment.

The spring program, which is held at noon on Saturdays, begins Saturday and runs through June 16.  Cost is $65 for the six-week program.

The event is free and open to the community.  Wall2Wall Soccer is at 846 Reading Road.  For more information, call 513-340-3335 or go to www.cincinnatigridironkids.com.

Posted in: Events, Health & Fitness, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: cincinnati gridiron kids, class, football, free class, mason, open house, wall2wall soccer, youth

The Cincinnati Christian Community Theatre will hold auditions this weekend for “Beauty and the Beast, Jr” at Grace Chapel in Mason.

Auditions are open to youth ages 8-19.  Those auditioning should prepare 16-32 measures of a Broadway-style song and will be asked to do a cold reading from the script.  A dance audition is required for all parts except for the children’s chorus.

Saturday audition hours:

•  10-11:30 a.m. – Children’s chorus (ages 8-11)
• 12-3 p.m. – Ages 12 and older; 2 sessions offered from noon-2 p.m. or 1-3 p.m.

Sunday audition hours:

• 1-2 p.m. – Children’s chorus (ages 8-11)
• 2-5 p.m. – Ages 12 and older; 2 sessions offered from 2-4 p.m. or 3-5 p.m.

Auditions will also be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 11 and from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 12 for youth ages 12 and older.

Performances will be held July 26-29 at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.

Grace Chapel is at 406 Fourth Ave. in Mason.  Download audition forms and information online at www.triplect.com.  For more information, email ghart@fuse.net or call 513-779-4849.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: auditions, beauty and the beast, cincinnati community christian theatre, drama, grace chapel, jr., play, youth

The touring cast of "Mamma Mia" in 2009. Photo provided

The Enquirer

It’s almost Friday — which means it’s almost the weekend! Do you have any plans yet? Between Mamma Mia at the Aronoff Center, the opening of ‘Avengers,’ the Flying Pig Marathon and the Kentucky Derby, there’s a ton to do. Here are our best bets, along with showtimes, ticket information, party ideas and more.

Through May 6: Mamma Mia
8 p.m., Aronoff Center, Procter & Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown.
Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.  • Official site | Get tickets

May 4: ‘The Avengers’ opens
• ‘Avengers’ shoots for superhero spectacle | Teaser trailer  | • Photos: On the set  | • Showtimes

May 4-5: Essex Studios Art Walk
6-11 p.m., Essex Studios, 2511 Essex Place, Walnut Hills.
Features an Enjoy the Arts visual arts tour, origami flower installation with 1,000-plus blooms, flower gardens created by Cincinnati Bombshells, juried art exhibition and 120-plus local artists presenting variety of artwork.   Family friendly. Free. 513-476-2170 | More information

May 5: Kentucky Derby
8 a.m., Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., Louisville.
Called the “greatest two minutes in sports.” Patrons have access to the paddock area, the Gate 10 corridor and the infield.
Kentucky Oaks 138th run at 5:45 p.m. $25-$40. 502-636-4400 | • Derby has 21 horses entered | More information

May 5: Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar opens
•Event page | • Bourbon’s splash  |  • More information |  Bourbon cocktail recipes

May 5: Free Comic Book Day
11 a.m.-7 p.m., Comic Book World, Inc., 7130 Turfway Road, Florence.
More than two million comic books to be given away by participating stores, introducing as many people as possible to the wonders of comic books. Every customer able to choose from a selection of free comics. Sword swallowing and other stunts by Travis Fessler from the Pickled Brothers Circus. Black-n-Bluegrass Roller Girls will sign autographs, pose for pictures and skate around assisting guests picking a comic. | More information

May 5: Crafty Supermarket Spring Show
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3711 Clifton Ave., Clifton.
Features 50 crafters, live DJ, craft demos, treats and more. Family friendly. Free. 513-541-2394  |  More information

May 5: Laugh Till it Hurts Comedy Show
8 p.m., Cintas Center, Xavier University, 1624 Herald Ave., Evanston.
Scheduled to appear: Arnez J., Earthquake, Gary Owen and Aries Spears.  | • Gary Owen: Think Funny  |• Get tickets

May 5: Clay Alliance Spring Pottery Fair
11 a.m.-5 p.m., DeSales Corner, Woodburn Avenue and Madison Road, East Walnut Hills.
Selection of pottery, from functional wares to decorative art pieces, created by more than 60 clay artists.  Includes artist demos, children’s activities, music from Jake Speed and the Freddies and more. Rain or shine. 513-777-1559  | • More information

May 5-6: Cincy Cinco Fiesta
Noon-11 p.m., Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown.
Authentic Latin American food, art, vendors, exhibitors, music, dancing and children’s activities. Benefits local charities that support the Hispanic population. Free. 513-721-3555  | More information | • More party spots

May 5-6: Civic Garden Center Plant Sale
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, 2715 Reading Road, Avondale.
Thousands of plants from 14 booths offering a wide variety of annuals, perennials, bloomers, climbers, herbs and hard to find plants. Special vendors will be available.  Lunch from Cafe de Wheels available. Benefits Civic Garden Center. Free. 513-221-0981.  |• More information

May 6: An Evening With Elie Wiesel
7 p.m., Cintas Center, Xavier University, 1624 Herald Ave., Evanston.
With Holocaust survivor, Nobel Peace Prize winner and author of “Night.” $35-$50 preferred seating, $20, $5 students. 513-487-3055  | More information

May 6: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
6:30 a.m., Downtown Cincinnati, Downtown Cincinnati, Downtown.
Marathon, half-marathon, four-person relay runs and Pump N’ Run. Wheelchair start 6:25 a.m. Free samples of low-fat chocolate milk at Yeatman’s Cove finish line.   Post-race party at Yeatman’s Cove lawn stage, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Part of Flying Pig Marathon Weekend.   Registration available at P&G Health & Fitness Expo at Duke Energy Convention Center on May 5. $10-$500. Registration required. 513-721-7447 |  More information

May 6: Tri-State Antique Market
7 a.m.-3 p.m., Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, U.S. 50 and Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg.
Indiana’s largest antique and vintage collectible market. Nearly 250 dealers selling early American to mid-century modern and everything in between.  Rain or shine. Early Birds, 6 a.m. Family friendly. First of season. $3. 513-738-7256  | • More information

May 5: Cinco de Mayo TurnUp
1-5 p.m., Blue Wisp Jazz Club, 700 Race St., Downtown.
Day party at Blue Wisp: Music by DJ HD. $1 shots of Patron. Women 18 and up. Men 21 and up.   Followed by UC Programs and Activities Council Spring Concert at University of Cincinnati, featuring Big Boi and Kendrick Lamar.   ADHD follows at Mixx Ultralounge at 10 p.m. with DJ Etrayn and DJ Bandcamp.  | • Event page | • More information

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: an evening with elie wiesel, aronoff center, blue wisp jazz club, cincinnati, cincinnati flying pig marathon, cinco de mayo turnup, cincy cinco fiesta, civic garden center plant sale, clay alliance spring pottery fair, comic book world, crafty supermarket, essex studio art walk, free comic book day, kentucky derby, laugh till it hurts comedy show, mamma mia, old kentucky bourbon bar, the avengers, tri-state antique market

The Children’s Theatre of Mason will stage “Camp Rock” May 11-13 at Mason High School.

The high-energy production is based on the Disney Channel’s hit movies, Camp Rock and Camp Rock II, The Final Jam, and features dozens of original songs from both the original movie and the sequel.

Directed by Dirk Doebereiner, the production revolves around the beloved Camp Rock’s battle for survival against the glitzy new Camp Star.

“If you loved Disney’s “High School Musical” or are a fan of “Glee,” you will love this production of Disney’s Camp Rock,” said CTM President Karen Kilgore.

“We have such a talented cast, and there are so many themes that will strike a chord with our audience: overcoming obstacles, boy meets girl, pretending to be someone you’re not, to name a few. As always there’s sure to be a few surprises for the audience. It’s a great show.”

Tickets are $11 and are available at the door, by phone at 513-398-0116, by email at tickets@childrenstheatreofmason.com or via Paypal (with a $1 surcharge) at www.childrenstheatreofmason.com.

Moms get free admission on Mother’s Day with a paid admission.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  CTM will partner with the Mason Middle School Mentoring Program to collect donations of non-perishable “snack food” items.  Monetary donations are also accepted.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Events |

Tags: Tags: arts, camp rock, children's theatre of mason, dirk doebereiner, disnet, drama, karen kilgore, mason high school, play

The Warren County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is kicking off a month-long social media promotion to some of the county’s top attractions.

In honor of Celebrate Ohio Tourism Month, WCCVB will offer 31 prizes in 31 days during the month of May.

To enter, “like” WCCVB’s Facebook page and check back daily for new prize offerings, which include:

• 2 traditional tour passes at Ozone Zipline Adventures
• 2 tickets to Kings Island
• 2 family passes (4 adults, 2 children) to the LM&M Railroad
• 2 canoe 6-mile excursion at Morgan’s Outdoor Adventures
• Dinner for 2 at Valley Vineyards

Winners will be notified by email and announced on Facebook.  Prizes and winners will also be announced on WCCVB’s Twitter page (@WarrenCountyOH) and via the hashtag #31prizes.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: 31 prizes, contest, facebook, giveaway, kings island, lm&m railroad, morgan's outdoor canoe adventures, ozone zipline adventures, twitter, valley vineyards, warren county, warren county convention and visitor's bureau, wccvb

Josh Eagle and the Harvest City will play Friday at Mainstay Rock Bar, 301 W. Fifth St., Downtown. From left: Jeremy Smart, Josh Eagle, Tommy Cappel and Mark Becknell. / Provided/Thomas E. Smith

The Enquirer

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: antique market, aronoff center, chubby checker, cincinnati, cincinnati reds, cincinnati zoo, elie weisel, ensemble theatre of cincinnati, flying pig marathon, latin festival, mamma mia, mason, pilobolus, tom rhodes, zoo blooms

Sue Kiesewetter reports:

Law enforcement agencies across the region are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Dozens of police agencies in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are providing sites today for community members to drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

“Prescription drug abuse is a major epidemic across the country and DEA is committed to reducing the potential for misuse by providing a safe and secure method for Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications,” said Michele M. Leonhart, DEA administrator.

This is the fourth national turn-in day since the program began in September 2010.

Nearly a million pounds – almost 500 tons – of prescription drugs were collected during the first three take-back days.

Drop off prescription tablets, capsules and pills between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Mason Fire Station 51, 4420 Mason-Montgomery Road.

Drugs can be turned in with no questions asked.  Labels can be soaked off or residents can black out names and prescription numbers.

Other regional drop-off locations are listed at cincinnati.com.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: dea, drive, drug abuse, mason fire station 51, national prescription drug take-back day