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Carnival games, hay rides, face painting and more are in the lineup at North Cincinnati Church’s annual Family Fall Festival.

The free event is set for 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Mason church, 6170 Irwin Simpson Road.

Kids can enjoy free balloons, a cake walk and win tickets to trade in for prizes, while parents can bid in a silent auction on hand-crafted items.  Free food and food for purchase will be offered.

The Deerfield Township Fire Department will also have one of the department’s trucks on-site for display.

Children and adults are invited to wear non-scary costumes.  A live concert begins at 7 p.m.; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The church can be reached at 513-229-0190 or online at www.northcincy.org.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: concert, event, family fall festival, free, mason, north cincinnati church

School of Rock is planning a whole lotta Led Zeppelin at two concerts this month.

Twenty-two students from the Mason music school will perform a tribute to the ’70s rock band at two venues in September. The first concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at the school’s Sonic Boom Room, 755 Reading Road, Mason.

A second concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 at 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley.

The show, which is being billed as a “full-on rock concert,” is the culmination of three months of rehearsals and private lessons by students who hail from Mason, Lakota, Kings, Sycamore and Cincinnati Country Day schools.

“Preparing for this show has been an awesome experience for our kids,” said school owner Tim Garry. “Led Zeppelin is a wonderful teaching show because the music is great and each part is challenging given that the four band mates rank among the best in rock on each of their instruments. From what I can tell from rehearsals, we have a tremendously good show on our hands.”

It’s the second concert performed by the school since it opened in Mason in April. The first concert, which featured music by Black Sabbath and The Rolling Stones, attracted more than 250 people.

“I was surprised by how good these kids are,” said Tracy Hanna, the mother of a student drummer who attended earlier shows. “When they are at their best they can rival most adult bands playing in Cincinnati.”

Tickets are $7 for both shows. Purchase online at www.cincyticket.com or at the door. For more information, call School of Rock at 513-770-125 or go http://mason.schoolofrock.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: 20th century theatre, concert, led zeppelin, mason, oakley, rock, school of rock, show, sonic boom room, tim garry

The Cincinnati Christian Community Theatre will perform “Some Enchanted Evening” this weekend at Grace Chapel in Mason.

Selections include numbers from Broadway hits and film and will include solos, small group and large production numbers with dancing. The troupe is a ministry of Grace Chapel.

Tickets are $10. Proceeds benefit the church’s Back2Back Ministry, which helps local and international charitable causes.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the church, 406 4th Ave., Mason. Purchase tickets online at www.seatyourself.com or call 513-755-2338.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: back2back ministry, cincinnati christian community theatre, concert, grace chapel, performance, some enchanted evening

The sounds of the 1960s return Sunday as the latest in Mason’s Sunshine concert series kicks off.

Aftermath: Experience the ’60s will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. that evening at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road.

The high-energy Cleveland-area band performs popular hits from bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Turtles, The Doors, and The Monkees in authentic period dress.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.  Refreshments will be available for purchase from Culver’s Mobile Custard Cart.

• Sunshine Concert series schedule

The Sunshine Concert series features free weekly concerts at different venues in the city through Aug. 19.  All concerts start at 6 p.m.  For more information, call the City of Mason at 513-229-8500 or go to www.imaginemason.org.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: aftermath, aftermath experience the 60s, concert, free, mason municipal center, sunshine concert series

Midnight Special entertains the crowd as the Saturday night headliner during Sharon Fest, the celebration of charities featured food, music and games.

The band Midnight Special will headline this weekend’s Sunshine Concert series.

The free concert kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Golf Center at Kings Island, 6042 Fairway Drive, Mason.

A Family Field Day in celebration of National Parks and Recreation Month begins at 4 p.m. that day.  Activities include an obstacle course, 3-legged race and other family games.

The local classic rock band will perform hits of the 70′s and 80′s.  Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.  Parking is available in the tennis stadium lot at the end of the Sports Center Complex Drive off Fairway Drive.

• Sunshine Concert series schedule

The Sunshine Concert series features free weekly concerts at different venues in the city through Aug. 19.  All concerts start at 6 p.m.  For more information, call the City of Mason at 513-229-8500 or go to www.imaginemason.org.

Posted in: Community, Events |

Tags: Tags: city of mason, concert, family field day, free, golf center at kings island, mason, midnight special, national parks and recreation month, sunshine concert series

The band Switchfoot is one of many acts to perform this weekend at SpiritSong. The Christian music concert series runs Thursday through Saturday at Kings Island. Photo provided

Some of the biggest acts in Christian and Gospel music will converge in Mason today through Saturday at the annual SpiritSong concert series at Kings Island.

Now in its 19th year, SpiritSong uses an amusement park setting to present a soul-searching message from top contemporary Christian acts, including TobyMac, RED, Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Third Day, Needtobreathe and Owl City, plus nationally known speakers.

“We bring in an astounding lineup of Christian music talent and speakers,” said Richard Young, director of operations for Premier Festivals, the event’s sponsor.  “People look forward to having fun, fellowship and worship in a unique atmosphere with all that the park has to offer, too.”

• View SpiritSong’s three-day lineup 

Cost: $48.99 for one day, $66.99 for two days or $76.99 for three days. Tickets include admission to Kings Island, Soak City Waterpark and the performances in the Timberwolf Amphitheatre.

Information: 800-965-9324, www.spiritsongfest.com.

Posted in: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Events, Kings Island, Recreational events, Religion |

Tags: Tags: christian, concert, jeremy camp, kings island, mason, music, needtobreathe, owl city, series, spirit song, SpiritSong, switchfoot, third day, tickets, tobymac

The Mason Sunshine Concert series kicks off July 15 at Corwin M. Nixon Park.

The six-week “On the Road Musical Journey” series features free weekly concerts at different venues in the city.  All concerts start at 6 p.m.

My Sister Sarah will perform ’90s favorites at the July 15 concert.  Admission to the Lou Eves Municipal Pool is half off after 5 p.m.

Here’s the concert schedule:

July 22: Midnight Special (’70s and ’80s music)
Golf Center at Kings Island, 6042 Fairway Drive, Mason

July 29: Ground Floor (’70s music)
211 Kings Mills Road, Mason

Aug. 5: Aftermath (’60s music)
Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason

Aug. 12: Parrots of the Caribbean (Jimmy Buffet tribute band)
Corwin M. Nixon Park, 6249 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason

Aug. 19: JAB (cover rock band)
Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at each venue and each concert will feature an “interactive” intermission.  Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

For more information, call the City of Mason at 513-229-8500 or go to www.imaginemason.org.

Posted in: Community, Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: aftermath, city of mason, concert, corwin m. nixon park, free, ground floor, jab, lou eves pool, mason, midnight special, music, my sister sarah, parrots of the caribbean, sunshine concert series

Them Bones, an award-winning Blues band, will perform a free concert Sunday at Landen Deerfield Park. File photo

From the Beach Boys’ 50th Anniversary Tour to Goettafest and the Juneteenth Festival, there’s lots going on in Greater Cincinnati this week.  Here’s a look at fun and free events going on this weekend closer to home in the Mason area.

June 15: Cincinnati Pops Community Concert
6:30 p.m., Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, 585 North S.R. 741, Lebanon.
Sponsored by the Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance, the concert features the Northern Cininnati Youth Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops performing popular favorites.
Free.  513-309-8585 | More information

June 15: Bob Crawford
7 p.m., Kings Island Golf Center, 6042 Fairway Drive, Mason
Solo acoustic covers of popular rock music from the 60′s to the present.
Free.  513-573-3321

June 15-16: Bare photography exhibit
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Saturday
Pop Revolution Gallery, 105 East Main Street, Mason
Philippe Jardin, Mason photographer and South African native, showcases sampling of his fine art, which highlights what he says are his two great passions: people and photography.
Free. 513-492-7474 | More information

A young student runs his finger along the mosaic as he head down the hall way at the Mason Heights Elementary that will close this summer. The famed, homemade and colorful mosaics created by students starting in 2005 adorn the outside and inside of the 45-year-old school are the concern of many during this historic consolidation of schools. The Enquirer/ Tony Jones

June 16: Men’s Wellness Day
9 a.m. to noon, Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason.
Sports nutrition and nutritional supplements advice, nerve and muscle assessments, spinal posture analysis, product samples and fitness advice.
Free. 513-229-8555 | More information

June 16: Mason Heights Community Celebration
2-4 p.m., 200 Northcrest Drive, Mason.
Celebrate the school’s 45 year history with special historical displays.
Free.  513-398-0474, option 7.

June 17: Landen Deerfield Park Concert Series
6-8 p.m., Landen Deerfield Park, 2258 US 22/Ohio 3, Maineville.
Them Bones, an award-winning Blues band will perform.
Free. 513-339-1390.

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

Tags: Tags: art, bare, bob crawford, cincinnati pops community concert, community celebration, concert, concert seires, exhibit, free, kings island golf center, landen-deerfield park, lebanon, mason, mason community center, mason heights, mason-deerfield arts alliance, men's wellness day, mosaics, northern cincinnati youth orchestra, otterbein senior lifestyle choices, philippe jardin, photography, pop revolution gallery, them bones

Bass Instructor Chris Barlow and student drummer Travis Hanna practice in a band rehearsal room at School of Rock. The Mason music school will hold its Spring Concert on May 25, 2012. . Photo provided

After opening in April, School of Rock is ready to rock out its first concert.

The Mason performance-based music school will hold its Spring Show at 7:30 p.m. today at 755 Reading Road.

Students of all ages will perform music of the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, the Ramones and the Zombies, among others.

• School of Rock opens in Mason
• Photos: School of Rock

The Mason opening marks the first Cincinnati area location and third Ohio outpost for the national music education chain.  Franchise owner Tim Garry says he plans to open additional locations in Cincinnati in the next five years.

The company operates more than 80 schools in 26 states and Mexico.

The youth-driven school inspired the 2003 movie, “School of Rock, about a wannabe rocker who poses as a substitute teacher and tries to turn his class into rock stars.

School of Rock sets itself apart from more traditional music schools by giving students the chance to perform on stage in front of live audiences, says Garry.

“A lot of kids will not thrive in private lessons because they find it boring,” Garry explained.  ”Here, we believe the best way to learn music is to play music.  It becomes much more engaging for (students) and they’re more likely to stick with it.”

“It’s essentially team sports for the arts,” he added.

The concert will be held in the school’s Sonic Boom Room, a 1,600-square-foot performance space with professional stage, sound and lighting equipment.  The 5,000-square-foot facility also boasts seven lesson rooms, two band rehearsal room and a recording studio.

The school will hold a repeat performance Saturday at Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Avenue, Northside.  Doors open at 5 .m.; the show starts at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $7 to both concerts.  For more information, call 513-770-1257 or go to mason.schoolofrock.com.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: concert, mason, music, northside tavern, rock, school of rock, spring show, tim garry

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