A Legacy of Passion and Purpose: Cheryl Coy Stamm's Journey with Memorial Hall

Before Cheryl had even seen a concert at Memorial Hall, before she had taken a seat in its historic theater, she felt something resonate deeply within her. “I was running a business incubator—Bad Girl Ventures—that hosted events in Memorial Hall,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I could be a part of that.’ Although, it wasn’t even about the music at first. It was the building. The energy. The potential.”

That sense of potential quickly transformed into action.

FINDING A PLACE—AND A PURPOSE

Cheryl’s involvement with Memorial Hall began with a phone call out of the blue. “Bill Baumann reached out,” she says. “We kind of knew each other from the [Cincinnati] Art Museum. He was looking for new board members to step in for those retiring in 2012.”

At the time, she hadn’t even attended a concert at the venue. That changed with Rosanne Cash. “The acoustics were amazing. It was unbelievable.”

Still, her early focus remained squarely on the business side. “We brought in a strategic planner and honed in on our mission. It had to be formalized to succeed. That planning process helped deepen our relationship with 3CDC and led us to identify how to put the right people in the right roles.”

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE HALL

When asked what made her fall in love with Memorial Hall, Cheryl lights up. “The intimacy of the theater was so beautiful. Even before it was remodeled, I remember going up the stairs and thinking—there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. That feeling never left.”

That emotional connection, coupled with her business acumen, fueled her years of dedicated service. But she’s quick to admit the programming didn’t always match her personal tastes.

“I’m a rocker,” she laughs. “I love heavy rock. American roots music? Not really my jam. I was honest about that from the start. I wasn’t going to attend all seven or eight concerts a year. But I could still promote Memorial Hall and its preservation. That was where I felt I could contribute most.”

PIVOTAL MOMENTS AND FORWARD MOMENTUM

Among the most impactful decisions during her tenure was the introduction of a strategic plan. “You have to formalize things to be successful,” she says. “That clarity helped us work better with 3CDC, align the board, and plan for the long-term health of the building and organization.”

Cheryl outlines a bold vision for Memorial Hall’s future, centered on three major phases:

1. Roof Restoration – Securing the physical structure of the building.

2. New CRM System – Investing in tools that support deeper engagement and data-driven growth.

3. Sustainable Endowment Planning – Building a fund for perpetuity that supports ongoing growth and artistic excellence.

And of course, more concerts. As the relationship grows with 3CDC, the vision to host more concerts, and in turn, reach a larger audience, will be the future.

ADVICE AND A CONTINUED LEGACY

“To this day, I’m still shocked when people say they’ve never heard of Memorial Hall or have never been inside. We need to keep getting the word out.”

Though she’s now officially a trustee emeritus, Cheryl remains deeply connected. “I look forward to mentoring. I still care about what’s going on at the Hall. I love the venue.”

She’s also continuing her work in the community—as President of the Board for the Cancer Vaccine Coalition and through her involvement with the Art Museum. “It’s time to give back,” she says simply. Thank you, Cheryl, and congratulations on being named Trustee Emeritus!

—Kyle Fugate

Cincinnati Gives 2024 Challenge

The Cincinnati Gives Challenge is a friendly fundraising competition whereby local charities compete to raise the most money, with the top teams winning cash prizes from Cincinnati Magazine. We’re back at it this year and looking for your support! The 2024 challenge runs from December 2 at 5 p.m. through December 12 at 5 p.m.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join the “Friends & Founders of the Longworth-Anderson Series” and be part of the exciting story of Cincinnati’s multi-genre, contemporary music series featuring Grammy Award-winning talent at beautiful, historic Memorial Hall.

Receptions Set the Tone for a Wonderful Longworth-Anderson Series Evening

That $40 Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) concert ticket you just bought gets you a lot more than seeing a fantastic artist at one of Cincinnati’s most intimate concert halls.

That’s because LAS pre-concert receptions at Memorial Hall include regional performers and enough food for a delicious dinner provided by Ollie’s Trolley and N.Y.P.D. Pizza! Want to taste some craft beer? Yes, that’s included too, courtesy of HighGrain Brewing Co.

Eating out in Over-the-Rhine for less than $25 per person is practically impossible, so the notion of terrific entertainment and a meal built into your ticket price is especially appealing.

“We try to match the food to the type of music that night,” says Ollie’s Trolley owner and chef Marvin Smith. “I like being creative; I don’t like cooking the same thing every day.”

The receptions set the tone for a wonderful evening, an “amuse-bouche” for the ears and taste buds before the main event. "The LAS receptions make the concerts feel like an intimate shared experience and really differentiate Memorial Hall from other venues,” said one concert-goer. "I very much appreciated the pre-concert reception. It gave me an opportunity to meet some of the area’s proprietors and sample some delicious considerations.”

Another patron said, “I truly was blown away with everything start to finish. The staff were helpful and warm. The venue was beautiful. The reception was the icing on the cake. I will definitely be back."

Building community, showcasing local vendors and artists, enjoying a small party with your friends, and having the opportunity to meet new friends to share the same experience—all for one low price.

—Scott Seward

LAS is Gold Star Rock Star of the Week at Rockin' the Roebling

The Longworth-Anderson Series is the Gold Star Rock Star at the Rockin’ the Roebling summer concert series tonight at Moerlein Lager House (115 Joe Nuxhall Way). Noah Wotherspoon is performing—LAS fans might remember Noah from his past performance at our Jimmie Vaughan pre-concert reception. Split-the-pot tickets will be sold, with profits benefiting the Longworth-Anderson Series and Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society. Hear some great music and support future Memorial Hall concerts tonight, Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. RSVP here.

Lighting Up Memorial Hall

In 2012, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) led the revitalization of Memorial Hall, resulting in its comprehensive renovation completed in 2016 by the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), CMHS, and Hamilton County. 

Extensive improvements were made to increase audience and performer comfort, modernize amenities, and enhance performances. The renovation included new, larger restroom facilities, a new HVAC system, new and more comfortable seating, the addition of a contemporary catering kitchen, and backstage crossover space for performers.

But there’s always more to be done to preserve this gem of a theater! Although $11.2 million was spent on the renovation, it was not enough to address every aspect of the building. When a structure is more than 110 years old, maintenance must be an ongoing process.

You may have noticed that the light bulbs on the proscenium arch above the stage and the beautiful Tiffany glass chandeliers have been increasingly going dark. Changing these bulbs is not as easy as it may look.

This is a complicated issue with many dimensions:

• Theatrical Tech and Bulbs – Because the theater uses sophisticated technology to dim all of the lights in the theater, it requires a special kind of bulb. Unfortunately, the bulbs that were specified when the renovation was completed have been discontinued. The company Memorial Hall uses for theatrical technology, ETC, has recommended a new combination of lighting dimming system and bulb to maintain high standards.

• Plaster and Sockets – The sockets and wiring inside the proscenium arches are largely the same wiring from 1908. Moreover, the shape of light bulbs was different when they were first installed. The socket depth and plaster rosettes (decorative rings) around each bulb were suited to an elongated bulb. Put simply, modern bulbs can’t reach the recessed obsolete sockets.

• Access to Chandeliers – When the building opened in 1908, a pulley system was used to lower the four Tiffany glass chandeliers to the floor for the light bulbs to be changed. That system disintegrated over time. When the building was renovated, floor-to-ceiling scaffolding was installed to give access to the chandeliers. Without the scaffold, no bulb-changing extension or lift is able to reach these bulbs.

In order to fully light up Memorial Hall:

1) The theater must replace the dimming system for the proscenium and house lighting.
2) Memorial Hall must buy new bulbs that will perform effectively with that system.
3) Scaffolding must be built to access the proscenium.
4) A plasterer must remove the rosettes to allow access to electrical components.
5) An electrician will then install contemporary wiring and light sockets with appropriate depth.
6) The plasterer will reinstall the rosettes.
7) A painter will touch up the areas around the rosettes.
8) A rigger will install a new pulley system to lower the front two chandeliers to the ground to allow them to be changed. An electrician will install a long “tail” of cable to allow the chandeliers to travel.

It is projected that this two-week project will cost approximately $60,000 with the following budget:

Proscenium Arches
New Dimming System: $10,000
New Bulbs: $4,500
Scaffolding: $6,800
Plaster Work: $13,500
Electrical Work: $20,000
Painter: $2,000

Chandeliers
Pulley System: $2,500
Electrical Work: $500

TOTAL: $59,800

Please consider a donation to help keep the proscenium Lights On at Memorial Hall! Even a small gift will go a long way toward ensuring that our treasured venue looks as fantastic as the day it opened nearly 120 years ago.

Donations to nonprofit Memorial Hall are also fully tax-deductible.

Click here to donate online, call the Memorial Hall box office at (513) 977-8838 (Tuesday – Friday, 1-6 p.m.), or mail a check payable to “Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society” to 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall—A Building with a Story

In 1908, The Grand Army of the Republic constructed Hamilton County Memorial Hall as a monument to veterans of the Spanish-American War and Civil War.

Designed by Samuel Hannaford & Sons (who had an extensive resume of designs in Cincinnati, including Music Hall, City Hall, several churches, and other prominent buildings), the hall features marble staircases embellished with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 556-seat proscenium theater. This theater was originally conceived for speeches, but evolved into one of most intimate and acoustically superior venues in the region.

A local sculptor named Clement Barnhorn carved six figures above the exterior doors, each wearing a military uniform representing soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the Spanish-American War.

Memorial Hall also houses a special collection of artwork and artifacts of local civic and military history. More than 40 pieces are on display throughout the building, including the wreath that is said to have adorned Abraham Lincoln's casket when it passed through Columbus, OH. Beautiful murals and Tiffany chandeliers complement the historic theater, along with stenciled murals by Francis Pedretti.

After World War I, Disabled American Veterans was created at Memorial Hall during the organization’s first national caucus. The charity grew to encompass more than a million members with chapters all over the country.

Today, Memorial Hall is located in the heart of a revitalized arts district in Over-the-Rhine. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the venue overlooks Washington Park, and is neighbor to Music Hall, The Transept, the School for Creative and Performing Arts, and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

In 2016, a $11.2 million renovation was completed, a collaboration of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS), the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), and Hamilton County. The renovation allowed for the preservation of the building’s historic character. Additionally, extensive improvements were made to increase audience and performer comfort, modernize amenities, and enhance concerts. The renovations included new, larger restroom facilities, a new HVAC system to accommodate year-round events, new seating, the addition of a contemporary catering kitchen, and backstage crossover space for performers. Memorial Hall is now managed by 3CDC, hosting more than 250 events annually.

When the theater reopened, it was named the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater, in recognition of the prominence of the Anderson and Longworth families in Cincinnati’s history, and the Anderson sisters’ generous contribution to the renovation. Annie and Elizabeth Anderson were sixth-generation Cincinnatians, great-granddaughters of Nicholas Longworth (1783-1863) and Lt. Colonel Richard Clough Anderson (1750-1826).

Brevet Major General Nicholas Longworth Anderson (1838-1892) was Anne and Elizabeth’s great-uncle, and an honored Civil War veteran memorialized by a bronze plaque placed in Memorial Hall following the building’s construction.

With the completion of the renovation, the Longworth-Anderson Series was launched in early 2017 by CMHS. The series features Grammy Award-winning and other nationally recognized performers and bands, showcasing a variety of contemporary music genres including alternative, Americana, bluegrass, blues, country, folk, gospel, hip hop, jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock, soul, and world music. Events that are part of the series provide an entire evening of entertainment including pre-concert receptions with live local music, light bites, and beer & wine tastings from popular regional restaurants, craft beer brewers, and wine distributors.

—Scott Seward

Ohio National Guard's 122nd Army Band Rocks Memorial Hall!

Our nation’s armed forces have some of the finest bands in the world. Since 1944, the Ohio National Guard's 122nd Army Band has carried on that tradition. Members of the unit hail from every corner of Ohio (plus a few other states). The band’s mission, similar to that of all military music ensembles, is to strengthen troop morale and build a positive connection between the public and the National Guard.

You can hear this incredible band free of charge Friday, July 5, 2024, presented by Memorial Hall and the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS). The 122nd utilizes its resources to perform dozens of concerts each year across the state featuring ensembles ranging from the traditional concert band to smaller jazz, pop, and rock groups. The program at Memorial Hall is titled “Rewind to the 80s,” sponsored by Jim & Marilyn Wellinghoff, and presents a smaller rock band.

If you were expecting a bunch of traditional military marches by John Philip Sousa and Broadway music, you will be surprised and enchanted by this throwback program full of neon nostalgia and electrifying hits.

So put down the Gameboy, put on your sweatbands, grab your Walkman, and let's meet at Memorial Hall! You bring the big hair and a fanny pack full of quarters for the arcade; we'll bring the mix tape of music that defined the ‘80s. It's gonna be tubular!

Tickets available now at www.memorialhallotr.com.

Memorial Hall is a collaboration of CMHS, 3CDC, and Hamilton County.

Memorial Hall and the Longworth-Anderson Series—Creating Connection

The essence of live music performance is the potent connection between the musicians and their audience.

Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall is one of the most intimate venues in the region to foster this connection. But don’t just take our word—listen to what Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) concert attendees have to say:

• “Memorial Hall is the best venue in Cincinnati! I think it inspires musicians to play their best.”

• “The LAS concerts are the most fun I’ve ever had at a concert. The reception is great because you get to talk with many other fans before the show. The concert venue is so intimate - it’s almost like the show is happening in your living room!”

• “It is a showplace of exquisite beauty. A venue from older times when a theater was built with acoustics in mind, but also grandeur, a theatrical space that takes your breath away when you first walk through those doors. It makes one stop dead in his tracks to just absorb the beauty and history that permeates throughout the entire building. You can almost feel the remnants of wonderful past performances.”

• “The intimacy of Memorial Hall draws me in close to the artists.”

• “I’m a Cincinnati native, but this was my first time at Memorial Hall, and it was the most stunning venue. Loved the intimate feel of the concert.”

• “The venue was just AMAZING. I've seen a lot of shows, in a lot of venues, but I felt immediately that this place was special.”

The word “intimate” is dominant in most reviews of the Memorial Hall experience—which might not have been a surprise to Samuel Hannaford & Sons, who designed the building in 1908 as a memorial to veterans of the Civil War and Spanish-American War. The Hall was originally a meeting place for veterans in the early 20th Century, and a welcome location for community events. The Cincinnati Preservation Association led the first renovation of the Hall in 1990-1992 with a more comprehensive renovation completed in 2016 by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS), 3CDC, and Hamilton County.

That latter restoration placed Memorial Hall as one of the catalysts of the revitalized arts district surrounding Washington Park. The next year saw CMHS’s inception of the LAS, which presents Grammy Award-winning and other nationally recognized performers in a variety of contemporary music genres.

Perhaps Samuel Hannaford & Sons didn’t set out to create the most personal and welcoming concert hall in the Tri-State area, but nearly 120 years later, Cincinnati music lovers are grateful.

—Scott Seward

Memorial Hall and Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society present 2022 Veterans Salute

In collaboration with Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Queen City Concert Band
Sunday, November 6, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Memorial Hall proudly continues its century-long mission of honoring Cincinnati veterans with a full day of patriotic programming.  Visual arts, symphonic music, and history coalesce in an evocative celebration of our armed services.

11:30 a.m. – Greater Cincinnati Military Veterans Throughout the Ages
Lecture presentation featuring Professor Richard Davis, historian Daryl Smith, Captain Steve Murray (Desert Storm), and Bob Abrams (Vietnam).  Special guest Major Ed Burke represents World War II.

12:30 p.m.-7 p.m. – Cincinnati Veterans Art Exhibition
Mediums included in past veteran shows have included painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography; applied art that includes ceramics, woodcarving, needlework, and leatherwork; and craft kits such as string art, fabric art, and wood building.  This exhibition is part of a veteran’s therapy and provides recognition for their artistic accomplishments.

5 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. – Queen City Concert Band “Veterans Salute” Performance
Memorial Hall’s longtime resident wind symphony will offer a variety of patriotic selections with themes reflecting the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform during America’s significant domestic and foreign wars.  A Military Honor Guard will be on hand representing all branches of the United States military.  Reception immediately following concert.  All are welcome.

The Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition and Military Dress Display will also be available for viewing on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All programs free of charge.  Reservations required.

Event Sponsor:  Jim & Marilyn Wellinghoff

Music Trivia Night

Join the Longworth-Anderson Series, Last Call Trivia, and Higher Gravity on Wednesday, August 31, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for this very special Music Trivia Night, with Grammy-themed Q&A and amazing craft beer on tap!

Hosted by Adam Stone, this 60-minute game is FREE to play (team registration recommended). Prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams.

Special thanks to Higher Gravity for generously donating $1 from every draft, house wine pour, cocktail, and liquor pour from the event to LAS.

Higher Gravity is located at 4106 Hamilton Avenue in Northside. Free and metered street parking available in the surrounding area.

Flavor of Findlay Silent Auction

The Longworth-Anderson Series is pleased to provide a pair of complimentary tickets to any upcoming concert for the Flavor of Findlay Silent Auction on Thursday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m.!

Flavor of Findlay is Findlay Market's premier annual fundraising event where top local chefs collaborate with market merchants to create unique and delicious dishes. Our donation supports their biggest fundraising event of the year, contributing to vital food entrepreneurship programs, community-building initiatives, and beautification at and around the Market.

Please click here for details.

Rumi Nights: Poetry, Song & Friendship Silent Auction

Join our friends at Woodward Theater on Thursday, July 14, from 6:30-9 p.m. for this signature event with Haleh Liza Gafori and guests for a night of Rumi, music, and friendship to benefit The Well and Mindful Poetry Moments. Features light bites, cash bar, and a robust arts & wellness auction, including complimentary tickets to any upcoming Longworth-Anderson Series concert.

Gafori is a translator, vocalist, poet, and educator born in New York City of Persian descent. Her recent book, GOLD, published by New York Review Books/NYRB Classics, features her translations of poems by Rumi, the 13th century sage and mystic.

LAS at Music City on Main

Don’t miss us at Second Sunday on Main, Over-the-Rhine’s eclectic monthly street festival, July 10 from 12-5 p.m. on Main Street between 12th and Liberty. The theme is Music City on Main, celebrating some of Cincinnati’s top local talent and warming up for the Cincinnati Music Festival. Stage programming by Cincinnati Music Accelerator.

Experience an incredible array of local artists, delicious eats, and small businesses selling their wares!

Friends of Memorial Hall Reception & Tour

In appreciation of their support of historic preservation efforts, Friends of Memorial Hall are cordially invited to join us for a special reception and building tour on Tuesday, June 7, co-presented by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) and Memorial Hall.

The evening will consist of two tours bridged by a 6:30 p.m. social hour in the ballrooms, including one complimentary beverage, light bites from Urban Stead Cheese Co., live music from jazz pianist Dan Karlsberg, and brief remarks about the exciting events and developments at Memorial Hall.  Tours will be given by CMHS Chairman Bill Baumann and a guide from Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs.

Please click here and enter code “HANNAFORD” to make a reservation for one of the two tour times:  5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  Up to two guests may attend per reservation.  Registration is required and limited to the first 20 registrants for each tour.

Thanks to the generous support of our Friends, we are able to fulfill our mission of preserving and celebrating beautiful Memorial Hall. Join the Friends of Memorial Hall today and take advantage of this unique opportunity!

The 122nd Army Band Rock in the USA

Celebrate Ohio’s armed services with a FREE concert by Flashbang, the 122nd Army Band's popular rock band, on Sunday, June 26, at 7 p.m., presented by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Memorial Hall.

Performing a wide repertoire of entertaining popular music, from rock to pop to country to everything in between, Flashbang has been entertaining the soldiers of the Ohio National Guard and the people of the State of Ohio for years. The band has rocked the house at the Tri-C Rock Off at the House of Blues in Cleveland, the Franklin County Fair, Akron Rib, White & Blue Festival, and more. Flashbang also regularly performs in schools to promote music education and recruit for the Ohio National Guard.

Masks are optional for this event. Confirmation of vaccination status is not required.

Reserve your tickets here!

Ohio Open Doors Memorial Hall Tours

Explore a beautifully restored Beaux Arts gem as historic Memorial Hall, “home” of the Longworth-Anderson Series, opens its doors for free tours on Monday, September 12. The evening will consist of two tours bridged by a social hour (cash bar) in the ballrooms, featuring live music from jazz pianist Dan Karlsberg.

Please click here to make a reservation for one of the two tour times: 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Up to two guests may attend per reservation. Registration is required and limited to the first 20 registrants for each tour. Co-presented by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Memorial Hall, with support from Cincinnati Museum Center Heritage Programs.

About Ohio Open Doors:

Ohio Open Doors was created in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. Passed by Congress and signed into law in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act made preserving historic, architectural, and archaeological resources whenever possible a policy of the federal government. Ohio continues to rank among our nation’s leading states in preserving historic places.

5 Questions with Cheryl Coy Stamm

Get to know Cheryl Coy Stamm, President of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society!  In addition to her leadership role with CMHS, Cheryl is Principal Owner at CCS Software Solution Consulting, LLC, Advisory Board Chair of Aviatra Accelerators, and a development committee member of the Cincinnati Art Museum.

We salute and thank Cheryl for five years of dedicated service on the CMHS Board of Trustees, where she is active on multiple committees in support of trustee nominations, marketing & communications, and development & fundraising efforts.

1. What's your first (or favorite) memory of live music?
This is going to date me, but… a Beatles concert when I was little, around 11 or 12 years old.  One of my friend’s parents took us, a group of girls, down to Cincinnati Gardens to see them.  I was screaming!   My parents loved to dance—they would have twist parties at their house and my dad would let me come down and twist in my pjs.  My parents loved music so much and they loved dancing.  I can picture it so vividly.

2. Which LAS concert did you enjoy most?That’s tough… it’s a toss-up between Rosanne Cash and Pink Martini.

3. What do you love about Memorial Hall?
I love the theater in and of itself—the intimacy—it’s so beautiful and makes for a great live music experience. 

4. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Nobody can outdo me on “Love Shack” and the B-52s.  No matter when I do it (and I do it a lot), it’s my go-to.  And I’ve seen them in concert so many times.  I love the B-52s.

5. Do you play an instrument?
Not currently, but I did take piano lessons for twelve years, all through school, first to twelfth grade.  I can read music—it was all classical.  I took lessons again as an adult, but I still like the fact that I can look at and understand sheet music.  I’m also a tap dancer; as an adult, I tapped in shows.  I love to dance.  I was a fairly good tap dancer, but more for fun.  I would do recitals and there were kids, too… I was in adult group and [my husband] Carlin would be taking pictures and someone would say, “Do you have a child in this program?”  We did Broadway shows like 42nd Street and A Chorus Line.  We had the fishnets, heels, little outfits, and black shorts!

Photograph by Marlene Rounds

Vote for Us in CityBeat’s Best of Cincinnati 2022 Awards!

Thanks to Cincinnati CityBeat readers for nominating Memorial Hall, “home” of the Longworth-Anderson Series, for two Best of Cincinnati 2022 awards—”Best Building” in the City Life category and “Best Concert Venue” in the Music & Nightlife category.

If you love this historic, “perfect gem” of a theater as much as we do, please take a couple minutes to register and vote here! You can vote once per day through Sunday, February 13.

We’ve identified additional opportunities to write in votes for Memorial Hall, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, the Longworth-Anderson Series, and LAS Underground below. Thanks for your continued support!

Arts & Culture
Local Tour:  Memorial Hall – write in
New Thing:  LAS Underground virtual concert series – write in
Old Thing:  Memorial Hall – write in
Opportunities for Local Artists:  LAS Underground virtual concert series – write in

City Life
Building:  Memorial Hall – select from list
Local Cause:  Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society – write in
Place to Take a Visitor:  Memorial Hall – write in

Music & Nightlife
Concert Venue:  Memorial Hall – select from list
Local Music Promoter:  Longworth-Anderson Series – write in
Music Festival/Event: Longworth-Anderson Series – write in
Trivia Night:  Longworth-Anderson Series music trivia night – write in

Shops & Services
Wedding Reception Hall:  Memorial Hall – write in
Wedding Venue (Indoors):  Memorial Hall – write in

Cincinnati Gives 2021 Challenge

The Cincinnati Gives Challenge is a friendly fundraising competition whereby local charities compete to raise the most money, with the top teams winning cash prizes from Cincinnati Magazine. We're back at it this year and looking for your support! The 2021 challenge runs from November 29 at 5 p.m. through December 9 at 5 p.m.

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join the “Friends & Founders of the Longworth-Anderson Series” and be part of the exciting story of Cincinnati’s multi-genre, contemporary music series featuring Grammy Award-winning talent at beautiful, historic Memorial Hall.

The “Friends & Founders” are a special group of enthusiasts helping establish this premier series. Become a member during the challenge and enjoy a range of benefits while supporting one of the region's most fun, unique music experiences.

Best of all, your gift will be matched thanks to the generosity of The George and Margaret McLane Foundation.

We would be grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you back at Memorial Hall soon!

We're Hiring!

Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society is hiring a Marketing & Development Intern to support our historic preservation and programming efforts, including the Longworth-Anderson Series!

Position:  Marketing & Development Intern

Posted:  November 11, 2021

Reports to:  Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series

About the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society:

Established in 2004, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) is a trustee-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and enhancing Memorial Hall as a place for culture, arts, and community.  In 2012, CMHS led the revitalization of Memorial Hall, resulting in its comprehensive renovation completed in 2016 by the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), CMHS, and Hamilton County.  CMHS provides community input for the operation and programming of Memorial Hall; provides high-quality entertainment for a diverse audience through its annual, multi-genre, contemporary music series, the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) and LAS Underground virtual concert series; coordinates the “Friends & Founders of LAS” support group; and along with 3CDC coordinates the “Friends of Memorial Hall” support group, dedicated to preserving the Memorial Hall building.

About the Longworth-Anderson Series:

Launched in early 2017 by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) features Grammy Award-winning and other nationally recognized performers and bands at beautiful, historic Memorial Hall.  This annual series showcases artists from a variety of contemporary music genres including alternative, Americana, bluegrass, blues, country, folk, gospel, hip hop, jazz, pop, R&B, reggae, rock, soul, and world music.  Events that are part of the series provide an entire evening of entertainment including pre-concert receptions with live local music, light bites, and beer & wine tastings from popular regional restaurants, craft beer brewers, and wine distributors.

OUR GOALS:

• Present each year a diverse lineup of Grammy Award-winning and other top-quality acts across a range of contemporary music genres for our community to enjoy;

• Become a perennial and popular part of Cincinnati’s entertainment calendar;

• Demonstrate the value of having the Memorial Hall theater as an integral part of the arts district around Washington Park

Job Description: 

The Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society seeks a part-time Marketing & Development Intern for the 2022 season.

Memorial Hall is located at 1225 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine.  The intern will work remotely from their personal computer.  Hours are flexible, to be coordinated in advance with the Executive Director, tracked, and reported on a regular basis.  Some evenings and weekends are expected for concerts and other special events.

The intern will have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a medium-sized nonprofit organization.  They will be invited and encouraged to propose specific projects related to marketing and development, in addition to performing administrative tasks as assigned.

Duties & Principal Responsibilities:

The intern’s duties include supporting the Executive Director in the implementation and coordination of:

• Operational aspects of Longworth-Anderson Series concerts and receptions, assisted by Memorial Hall’s on-site staff;

• LAS Underground virtual concerts;

• Social media, website, and other marketing activities;

• Promotional partners and media coverage;

• Playbill advertisements and in-kind donations;

• Food & beverage partners for pre-concert receptions;

• “Friends & Founders of the Longworth-Anderson Series” and “Friends of Memorial Hall” support groups, including donor benefits, acknowledgments, and presentation of the annual “Friends & Founders Reception”;

• Community engagement, including special events (e.g. “Music Trivia Nights,” etc.), partnerships, surveys, and giveaways;

• Volunteer recruitment and onboarding;

• Memorial Hall preservation efforts and other CMHS activities (e.g. Veterans Day programming, presentations, tours, etc.) at Memorial Hall;

• Key records, metrics, and mailing lists

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment as a junior or senior in arts administration, marketing, business administration, or a related arts/humanities discipline

Skills & Competencies

• Dependable and willing to work independently on special project(s) as assigned, in addition to performing day-to-day tasks;

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders ranging from artists to community partners;

• Detail-oriented and organized;

• Creative problem-solving skills and resourcefulness;

• Energetic, positive outlook and collaborative spirit;

• Commitment to organizational values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and audience access;

• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook

Desirable Attributes

• Demonstrated community involvement, including other internships or volunteer work;

• Interest in the arts, contemporary music, and/or historic preservation;

• Familiarity with marketing and public relations strategies, including experience with social media;

• Design experience

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates may send their cover letter, resume, and two professional references to Cori Wolff, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series, at cori@longworth-andersonseries.com.

Applications are due by December 15, 2021.  Starting date is flexible, ideally January 2022.

The internship is part-time (approximately 1-2 days per week) at a mutually agreeable rate and period based on organizational needs and student’s program parameters.  Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status is required for employment.