Get to Know Kyle Fugate, Our Marketing & Development Coordinator!

Join us as we shine a spotlight on Kyle Fugate, Marketing & Development Coordinator for the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS). A proud Cincinnati native and University of Cincinnati alumnus with a degree in Marketing and International Business, Kyle is deeply committed to contributing to the cultural vibrancy of his hometown. From his passion for the unique intimacy of Memorial Hall to his creative approach to marketing and love for music and adventure, let's learn more about what makes Kyle an invaluable part of our team.

1. What do you love about Memorial Hall?

Memorial Hall is not only architecturally stunning, but it also offers an unparalleled, intimate performance experience. I still remember the first time I saw Pink Martini perform there—it truly felt as though they were playing just for me. The venue has a rare ability to create a personal connection between artists and audience, which makes it very special.

2. How did you get into marketing?

I've always been drawn to creative expression, building relationships, and storytelling. Marketing felt like a natural extension of those passions. I knew early on that I wanted a career that allowed me to think creatively while also making a meaningful impact. I find it incredibly rewarding to blend creativity with purpose.

3. What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?

Several of my current videos have been incredibly rewarding to produce from start to finish, but I am especially proud of the poster I produced to promote LAS! I was able to hand-draw Memorial Hall in my own creative way and the result is something I am truly proud of. Take a peek at your favorite local shops and see it for yourself! 

4. What do you see as our biggest marketing opportunities?

Personally, I see amazing potential and growth in the future. After some detailed analysis of customer trends, I see the opportunity to expand our efforts in all 52 neighborhoods. Despite the quality and uniqueness of our events, many people simply don’t know we exist. Increasing visibility—both within the city and beyond—is essential. By leveraging digital platforms, community partnerships, and targeted campaigns, we can amplify our message and ensure that more people have the chance to experience what makes Memorial Hall and our series so special.

5. Do you have any favorite Longworth-Anderson Series concerts?

So far, Pink Martini takes the cake for me! As my first concert at Memorial Hall, it holds a very special place in my heart. With some exciting potential performances in the pipeline, it will be interesting to see if this statement changes by the end of the season!

6. You're a musician yourself!  What kind of music do you enjoy playing and listening to?

Personally, I have been playing guitar for as long as I can remember! Over the years, I have focused mainly on fingerstyle guitar. Currently, some of my favorite songs to play are songs like “What Once Was” by Hers, or any and all indie and classic rock! 

7. Fun facts, or anything else we should know?

I’m definitely an adrenaline junkie at heart! Over the past few years, I’ve trained and competed in downhill longboarding races across the country! Additionally, I was fortunate to study abroad during college, spending time in both Santiago, Chile, and Barcelona, Spain. I can’t wait for my next adventure!

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 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 Michael Wilson

Get to know photographer Michael Wilson!

We salute and thank Michael for his service to the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society Board of Trustees and the Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) Advisory Committee, supporting the development, programming, fundraising, marketing, and execution of this premier series.

1. What's your first (or favorite) memory of live music?
First memory of live music is from going to church... a favorite memory of live music was hearing Doc Watson play Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December” in a small cabin in North Carolina while I was photographing him. Only me and one of Doc’s good friends were in the room. The song sounded like it could have been 400 years old when Doc played it.

2. What LAS concerts have you attended?
Los Lobos, Nils Lofgren

3. Which did you enjoy most and why?
Andy Newmark was playing drums for Nils Lofgren... loved seeing him play. He has played on some of my favorite albums including one of my desert island albums, Avalon by Roxy Music.

4. What artists do you hope to bring to the LAS?
Emmylou Harris/Buddy Miller, Lyle Lovett, Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell, Josh Redman... and in some perfect world, Van Morrison and Elvis Costello!

5. What do you love about Memorial Hall?
It is a graceful building reflecting a distinct era in public architecture — beautifully preserved. I love the intimate scale of the theater. I love that it is being used.

6. What was the first CD/vinyl you purchased? The most recent?
Most recent vinyl purchased was a used copy of Crack’d Rib by Cal Collins with the Steve Schmidt Trio. Most recent CD purchased was Wall-Message by Russian composer Vladimir Martynov.

7. What album would you take to a desert island (assuming you had a record player!)?
A Different Kind of Tension — Buzzcocks, Television — Television, Avalon — Roxy Music, Goldberg Variations — Jeremy Denk, Thelonious Alone in San Francisco — Thelonious Monk, Look Up — Bob Neuwirth, Another Green World — Brian Eno

8. What's your favorite love song?
secular: “I’m In Love With You” by Steve Forbert or “Yes, Yes, Yes” by NRBQ
sacred: “Bless the Lord O My Soul” Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomus by Sergei Rachmaninoff

9. How has music impacted your life?
Greatly... even though I am not a musician, the way music has moved me is what I aspire to as an artist.

10. What artist(s) have you met in person?
Have been fortunate to meet many musicians due to my work... from Ralph Stanley to Philip Glass, David Byrne to Doc Watson. Some that come to mind... B.B. King, Richard Thompson, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, John Hiatt, John Prine, Brad Mehldau, Leo Kottke, The Cheiftains...

11. If you could go back in time and meet any musician, who would it be?
J.S. Bach, Thelonious Monk, Roy Buchanan