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

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

Memorial Hall presents Veterans Art Exhibition

Ticket holders to our sold-out John Hiatt and The Jerry Douglas Band concert on Tuesday, November 9, in the Longworth-Anderson Series will have the opportunity to experience the Veterans Art Exhibition currently on view at Memorial Hall!

In celebration of Veterans Day, featured artwork will include pieces created by local veterans who have participated in the Creative Arts Therapy program at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. 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.

LAS Underground presents Ron Jones Quartet at Jazz at the campSITE

Join us for LAS Underground presents Ron Jones Quartet on Wednesday, June 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Jazz at the campSITE in partnership with Jazz Alive.

LAS Underground is supported by the generosity of the thousands of young professional contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The program is also made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Tips are appreciated and will be split between the band and LAS Underground. Donations are tax-deductible and will be matched, dollar for dollar, thanks to The George and Margaret McLane Foundation.

CMHS Promotes Staff and Welcomes New Board Members to Expand Preservation & Programming Efforts

Cori Wolff has been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS). Wolff has directed the contemporary music series featuring Grammy Award-winning and other nationally recognized artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Mavis Staples, and Marty Stuart since February 2018. In this broadened capacity, she will continue to work alongside Chair Bill Baumann and the CMHS Board of Trustees to grow the LAS and LAS Underground virtual concert series, with a renewed focus on preserving and enhancing historic Memorial Hall as a place for culture, arts, and community.

Photograph by Marlene Rounds, Photographer

The board also salutes new trustees Amy Conroy, Destinee Thomas, Karen Tully, and Michael Wilson, whose expertise in fundraising, marketing, music, and preservation will advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.  Additionally, CMHS welcomes Darren Blase, Jim Blase, Karla Boldery, NaQuia Chante, and Adalia Powell-Boehne to the LAS Advisory Committee, a diverse group of music enthusiasts, promoters, and writers who support the development and execution of this premier series.

2019 Veterans Day Salute

IN ITS 111TH YEAR, MEMORIAL HALL CELEBRATES VETERANS WITH
FREE PATRIOTIC PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS, AND LECTURE

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

The 2019 Veterans Day Salute will take place on Sunday, November 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Hall (1225 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine). The full schedule of events is as follows:

11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lecture: 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Performance: The Accidental Hero

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Performance: Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute

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

All programs are free of charge, though reservations are required. Free tickets can be reserved at www.memorialhallotr.com, or by calling the Memorial Hall box office at (513) 977-8838 Tuesday through Friday, 1-6 p.m.

The 2019 Veterans Day Salute is co-presented by Memorial Hall and the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, in collaboration with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Queen City Concert Band, and Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display | 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate Veterans Day by viewing an exhibition of artwork created by local veterans in the Memorial Hall ballrooms. Featured artwork will include pieces created by veterans who have participated in the Creative Arts Therapy program at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC). Media in past veteran shows have included painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography; applied art that includes ceramics, woodcarving, needlework, and leather work; 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.

The exhibition is complemented by a military dress display, featuring uniforms and artifacts from American Wars.

Lecture: 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge | 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Presented by Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

James L. Centner, Jr., is a Cincinnati native, retired United States Naval Officer, former Assistant Professor of History at The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and current visiting professor at the John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University, Chicago. His main area of expertise is World War Two American Military Operations. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Marquette University, and a Master’s Degree in History from Xavier University.

Commander Centner’s presentation is on the great sacrifices and hard-fought actions of the American soldier surrounding the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. Additionally we will have two guests of honor in attendance that were Combat Veterans of the Battle.

The Accidental Hero | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about a World War II American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It's a true story, written and performed by his grandson.

Patrick Dewane's grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. Yet when he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photographs, and rare film footage.

Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous, and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather's journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop's story turns away from a soldier's survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity, embraced by the tribe he never knew. Like Luke Skywalker, Konop thought he was just fighting the Evil Empire, in this case the Nazis. But unlike Skywalker, this story is true. His was an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, they liberated him.

Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Memorial Hall’s longtime resident wind symphony, the Queen City Concert Band (QCCB) is proud to return home for its tenth annual Veterans Salute. As always, a Military Honor Guard will be on hand representing all branches of the United States military. The QCCB 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. This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which will be commemorated with popular musical highlights from World War II. Veterans (and family members) are encouraged to attend this fitting tribute. A cookie and punch reception will follow.

ABOUT MEMORIAL HALL

Memorial Hall, managed and programmed by 3CDC, is conveniently located in the heart of the revitalized arts district of Over-the-Rhine. This exquisite venue overlooks Washington Park, and is adjacent to Music Hall in addition to being down the street from both the School for Creative and Performing Arts and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Designed by Samuel Hannaford, the hall features marble staircases adorned with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 550-seat proscenium theater, dubbed the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater. Exceptional acoustics, decorative murals, and Tiffany chandeliers enhance this historic theater. Memorial Hall offers an elegant setting for performances and unique spaces for social and business events.

ABOUT CMHS

Established in 2004, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) is a trustee-led, non-profit 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; coordinates the “Friends of Memorial Hall” and “Friends & Founders of the Longworth-Anderson Series” support groups; and provides high-quality entertainment for a diverse audience through its annual, multi-genre, contemporary music series, the Longworth-Anderson Series.

Special Sunday Red Door Project Show!

The Longworth-Anderson Series is excited to announce a partnership with The Red Door Project this month. It will be their second time utilizing gorgeous Memorial Hall and their first time partnering with LAS. The theme is “Blue Note”! This is inspired by our blues concert, Keb’ Mo’ Solo w/ special guest Jontavious Willis.

As always, gallery owner Barbara Hauser is mixing things up a little. The exhibition will open to the public on SUNDAY, September 15, from 1-3 p.m. at Memorial Hall. A cash bar will be open and serving up mimosas to go along with a Sunday afternoon show. Come out and support local art!

Ticket holders to Sunday night’s sold-out Keb’ Mo’ Solo concert at 8 p.m. will also have an opportunity to bid on art at the pre-concert reception from 6:30-8 p.m.

If you have questions or need more information, please email RedDoorProjectCincy@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

The Red Door Project — "Blue Note" Call to Artists

The Longworth-Anderson Series is excited to announce a partnership with The Red Door Project in September. It will be their second time utilizing gorgeous Memorial Hall and their first time partnering with LAS. The theme is “Blue Note”!

As always, gallery owner Barbara Hauser is mixing things up a little. The show will be on SUNDAY, September 15, and there will be two parts to it — an open exhibition to the public from 1-3 p.m. at Memorial Hall and a private showing for ticket holders to Keb’ Mo’ Solo during the pre-concert reception from 6:30-8 p.m. The concert is sold out with 556 people attending.  Artists are welcome to attend the reception.

TO SUBMIT, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Create a piece of art inspired by the theme “Blue Note.” Only two pieces per artist and all artwork is subject for review and at the discretion of the gallery owner.
2. Submit your piece on Wednesday, September 11, any time between 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Make sure it is ready to display. Before heading over, register online here.
3. Come to the show on SUNDAY, September 15, at Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine. We’ll open the doors at 1 p.m. and go on until 3 p.m., when your piece will be sold to the highest bidder. If your piece is purchased, you’ll receive 75% of the sale! Artists are welcome to come back for the reception from 6:30-8 p.m.
4. Special note: Due to the space being an active event space, we encourage you to take your artwork home at the end of the night at 8 p.m. if it does not sell. If you are unable to do so, you can pick up your piece during Memorial Hall’s business hours, preferably the next day. If artwork is left longer than two weeks, it becomes the property of The Red Door Project.

If you have questions or need more information, please email RedDoorProjectCincy@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.