5+ Questions with LAS Advisory Committee Member Jennifer Marco

The Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS) has always been shaped by people who bring both a love of music and a genuine investment in community, creativity, and connection. Jennifer Marco is a wonderful example of that spirit. Since becoming involved with LAS, she has been a thoughtful presence behind the scenes—bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to support the series however she can.

Jennifer’s background spans both the technical and creative worlds. Professionally, she works in digital health and technology, while her earlier experiences in live music production at Riverbend Music Center gave her a firsthand appreciation for the work that goes into creating memorable concert experiences. Beyond her professional life, she has also dedicated time to fundraising, volunteer coordination, and community-focused events throughout Cincinnati.

In this week’s Q&A, Jennifer shares more about her experiences, her connection to live music, and what excites her most about being part of the LAS community.

What first drew you to get involved with Memorial Hall and LAS?

It was really a combination of community, music, and wanting to give back locally in a meaningful way. I have always felt enthusiastic about supporting and staying connected to the local arts scene. The more I learned about the organization and its mission, the more it genuinely felt like the perfect fit for me personally. As an avid supporter of music, I felt I could bring a unique perspective and fresh lens to the LAS committee.

I am currently a healthcare IT professional, but I also had a background working at Riverbend Music Center in production support many years ago, and that experience deepened my appreciation for live music and the impact it can have on people and communities. I value the opportunity to serve and contribute to Cincinnati’s cultural landscape while helping to create an experience that brings people together.

What LAS concert(s) have you attended? Which did you enjoy most and why?

I’ve attended Christian McBride, esperanza spalding, and, most recently, Madison Cunningham. I enjoyed esperanza’s show the most because it felt healing and immersive. I resonate with how she blends jazz, storytelling, and experimentation in a way that evokes deeper feelings. She took me on an unforgettable sonic journey!

What makes the Memorial Hall experience different from other venues in the city?

Memorial Hall offers a unique experience: an intimate concert with exceptional acoustics set within an architecturally and culturally rich historic gem that exudes its own charm.

As someone with a strong marketing lens, what do you think more people should know about LAS?

The series offers a trifecta experience: a beautifully curated evening showcasing Grammy-nominated and winning performers and bands, spotlighting local musicians at our pre-concert reception, and the opportunity to support the local restaurant community.

What album would you take to a desert island?

Thievery Corporation - “The Temple of I&I”

What song makes you want to dance?

Idris Muhammad - “Could Heaven Ever Be Like This (Chris Lorenzo, Walker & Royce Remix)”

Who is the most underrated musician, in your opinion?

Hiatus Kaiyote—their artistic vision deserves a much brighter spotlight than it currently receives.

Keeping the Spirit Alive: Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Revisit Old & In the Way

In the early 1970s, a group of musicians came together with a shared love for bluegrass and pushed the boundaries of music.  The result was Old & In the Way—a short-lived but legendary group featuring Jerry Garcia on banjo, David Grisman on mandolin, Peter Rowan on guitar and vocals, Vassar Clements on fiddle, and John Kahn on bass.

Though the band only performed together for about a year, their impact was monumental.  The live album Old & In the Way (1975) became one of the best-selling bluegrass records of all time, bringing this unique sound to countless new ears.  For many listeners, it was their very first introduction to bluegrass.  The band’s repertoire—songs like Midnight Moonlight, Wild Horses, and Panama Red—combined tradition with improvisation, honoring the genre’s roots while infusing it with a free-spirited, almost jam-band sensibility.

Fast forward to today, and the music of Old & In the Way lives on through a special collaboration between two artists deeply connected to its legacy:  Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman.

Rowan, a founding member, was the distinctive voice and songwriting force behind many of the group’s most beloved tunes.  His career has spanned decades and styles, but his role in shaping Old & In the Way remains central to his story.

Sam Grisman brings a family tie that runs just as deep—he is the son of David Grisman, the founding player whose partnership with Jerry Garcia produced not just Old & In the Way but decades of genre-defying acoustic music.  By joining forces with Rowan, Sam bridges generations:  honoring his father’s role while bringing fresh energy and interpretation to the material.

Why It Matters

For fans of bluegrass, folk, and The Grateful Dead alike, seeing Rowan and Grisman perform Old & In the Way songs is much more than a nostalgic trip.  It is a chance to experience a living thread of music history.

It’s also a reminder of just how groundbreaking that music was.  At a time when bluegrass was still largely defined by tradition, Old & In the Way showed that the genre could be both deeply authentic and adventurous.

In many ways, their performances are about continuity—keeping alive a spirit of collaboration, experimentation, and reverence for tradition that made Old & In the Way so influential.  And just like the original band, Rowan and Grisman’s collaboration continues to blend genres and generations, proving that great music always finds fresh ways to resonate.  They invite new listeners into the fold while rekindling memories for those who first discovered bluegrass through Garcia and his bandmates back in the ’70s.

Whether you’re a lifelong Deadhead, a bluegrass devotee, or simply someone who loves live music, witnessing Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman celebrate Old & In the Way is an opportunity to connect with one of the most important crossroads in American music history.

Catch Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in the Longworth-Anderson Series at historic Memorial Hall. Buy your tickets today, then check out our Spotify playlist and get ready for the big night!

—Kyle Fugate

Capturing Legacy: Photographer J. Miles Wolf on His Work with Memorial Hall

When Cincinnati-based photographer J. Miles Wolf was asked to photograph Memorial Hall, it was an opportunity to connect his finely honed craft with a space rich in history, architecture, and emotion.

Miles first discovered photography in college, where a single course set him on a path that would span decades.  In the early years of his career, he traveled extensively—capturing the landscapes of the American Southwest and the charm of European cities.  His work was exhibited in galleries across the country, but eventually, Miles sought to focus closer to home.  Through workshops and collaborative efforts, he refined his ability to photograph architecture with a deep understanding of structure and space.

What sets Miles apart is not just his eye for detail but his process.  For the first 30 years of his career, he developed his own film, meticulously preparing every shot with the precision required before the age of editing software.  Shooting with large-format 4x5 film taught him patience and attention to detail—skills that would become foundational as he worked alongside interior designers and began reverse-engineering spaces to showcase their most striking qualities.  His early focus on art deco architecture fostered a deep appreciation for the intricacies of design, which remains evident in his work today.

Miles' connection to Memorial Hall began when longtime supporter Bill Baumann saw his work displayed at a FotoFocus event and invited him to photograph the building.  For Miles, it was the perfect alignment of opportunity and intention.  He approached the project with a desire to create images that felt both warm and welcoming—photos that could invite newcomers in and also resonate with those who already know and love the Hall.

“I want to make the interior so inviting that people want to go see it,” Miles shared.  “It shows people how beautiful these spaces are.  To see that auditorium is very eye-opening.”

He emphasized the challenge and reward of architectural photography:

“You can’t just go to a location and think you’re gonna get it,” he said.  “It’s not always bright blue skies, with fluffy white clouds.  You’re knocking on doors, climbing on roofs to get the shot—all while balancing the lighting, time of day, and countless other factors.”

Technology has expanded what’s possible.  Miles spoke enthusiastically about how drone photography has opened new creative perspectives, particularly for a building like Memorial Hall.  Even with decades of experience, these tools allow him to rediscover spaces and compose images in ways previously unimaginable.

Looking ahead, Miles is turning his lens toward nature and landscapes, including an upcoming project with the Behringer-Crawford Museum.  While he will always hold a deep connection to architectural subjects, he’s eager to explore storytelling through more personal and environmental imagery.

In all his work, Miles encourages viewers to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the quiet beauty in the details—something Memorial Hall offers in abundance.

—Kyle Fugate

Honoring a Cincinnati Treasure: Marvin Smith Way

There’s a new street in Cincinnati with a name that carries the flavor, spirit, and heart of the community—Marvin Smith Way.

For those who know Marvin, the honor comes as no surprise. The man behind Ollie’s Trolley, Marvin Smith is more than a restaurateur—he’s a host with a steady, smiling presence in the lives of so many in Cincinnati. Now, his contributions have been permanently recognized with a street named in his honor.

“When I heard the news that there would be a street dedicated in his name, I teared up—what a befitting honor to be bestowed upon someone who’s done so much for his community,” said Cori Wolff, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society and Longworth-Anderson Series (LAS), at the recent unveiling ceremony held by the City of Cincinnati.

Over the past seven years, Marvin and his team have been an essential partner to our series—not just as caterers, but as collaborators who elevate each event. Every performance night, Marvin brings decades of experience and compassion to the table.

“If you know Marvin, what we advertise as complimentary ‘light’ bites are actually a gourmet buffet dinner, thoughtfully curated for each occasion.”

Ask anyone who’s attended one of the LAS shows, and they’ll tell you: the food is unforgettable—not just for its quality, but for the warmth Marvin brings to each dish. He doesn’t just feed people. He welcomes them, cares for them, and makes every guest feel like they’re family.

“This is because Marvin extends the same pride, creativity, generosity, and hospitality at our events as you'll find at Ollie's Trolley.”

And that’s the magic of Marvin Smith.

“As he will tell you, the key to success is more than hard work and amazing food—but knowing how to treat people right.”

Marvin has made his mark on this city. And now, thanks to Marvin Smith Way, that legacy is carved into the streets of Cincinnati for generations to come.

Thank you, Marvin—for the meals, the memories, and always showing us what true service looks like. This is a recognition that couldn’t be more deserved.

—Kyle Fugate

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!

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.

Cincinnati Gives 2020 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 2020 challenge runs from November 30 at 5 p.m. through December 10 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!

Flavor of Findlay Silent Auction

Check out our contribution to Findlay Market’s Flavor of Findlay Silent Auction on Thursday, September 10! Bid on package #114 as well as 50+ other unique experiences, amazing baskets, fun getaways, and more.

Our donation is helping to raise much-needed funds to support local food programs, community-building initiatives, and beautification at and around the market.

Don't miss this perfect opportunity to support historic Findlay Market from the comfort of your own home! Start bidding, purchase raffle tickets, or donate today at Flavor20.givesmart.com or by texting "Flavor20" to 76278.

Everything But The House Arts Relief Sale

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to help 30 Cincinnati arts nonprofits, including the Longworth-Anderson Series!

Everything But The House has teamed up with ArtsWave, the engine for the arts, to offer one-of-a-kind Uncommon Experiences, with 100% of proceeds benefiting local organizations. The auction runs through Sunday, July 12, at 8 p.m.

#ArtsUnite

Cincinnati Gives 2019 Challenge

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. Join today during the Cincinnati Gives Challenge (December 2-12) 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 hope to see you at Memorial Hall soon!