intimate

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.

5+ Questions with Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson Head Shot.jpg

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