Mavis Staples Returns to Memorial Hall: A Living Legend Reconnects with Cincinnati on July 22

Photograph by Myriam Santos

On July 22, 2025, the Longworth-Anderson Series at Memorial Hall will welcome back one of America’s most celebrated musical icons: Mavis Staples. The Grammy-winning vocalist, Civil Rights icon, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to Cincinnati for a legendary performance that promises to be both soul-stirring and unforgettable.

At 84, Staples continues to tour and record with a spirit that defies expectation. Her unmistakable voice—gritty, warm, and powerful—still carries the weight of a lifetime spent singing for justice, joy, and connection. From her early days with The Staple Singers to her critically acclaimed solo career, Staples has stood at the crossroads of gospel, soul, and protest music, giving voice to the struggles and hopes of multiple generations.

This is not her first time gracing the Memorial Hall stage. Staples last performed in Cincinnati as part of the Longworth-Anderson Series in April 2018.

Her return this summer is more than just an encore. It’s a cultural reminder for Cincinnati—a city with its own deep roots in Black musical tradition and activism. It’s also a continuation of the Longworth-Anderson Series’ mission to present artists whose work pushes boundaries and resonates far beyond the stage.

Staples’ influence is boundless. With hits like “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” and “Freedom Highway,” her music has long been a rallying cry for progress. In recent years, she has recorded with artists like Jeff Tweedy, Ben Harper, and Hozier, bringing her message and sound to new generations. While the world has changed dramatically since she first began performing in the 1950s, her commitment to truth, joy, and resistance through music has never wavered.

Her upcoming show at Memorial Hall offers Cincinnati audiences a rare opportunity to witness that legacy in real time. Her powerful message transcends generations, and continues to shape the future.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering her work for the first time, July 22 is your chance to hear a voice that helped shape American history—and still refuses to be silenced.

Join us for an unforgettable night with Mavis Staples—a voice of the past, the present, and the future! Tickets available now at www.memorialhallotr.com.

—Kyle Fugate

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!

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.

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

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.