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

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

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