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.

Melvin Grier and Jim Wellinghoff Named Trustees Emeriti of Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society

CMHS & LAS Chair Maggie Brennan with Trustees Emeriti Jim Wellinghoff & Melvin Grier and Cori Wolff, Executive Director of the CMHS and LAS

Memorial Hall was built to honor service and strengthen community—so it’s especially fitting to recognize two individuals whose dedication has helped secure its future. After more than a decade of steady guidance and hands-on leadership, Melvin Grier and Jim Wellinghoff are transitioning from active board service to the honorary advisory role of Trustee Emeritus.

Their contributions helped shape Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS)’s long-term direction and strengthen our foundation of preservation, programming, and partnerships today.

Jim Wellinghoff

Jim’s connection to Memorial Hall is deeply aligned with the building’s purpose. A Vietnam War veteran, he has brought a perspective rooted in service, responsibility, and commitment.

Throughout his tenure with CMHS, Jim offered strategic guidance informed by decades of civic involvement, including his presidency of the Mercantile Library. Within CMHS, he served as Treasurer and drew on his background in investment management to support financial stewardship and long-range planning.

A defining part of Jim’s legacy is preservation. He helped shape the vision behind Memorial Hall’s Second Century Fund, ensuring long-term care of this treasured venue for generations to come. He contributed to major preservation milestones, including advancing the $1-million Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Foundation gift tied to the 2015 renovation and naming of the Longworth Anderson Stage. Jim also helped create the philanthropic backbone of the Longworth-Anderson Series, leveraging key relationships such as The George and Margaret McLane Foundation annual matching grant.

Melvin Grier

Melvin has served CMHS with a distinctive Cincinnati lens—one rooted in a career dedicated to documenting the city. A U.S. Air Force veteran, his experience naturally aligns with Memorial Hall’s mission and history.

Over nearly ten years on the board, Melvin became a key voice in shaping CMHS as both a preservation organization and cultural institution. A Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame inductee and respected photojournalist, he offered invaluable insight into how Memorial Hall communicates, builds trust, and represents itself to the broader community. His nonprofit work with arts organizations such as FotoFocus helped connect CMHS to Cincinnati’s creative ecosystem.

Melvin’s impact is especially visible in programming. His advocacy helped sustain a vibrant jazz thread within the Longworth-Anderson Series, reflecting Cincinnati’s musical history while welcoming world-class artists. He also encouraged thoughtful board growth and leadership that better reflects the full diversity of our city.

Honoring the past, strengthening the future

Trustee Emeritus is a recognition of service that has meaningfully shaped an organization’s trajectory. We are grateful for Melvin Grier and Jim Wellinghoff—their leadership, their belief in Memorial Hall, and the lasting impact of their work.