Clooney Studio Vertu

George Clooney is apparently planning on filming a scene at Memorial Hall next week. When he does, I suppose he will be greeted by this on Studio Vertu"s wall:

 

Closer look
 

Saengerfest Returns to OTR via Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall Saengerfest Returns to OTR Sunday, October 12th, 2008

 

Revival of Traditional Cincinnati Festival Highlights :

A new generation of Greater Cincinnatians will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional German-American Saengerfest when Memorial Hall celebrates its centennial on October 12.

German immigrants originally introduced the Saengerfest, a traditional German choral and music festival, to Cincinnati in the mid-19th century. The Saengerfest continued to be a regular part of Cincinnati cultural life for more than 100 years, and eventually gave rise to popular musical events such as the Cincinnati May Festival. Over-the-Rhine in general and Memorial Hall in particular served as centers of the Saengerfest until the hall fell on hard times after World War II. The revived Saengerfest will serve as the climax of day-long events to mark the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Hall's dedication this October.

Activities begin at 11:00 a.m. and include:

* Musical presentations in the Washington Park Gazebo

* Civil War Re-enactors in Washington Park

* Informational presentations in the Memorial Hall Theater and lobby

* Saengerfest and Rededication presented by Queen City Concert Band at 4:00 p.m.

* 1940s-era USO Dance presented by Green Hills American Legion Band 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All activities are free and open to the public except a $10 “cover charge” for the USO-style dance. Souvenir programs also will be available for $5.

Memorial Hall is Hamilton County’s monument to the service and sacrifice of its war veterans. The hall, at 1225 Elm Street just south of Music Hall, is a building of national significance for its architecture and its cultural heritage. Designed by Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the military statues below the pediment were created by Clement Barnhorn. The spectacular mural in the auditorium was executed by Francis Pedretti.

Queen City Concert Band Settles at Memorial Hall

Queen City Concert Band Members and Friends -

...we are excited to announce that the new home for the QCCB is Memorial Hall!! This beautiful and historic building is just south of Music Hall on Elm St. With its 600-seat auditorium, rehearsal/meeting rooms and our own secured storage space it will position the QCCB to grow and continue our important mission. The central location and easy parking should help interest new players as we work to increase our membership.

The Washington Park area is also on the move. The new SCPA is nearing completion next door. Washington Park itself will soon be undergoing significant renovations. New businesses, restaurants, art galleries, shops and condos are driving renewed energy into this important part of our city. The QCCB is thrilled to be part of the neighborhood and the solution!

Also, keep an eye out for information about an exciting all day Memorial Hall Centennial celebration on October 12. Lots of band and small group music, dance performance, bell choirs, tours, gospel choir, an all community sangerfest, talks, rededication ceremony, a big band dance and more is scheduled. Of course the QCCB and many of our friends are involved!

Tell everyone that community band music is alive and growing in downtown Cincinnati and now based in the fabulous Memorial Hall!

Opera Family Series

We attended a fantastic event at Memorial Hall this weekend. The Cincinnati Opera had a Family Performance of The Barber of Seville. It was in English and shortened to 45 minutes. The 4 member cast was engaging and talented. Can kids enjoy opera? If presented in the right way, yes:

 

Every time we go to Memorial Hall, I am suprised by another detail. Below is a crappy cell phone photo of a room off the upper balcony, which is meant as a lounge. It has one of those lounge chairs that they used to have at the nurse's offic in elementary school, plus a wall-hung porcelain sink and a simple table and chair. It all appears original.

 

I've also noticed that all of the spaces in Memorial Hall have lots of natural light and that they have dual gas/electric light fixtures in the stairways. Just a fascinating building all around.

I'm not sure when the next family opera event is. I didn't find out about this one by word of mouth a few hours before it started. They definitely need to publicize this better.

County Should Not Sell Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall was given to Hamilton County as a gift from Soldiers and Sailors. It is a beautiful public amenity. I took the picture below during a concert offered by the Queen City Concert Band for Veterans Day. It is serving it's purpose, as a public gathering place for public and patriotic events. In addition, they have expanded it's use by allowing it to be rented for weddings and receptions.

Should the county only own buildings that are functional for the Courts, Auditor, Engineer and the Sheriff, but nothing else? Should the County to own a building like this? I think so. Its not like the County owns many buildings like this. It is unique:

 

Who would buy it anyway? I think this article is a non-story, unless there is some plot to sell it to 3CDC to help with their parking garage problem.