Welcome to Culture Splash, our new quarterly roundup of diverse arts events that bring people together. 

The spring and summer bring a wide variety of arts events that reflect the diverse array of cultures and perspectives in our community. Expand your horizons this and experience the world in a new way through the arts. Discovering what connects us – that’s ArtsWave in Action.

Currently Running:

Thru April 9^th  Detroit ‘67 – Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
1967, Detroit. To make ends meet, siblings Chelle and Lank  host “basement parties,” spinning the newest records to come out of Motown, a risky business as police crack down on after-hours joints in black neighborhoods. But when a mysterious white woman finds her way into their care and a string of raids increases police brutality around the city, they find themselves much more divided than over just the family business.

Thru April 18^th: About Faith – Kennedy Heights Arts Center
Kennedy Heights Arts Center in partnership with the Mayerson JCC will present About Faith, an exhibit of art by nine Jewish women artists in celebration of National Jewish Arts Month, an initiative of the American Guild of Judaic Artists.

Thru April 19^th: Buzzer – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Jackson, a young black lawyer, can’t wait to flaunt his success when he moves back to the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of his youth with his girlfriend Suzy and troubled best friend Don, both white. While the trio grapples with the racial and sexual tensions simmering inside and outside their apartment, Jackson also struggles with the opposition between what he used to be and what he’s become in this compelling, thought-provoking and darkly funny new play.

Thru April 26^th: Modern Voices in Japanese Ceramics and Prints – Cincinnati Art Museum
This exhibition of approximately thirty-five works will pair modern and contemporary Japanese prints and ceramics. Shown together, these works disclose a brilliant dialogue through shared rhythms, patterns, textures, emotions and ideas.

Thru August 30^th, Masterpieces of Japanese Arts – Cincinnati Art Museum
The exhibition features approximately one hundred Japanese masterpieces from the permanent collection of the Art Museum.

Upcoming:

April 9^th, New Edgecliff Theatre presents David Mamet’s “Race” – Hoffner Lodge, Northside
Multiple award-winning playwright/director David Mamet tackles America’s most controversial topic in this provocative new tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations.

April 12^th, Eddy Kwon and the MYCincinnati Ambassador Ensemble – The School for the Creative and Performing Arts
The radical youth string ensemble performs original music inspired by their conversations on identity and social justice. Each concert is paired with a screening of the documentary film made by renowned photographer Michael Wilson and son Henry Wilson.  Additional performances in other venues April 17, 19, 24, and 26.  All performances free.

April 14^th, Elementz’ StudioKre8v  and concert:nova present “John Adam’s ‘Alleged Dances’” – Woodward Theatre
This occasion, marks the first time this Adams’ work will be choreographed for hip hop dancers. Elementz choreographers for the event will be Derrek Burbridge, resident hip hop choreographer at Elementz and Julius Jenkins, Founder of the Millennium Robots and dance instructor at Elementz.

April 18^th, Asian Culture Festival – Cincinnati Museum Center
Learn about the rich histories, arts, and traditions of China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and The Philippines through an assortment of performances and cultural activities. Enjoy demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, workshops, cultural displays and an Asian marketplace with authentic Asian merchandise.

April 18^th, MUSE: Cincinnati Women’s Choir presents “Here and Aware” - St. Francis Seraph
We feature a variety of genres and styles from chant to tone-poems, with idyllic and thought-provoking lyrics; works written by familiar and lesser-known women composers from the US and Australia.

May 2 & 3, 2015 Annual Cincy Cinco Celebration – Fountain Square
Bringing Authentic Latino Art, Music, Food, Dancing, and Children’s Activities to Downtown Cincinnati. ArtsWave will once again be helping to program the hands-on arts activity table, so be sure to stop by and say Hi!

May 7^th (and every  Thursday following through the summer), PNC Summer Music Series present Salsa on the Square – Fountain Square
Come down to just watch or put on your dancing shoes and join in as Fountain Square fills to the brim with Salsa dancers of all ages. Free and open to the public every Thursday night from 7:00-10:00 PM throughout the summer.

May 8-10, 2015 Appalachian Festival – Coney Island
Experience traditional Appalachian music, artisans, crafters, dancers, storytellers and more during this annual festival celebrating the culture of Appalachia.

June 13 & 14, Cincinnati Men’s Chorus presents “Broadway Our Way” – Corbett Theater at School for Creative and Performing Arts
Featuring classic and contemporary Broadway hits performed as only the CMC can, this concert promises to be a blast!

June 13 – Sept. 20, Enduring Spirit: Edward Curtis and the North American Indians – Taft Museum of Art
These exquisite photographs, taken from 1900 through 1930, include celebrated, iconic, and previously unknown images that unforgettably present the lives of the indigenous American peoples.

June 20^th, Bi-Okoto presents “AfroBeat Live” concert – Bi-Okoto Studios
Afrobeat is a combination of traditional Nigerian and Ghanaian music, jazz, highlife, funk, and chanted vocals,  fused with percussion and vocal styles, popularised in Africa in the 1970s. Come see it performed live at Bi-Okoto’s home space in Norwood.

June 27^th, Cincinnati Pride Festival – Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove
Many of Cincinnati’s arts organizations (including Know Theatre, Cincinnati Men’s Chorus, MUSE and DiverseCity Voices) and individual artists come out to support the annual Pride Festival, whether it’s marching in the parade or performing on one of the stages during the festival itself.