Welcome to the Summer Edition of Culture Splash, ArtsWave’s quarterly round-up of arts and culture events that reflect the diversity of the  Greater Cincinnati region.

Summer is officially here and many of us find our minds turning towards family vacations.  The arts in our region offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the world without having to purchase an airline ticket or wait in line at a TSA security checkpoint.

Our quarterly Culture Splash newsletter is designed to be your tour guide to the world of arts across the Greater Cincinnati region. Why not plan a staycation this year and visit the world with your families, friends and neighbors without ever having to leave the area?

July 23rd - Fiesta Salsera!, Thursday, Jul 23, 2015, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
at Fountain Square.  Presented by Gain. More info at FiestaSalseraCincinnati.com 
 
Procter & Gamble is bringing a new dance event to Salsa on the Square and giving back to the community! Presented by Gain Detergent, Fiesta Salsera is a ten-week dance competition that will have the whole city moving and shaking. The event will also act as the official launch of Gain Detergent's Cents for Scents Campaign, a local initiative committed to providing a clean fresh start to the residents of Lower Price Hill.
 
8:00 PM Salsa instruction
9:15 PM Salsa competition
 
Two winning couples from each week move on to Finals on August 13 and win $1,000.00 in cash!
 
Opens June 25th - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: “Diversity in Baseball” – Baseball has been known as America’s pastime since the late 1800’s. Its popularity and prosperity have grown along with the nation, as has its progress through decades of social and political change. Through artifacts, compelling images, and powerful stories, Diversity in Baseball celebrates players who have broken barriers and changed the game making it more inclusive and reflective of America’s diverse make-up.   

Thru August 30 - Cincinnati Art Museum – Masterpieces of Japanese Arts
The exhibition features approximately one hundred Japanese masterpieces from the permanent collection of the Art Museum. The show is designed to provide viewers not only with a better understanding of Japanese art and its aesthetics, but also a unique regional perspective through the history of the collection. 

Through Labor Day - Fountain Square – Reggae Wednesdays and Cincy Salsa Thursdays
Put a little weekend in your Wednesdays or add some spice to your Thursdays by joining your friends and neighbors for free live music and dancing on Fountain Square throughout the summer. 

July 10 - 12 - Irish American Heritage Center – Irish Fest 
Showcasing the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities, this fun cultural event features more than 100 performers for 3 days on 5 stages. 

July 18 - Bi-Okoto - Poetry/Spoken Word Show 

July 22 - Learning Through Art - Macy’s KIDS, CULTURES, CRITTERS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Only $1 admission to zoo 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Lots of music and hands-on arts activities for kids.  

July 24 - Cincinnati Arts Association - South Asia’s Top Bollywood Singer Shreya Ghoshal -  the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 8:00 PM. Shreya Ghoshal is one of the most talented singers in Bollywood.  She has received numerous awards and nominations, including multiple National Film Awards for best playback singer and multiple State Film Awards. 

July 25 - Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra – Global Passport 
Join the CCO for a performance of light classics at one of our most popular programs, Global Passport. The CCO string quartet will turn the stage into a tour bus as they present a program of exciting popular works from around the world, including Tarantella, Les Champs-Élysées, Can-Can and "Besame Mucho!" At the Evendale 2015 Pavillion Series, 7:30 PM, FREE.

July 26 - Elementz and concert:nova – Hip Art @ Washington Park w/ concert:nova – 6:00-8:00. PM. Elementz will be performing classic hip hop and R&B live in concert at Washington Park.   See the talented singers, emcees and dancers from Elementz perform featuring the string quartet of concert: nova.   The concert will also feature special guests IsWhat?!, The Millennium Robots, & DJ Apryl Reign. This is a free concert for all ages.

August 14 - Bi-Okoto –Summer Camp Showcase 

August 15 - MUSE: Cincinnati Women’s Choir - Auditions. MUSE is dedicated to musical excellence and social change. Chorus member auditions will be held in Lower Price Hill. Register online. 

August 14 - 16 - Midwest Black Family Reunion - Sawyer Point.  
ArtsWave is once again proud to be a partner in bringing the arts to the Midwest Black Family Reunion. 

September 8 – 20, 2015 - Broadway in Cincinnati – Motown: The Musical - , Aronoff Center for the Arts. Featuring more than 40 classic hits, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more.