Friday, March 24, 2006
Bill Donabedian Named Fountain Square Managing Director
I mentioned this a couple days ago, but this afternoon 3CDC announced Bill Donabedian as their choice for Fountain Square managing director.
As Managing Director, Bill will be responsible for both the creative program, as well as day to day operation of the square (parking facilities, landscaping, etc). Also of note from the press conference was confirmation of the huge display board to be built on top of Macy's is going to be a reality.
For those that don't know, Bill Donabedian and Sean Rhiney are the founders of MidPoint Music Festival. His selection (over the resumes provided by outsiders) is a wonderful choice. He is a 'get 'r done' type of guy, that will create some amazing opportunities for folks to truly enjoy our urban core.
He's also the type of guy who will listen and be open to the ideas and suggestions of the general public... so start commenting here... what kind of programming should we see on the square?
Here are my initial ideas:
As Managing Director, Bill will be responsible for both the creative program, as well as day to day operation of the square (parking facilities, landscaping, etc). Also of note from the press conference was confirmation of the huge display board to be built on top of Macy's is going to be a reality.
For those that don't know, Bill Donabedian and Sean Rhiney are the founders of MidPoint Music Festival. His selection (over the resumes provided by outsiders) is a wonderful choice. He is a 'get 'r done' type of guy, that will create some amazing opportunities for folks to truly enjoy our urban core.
He's also the type of guy who will listen and be open to the ideas and suggestions of the general public... so start commenting here... what kind of programming should we see on the square?
Here are my initial ideas:
- Independent Movie Festival - Allow local indie movie producers to screen movies on the Macy's big board.
- Music - This is a no-brainer with Bill on board. But my idea is a 'party in the park' type celebration, but instead of the crappy cover bands that go on there, make it something creative. Showcase 2-4 local orignal bands, and provide good beer - Christian Moerlein anyone?
- Wine Tasting
- March Madness (again utilizing the Macy's Board) - Televise the games (could be a great lunch spot on the first round games on Thurs/Fri.
What are your ideas?
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Help Rebuild New Orleans with Give Back Cincinnati
I want to invite you all to help Give Back Cincinnati through Katrina Collaboration rebuild New Orleans!
Give Back Cincinnati, YP Habitat Cincinnati, and the United Way Young Leaders' Society will be leading a group of 50 volunteers to a worksite in New Orleans.
The trip will be from Aug. 6-12 and will include 5 days of building. The project is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity - New Orleans and Crossroads Baptist, and is part of an overall effort to build 40 new homes in 10 weeks.
We are inviting you to join us for one of 4 info sessions to learn about the trip, the costs (likely to be no more than $200/person), and the selection process for the volunteers.
RSVP: Sat., March 25th: 2-3 PM - Panera Bread Deerfield
RSVP: Wed., March 29th: 12-1PM - Give Back Cincinnati Offices
RSVP: Sat., April 1st: 1-2 PM - Northern KY - TBD
RSVP: Tues., April 4th: 6:30-7:30 PM - Downtown - McFadden's
We look forward to forming a dynamic team of Young Professionals to help rebuild homes and hope for those that need it most.
DOWNLOAD AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TODAY!!
Give Back Cincinnati, YP Habitat Cincinnati, and the United Way Young Leaders' Society will be leading a group of 50 volunteers to a worksite in New Orleans.
The trip will be from Aug. 6-12 and will include 5 days of building. The project is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity - New Orleans and Crossroads Baptist, and is part of an overall effort to build 40 new homes in 10 weeks.
We are inviting you to join us for one of 4 info sessions to learn about the trip, the costs (likely to be no more than $200/person), and the selection process for the volunteers.
RSVP: Sat., March 25th: 2-3 PM - Panera Bread Deerfield
RSVP: Wed., March 29th: 12-1PM - Give Back Cincinnati Offices
RSVP: Sat., April 1st: 1-2 PM - Northern KY - TBD
RSVP: Tues., April 4th: 6:30-7:30 PM - Downtown - McFadden's
We look forward to forming a dynamic team of Young Professionals to help rebuild homes and hope for those that need it most.
DOWNLOAD AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TODAY!!
3CDC Selection for Fountain Square Event Programming
3CDC will be holding a press conference on Friday at 3 PM at Palomino's to announce there selection for the Event Programming Director for Fountain Square. This full time position is absolutely critical to the success of Fountain Square's redevelopment. You can move fountains, plant pretty trees, and open some new restaurants, but the programming is the key to make it a long term success. If you don't have consistent quality programming, and give people a reason to come back again and again, then the 'newness' will wear off quickly and you'll have an empty square.
I can not announce who the selection is, but I am 100% delighted at the choice. I was convinced that 3CDC would select a candidate from outside of our region. I can tell you that this did not happen, and I can't think of anyone more qualified to do this job than the person they selected. I wish I could tell you now, but stay tuned for the official announcment (maybe I'll give you a spoiler post about 2:45 on Friday!)
I can not announce who the selection is, but I am 100% delighted at the choice. I was convinced that 3CDC would select a candidate from outside of our region. I can tell you that this did not happen, and I can't think of anyone more qualified to do this job than the person they selected. I wish I could tell you now, but stay tuned for the official announcment (maybe I'll give you a spoiler post about 2:45 on Friday!)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
I Love Austin
Just returned from a weekend in Austin. It was South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival week in Austin. I am not sure how it happened, but somehow in the 20th year of SXSW, I somehow just managed to make it there for the first time.
Let me just quickly say... WOW... what a great time, great music festival and great city. I am of course an unabashed Cincinnati fanatic, but I do love me some Austin a couple times a year!
So, enough of the gushing, how about some facts. Here are a couple lists for you
Top Reasons Why I Loved Austin BEFORE attending SXSW:
Let me just quickly say... WOW... what a great time, great music festival and great city. I am of course an unabashed Cincinnati fanatic, but I do love me some Austin a couple times a year!
So, enough of the gushing, how about some facts. Here are a couple lists for you
Top Reasons Why I Loved Austin BEFORE attending SXSW:
- Kerbey Lane - The original Kerbey Lane on Kerbey Lane. Great breakfast, Gingerbread pancakes, do I need to say more? Okay, here is more. All products are grown locally at a locally owned farm. No pesticides, and open 24 hours.
- Zilker Park - Great Big park right on the river.
- Austin City Limits Music Fest - Great concert in an awesome park. Every September.
- 6th Street and the Warehouse District - Two awesome areas to bar hop.
- Stubb's or Ironworks BBQ - Austin may be different, but it's still Texas, you gotta have BBQ.
- Austin Wireless City - Wifi Anyway... but Lily Pad is better! :)
- Waterloo Records - 2nd best record store in the country after Shake It Records in Northside.
Top New Reasons I Love Austin AFTER SXSW
- SXSW Music Festival - Why did I wait 20 years?
- Continental Club - What an awesome historic venue. And the Alejandro Escovedo show to close SXSW was my second favorite Alejandro show ever... (i've seen him probably 20 times).
- SoCo - South Congress Street. I've been to Austin probably 20 times, and this is the first time I've been to South Congress Street, where you'll find about 10 of my new 'favorite things' in Austin
- Guero's Taco Bar - Good Food, Great Atmosphere
- Yard Dog Art Gallery - Great art venue and my favorite spot for SXSW day shows.
- SXSW Day Shows - Sure the evening showcases are great, but how can you beat seeing some great music for free with a small audience? Oh I know... throw in the free beer and free food... good times.
- Stubb's BBQ Sunday Gospel Brunch - Stubb's was already on my list, but we stumbled onto this on Sunday afternoon. They have a brunch (traditional mexican breakfast (migas, tacos, etc) and BBQ Lunch) but the added treat is an 8-piece Southern Baptist Gospel Band. Just when we thought we couldn't see anymore music we got this for Sunday Brunch, Awesome!
- Habana Calle 6 - Another great venue that I'd never been to before. Cool outdoor patio.
- Waterloo Records Instore Peformances - Another one on my previous list, but it's cool factor went up when we walked in to buy a pair of earplugs and found Grammy Winner Norah Jones playing in-store to about 25 people with her new band the Little Willie's...
And I'll end on that note... did I mention I Love Austin?
