The Nati

If you haven't heard yet, Fountain Square Reopening will be celebrated on Oct. 14th, and it's going to be an all day affair.

It all kicks off at Noon, with a series of speeches, performances, addresses, and the first official use of the 42-foot video board atop Macy's with the 1,000 faces of Cincinnati project.

I'm most excited about the evening entertainment. It starts off with DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli. DJ Hi-Tek is a Cincinnati native, you can read more about him in CityBeat.

Next is Los Lobos, they are a fantastic tex-mex, rock and roll band that has been making records since the mid-70's, but have been most busy from the late 80's through this year.

But i'm most excited about OK GO. If you haven't seen their homemade videos yet, you need to check them out on www.okgo.net. But, so you don't have to go digging here's one for your viewing pleasure, click to watch.



Click on the ad below to go to the Fountain Square website for more

Please join us for a special evening to spread awareness and raise money for the Katrina Collaboration.

Hip-Notic Concepts Presents "The Breaking Point"

Friday, September 29th
6pm to 10pm

The Contemporary Arts Center
$10.00 Donation

Hosted by New School Cincinnati, The Katrina Collaboration &
The Contemporary Arts Center

Complimentary food provided by Vinyl Restaurant, McFadden's &
Embrace Bakery

Cash Bar

"The Breaking Point" is a multi-media exhibition that incorporates
photography, music, and spoken word to explore the prelude and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The show investigates three main components which include the environment and natural disaster, human conditions and politics. By combining each medium into one voice, the event creatively challenges it's viewers to experience the facts, stories, thoughts and visions from an urban
perspective.

Special Guest Artists:

DJ 7-UP & King Britt (Five Six Recordings, Compost Records)

This event features three unique experiences:

Lobby:

Music by DJ Pillo - Cincinnati, DJ 7UP - Pittsburgh & King Britt - Philly (Five Six Recordings, Compost Records)

Lower level in Black Box :

Q & A session from members of the Katrina Collaboration regarding their recent trip to New Orleans to help rebuild homes

Screening of the 15-minute documentary Searching for Sister Gertrude
Morgan by King Britt & Ben Barnett.

Three spoken word and video presentations by the Artistic Order of 144K

Outside of the CAC's Walnut Street facade

Projection show by Roesing Ape with photography of Hurricane Katrina from New York photographers Melvina Lathan, Eric Julien & Will Steacy

This event is presented during the Enjoy The Arts 5^th Annual 20/20 Festival.

Also, "Images of America: African American Voices" from the collection of EX - NBA Player and Coach Darrell & Lisa Walker will also be open for special hours during this event at The Weston Art Gallery located up the block from the CAC on the corner of 7th & Walnut - No admission
to check out this show.

"The Breaking Point" After Party
at Vinyl Restaurant - 10 to 2:00 AM - 12^th & Sycamore Street

Dang rain...MPMF had it's share of it for sure. But I really believe that this year's MPMF had the best bands they've ever had. I saw a ton of amazing acts, bought a few CDs and just in general got energized to go out and see some of the great local bands on a more regular basis... time to start going to www.cincymusic.com again to see who is playing and where!

The reports are that MPMF drew about 30,000 people this year. Down from the past, but still impressive. Combine the fact that we set a record for rain in 24 hours in september, and the fact that many of the main venues are closed and therefore don't have any 'regular' attendance, getting 30,000 people to Main St is pretty damn good. Here's to MPMF 2007, and a hope that many of those Main St venues are back up and operational before then. It'd be great to keep it where it's at, with all the venues so close together.

The First Annual Washington Park Music Festival was also a victim of the rain, but can go down as a success, though it wasn't in Washington Park! The event was moved to Know Theater due to the rain and more importantly the threat of heavy rain. All in all it was a great day. The bands were all fantastic, but Duwende definitely stole the show with an amazing set. When they come back to town, be sure to go out and see them, it's like nothing you'll see anywhere else.

I also wanted to pass along to everyone some feedback from MPMF/WPMF band.

Dear Sean, Bobby, and all the MPMF/WPMF staff:

On behalf of Duwende, I'd like to thank all of you for inviting us to participate in the
MidPoint Music Festival and Washington Park Music Festival. We had a fantastic
time, and really appreciated the response of the crowds and the coverage of the
local press - not to mention the graciousness of all the organizers and
volunteers we came into contact with. Thanks for making us feel welcome, and
please don't hesitate to contact us anytime if you'd like to work with us in the
future. Cincinnati rocks!

Regards,
Jason Baluyut from Duwende
http://www.duwende.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/duwende

I say it all the time... Cincinnati Rocks! It really does. There is so much going on here, and so much to be proud of. It doens't take long for people outside of Cincinnati to see that when they come here... sure would be nice if more people who live here took time to look around and see all the great things that are happneing in Cincinnati today that didn't exist 10 years ago. A lot has changed, and it's almost all for the better... so don't be afraid to say it... Cincinnati Rocks!