There are great things happening in the arts world in downtown Cincinnati. Tara Lindsey Gordon & Tina Manchise have undertaken a huge project – they are going to restore a theatre downtown that has been “dark” for years. Right now they are clearing away the cobwebs, dirt & clutter to reveal the old velvet seats, fancy floral carpet, handsome brass light fixtures & grand stage. They’ve named this “The Emery Theatre: A Requiem Project”. Tara & Tina, along with their team, are working tirelessly to turn the lights back on at the Emery Theatre on Walnut Street. And it will be no easy task; the building is in need of more than just a coat of paint. It has been neglected and is in disrepair, but nonetheless, when touring the building with a group on Cincinnati bloggers this weekend I could still see the beauty underneath the mess.
The re-birth of the Emery Theatre will mean that downtown Cincinnati will have an arts and entertainment venue like no other around here. There will be performances of all kinds: dancing, film, music, and theater to name a few. There will be a dance studio, an art gallery, and room for all sorts of entertainment. The plan is to use “every square inch” of the building. This all sounds so exciting, and I cannot wait to see the finished product, but in the mean time, funds need to be raised to start the work. Tara & Tina want the community to be involved with this project, as it will be a place for the community to come together to enjoy the arts. There are many ways we can help, from donating money to volunteering. For more information on this check out their website.
Here’s a bit more about the project from The Emery Theatre: A Requiem Project Facebook page: “the Requiem Project is a 501(c)-3 not-for-profit arts company whose mission is to re-establish an acoustically-pure historic treasure, the Emery, and transform the theatre into a unique venue that defines itself as a space that encourages creative growth, fosters a multitude of opportunities for artistic collaborations, and offers arts-based educational opportunities through dance, music, theatre, visual, and interdisciplinary artistic expressions.”
You can read more about the project on their website and on their Facebook page. I also have written a post on the little things blog that has more details about the history of the Emery Theatre and many more pictures from my behind the scenes tour last weekend.
And there’s a very fun way you can help coming up next weekend. They are kicking off the revival of the Emery Theatre with a weekend filled with fun activities & performances. There is something for everyone…a date night for the parents and family fun during the day on Saturday & Sunday.
Date Night :: The Opening of the Emery
The fun starts Friday night (11.11.11) ~ This evening would be the best date night you could possibly plan, with performances by Over the Rhine, the Exhale Dance Tribe, Madcap Puppets and representatives from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. There will also be an art exhibit by acclaimed photographer Michael Wilson as well as great after-party events at Know Theatre and Below Zero.
Tickets can be purchased here on their website, starting at $75. It is important to note that all of the artists, performers & participants in the 11.11.11 opening have generously donated their time and services so that the entire amount you pay for your tickets will go towards the renovation of the Emery. It’s a great way to support the arts in our community!Family Friendly Events at the Emery
**the events on Saturday & Sunday are free of charge, they are just asking guests to “Pay what you CAN” and bring a non-perishable food item for the Freestore/Foodbank.Saturday, November 12:
2pm: The Cincinnati Boys Choir will perform
3pm: The Cincinnati Zoo will be bringing the “Wildlife to YOU”
Sunday, November 13:
2pm: The Cincinnati Children’s Choir will perform
3pm: The Cincinnati Zoo will be bringing the “Wildlife to YOU”
Don’t miss out on these awesome events at the Emery Theatre! Let’s come together to show support for our community & the arts, and have fun in the process.
The Emery Theatre ~ 1112 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH
