Showing posts with label Main Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Main Street. Show all posts

Thursday, January 16, 2020

After Years of Desire, John Cranley to Get His HardRock Cafe

17 years ago John Cranley was longing to turn OTR into a chain restaurant paradise. I called his effort ‘McMain Street’ back then, big box chain restaurants as his goal to fill Main Street in OTR. Well, after a long, long wait, John is getting a version of his desire: a Hard Rock Cafe, the pinnacle of pop culture in 1989. As part of the newly renamed HardRock Casino a HardRock Cafe will be built, just a block from Main Street.

I am positive John will be monitoring the construction schedule so he can block out his calendar to be sure to take part in the many events involved around its opening.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

2012 Second Sunday Schedule Announced

The Second Sundays on Main Street Festival returns this year and the dates and themes have been announced:

June 10th: Main St. Menagerie
July 8th: Music on Main
August 12th: Growth & Wellness
September 9th: Dance on Main
October 14th: Harvest Fest

For a detailed events schedule, check back here in the coming couple of months..

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

OTR And MOTR Get BBC News Mention

An interesting political column from a BBC writer with a take on American National Politics from experiences and conversations at MOTR during a show. I don't know why this reporter happened to find his way to OTR, but I hope he find out something interesting. He also has a radio report on political issues from Ohio here.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Improv Dance Party: Only in OTR

I saw the traffic jam and people were talking about this happening  last night while I was at Japps drinking my summer drink of choice, Stiegl-Radler, but in-case you missed it, a flash mob dance party broke out on Main Street. No where in this city can you find the spirit and the courage to push limits, while maintaining a sense of sanity, other than Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. I'm a little old for this type of thing, but I love watching others have fun, break a few 'minor' rules, but cause no harm, other than making an existing traffic jam a little bit worse.

I really hope this spirit stays alive, especially on Final Fridays. We need some action and do-it-yourself culture that everyone can participate in is the way to build a community. A big consideration to go along with that action is to show respect to your neighbors. Based on all of the accounts I have heard, this type of impromptu event did that. I am sure someone will complain, but part of pushing limits is pissing of the assholes who will complain no matter what you do.

Kudos to those who started this and those who joined in.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Teilen/Rhine Brings Community Together May 1st at MOTR

Tomorrow May 1st a new way to "share yourself" starts off with Teilen at MOTR. The event is the first in series that will travel throughout the area that will invite participants to share their stories. Admission is free and it begins at 6PM at MOTR, located at 1345 Maint Street.

iRhine has more.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Buffalo Killers Play MOTR April 1st - No Fooling

The Buffalo Killers Live at MOTR Pub
1345 Main Street
April 1st, 2011 - 10 PM
2 Sets - No Cover


No one is fooling you...well at least not about the Buffalo Killers.


Come see one of Cincinnati best bands drive their Garage Blues groove straight into soul and out through your finger tips.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Reminder: Cincinnati Imports Event Tonight - Monday March 21st at MOTR

Everyone is welcome to the Cincinnati Imports next event: happy hour at MOTR on 3/21, Here's the detail from the website:
"Join Cincinnati Imports on Monday, March 21 from 6-9 p.m. for a Happy Hour at MOTR Pub at 1345 Main Street. MOTR Pub is a newish bar and restaurant specializing in local music--they also have great beer and food.

All are welcome! Cincinnati Imports Happy Hours are low-key, and it's a fantastic way to meet new people.

MOTR is extending their awesome happy hour prices to 9 p.m., and they have great food, as well (with vegetarian options). Monday night has a $3 martini special, while Happy hour prices include:
$2.5 on select Draft
$3.25 Wells
$4 Wine"

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Molly Wellmann To Open Bar on Main Street in OTR

Kate the Great has the big news concerning local mixologist phenom Molly Wellmann's new bar on Main Street set to open in early summer. Wellmann plans to open up Japps at 1134 Main Street along with part of the ownership team of Neons.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Pre-MidPoint X-Mas, MOTR, and Rambling

So, it is a mere few hours before MidPoint starts and I am sitting in a coffeehouse on the hottest September 23rd in Cincinnati history. I am excited. I feel like it is Christmas morning and my parents are not up yet, meaning I only get to see what Santa brought me in my stocking. The piled up gifts under the tree will wait until my parents awake. You can't rush this. My older siblings are on duty to keep me occupied while we wait. My Dad was up late last night putting one of my gifts together, and I need to let him sleep.

I snuck a peek at that gift Dad had to assemble last night: MOTR Pub, the newest original music venue in Cincinnati. It's on Main Street where MidPoint began and lives where Cooper's once resided. Having a Hudy Amber as I stood by the stage, I felt wave of nostalgia flow over me. I remember seeing a for Algernon show there with a huge line-up that forced the keyboardist to set up in front of the stage. It was the best I've heard them play. I don't remember what year it was, maybe 2005 or 2006, but was a time before Main Street really died. It was dying, but had not gone cold. Well, what felt good last night was that it was clear to me that Main Street has risen from the ashes and along with the rest of Over-the-Rhine it will be a cultural beacon for Cincinnati this weekend.

I know those who have not been to Over-the-Rhine since the Main Street Brewery closed last century will make dumb jokes. I don't really care anymore. The jokes have been fewer and fewer the last couple of years, as OTR and Downtown have started to return to their rightful place as the center of culture for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. They never stopped being the actual center of culture for the Cincinnati region, but those who live where chain restaurants and watching American Idol pass for culture are beginning to see how a vibrant urban care brings the most cultural value to a society.  The tide has turned.

OTR will have a permanent up-tick from MOTR and with its success will help keep MidPoint and local original music going forward in Cincinnati.

Now it's time to tweak my Day One MidPoint schedule for the 11th time.  If you are out tonight, say hi and buy me a beer!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

More on MOTR on Main

Soapbox has a nice article this week with some of the details of the new bar opening on Main Street later this month, MOTR. Hightlights include a courtyard, food, basement rooms, no cover, and eventually there will be music seven days a week. The last one is the biggest challenge. I welcome it.

Seven nights of music is something that only happens with coverband venues, like J-Hall in Newport. Original music venues like Southgate House and Northside Tavern come close to seven nights a week, but they don't adhere to that model, and use alternate programming to fill big holes: think Dance MF and Karaoke. Using genre themes on "off nights", something the owners plan to do, is a good idea to target wider audiences and make the seven day model more attainable.

MOTR as defined in the article is the type of cultural attraction OTR needs. Success will necessitate the owners put a lot out there to get the fans to make it a destination. There is not natural parking immediately near-by and OTR does not currently have as many live music fans living with in walking distance as Northside does. This would mean they need to capitalize on the proximity to Downtown and the new casino and draw in people who on any given night are looking for something interesting to do. There is risk, but I for one will have fewer reasons to go to Northside for live music.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Main Street Cooperation Will Help Reduce Crime

The Main Street area will get a boost from efforts of local business owners. Some minor changes to the type of products sold will help reduce crime. If local corner markets stop selling just a few products or certain items in single quantities, the minor street crime will start to go down.

The key is vigilance. Keep an eye on what happens outside your business or residence and report crimes, all of them, no matter who is responsible. If all residents did this all over OTR, the drug trade and the theft rings would dry up in the neighborhood. The drug trade has in the past used intimidation of some residents, so standing up to them requires police to lead the way and patrol the area.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Second Sunday in OTR - Global Groove

This Sunday, July 11th, head to OTR and check out Food, Fun, Beer, and shopping along Vine St, 12th St, and Main St. !  Here's the schedule:
 
12pm-5pm Street Fair on Main, craft and food vendors, and live DJ's (Main St. closed from 13th to Liberty)

12pm-5pm Neon's Unplugged- Beer Garden with live music
(208 E. 12th Street)
Bands at Neon's:
Toca Madera (Nuevo Flamenco trio) 12-1:15
Bachannal Steel Band (Carribean)  1:45-3:00
Laignappe (gypsy new orleans jazz)  3:30-5:00pm

12:30pm Free yoga session, hosted by You Do Yoga, (Main at Woodward)

1:00 Bellydancing demo by Anaya Gypsy Tribal Bellydance (Main at Woodward)

1:30 Bellydancing demo & class by Habeeba's Dance of the Arts (Main at Woodward)

2:30pm Celebrity Chef Demo featuring Daniel Wright from Senate
(1419 Main St., Falling Wall Condo)
 
For more information check out www.secondsundayinotr.org.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Passage "Sneak Preview" This Weekend

Passage Lounge, at 6th at Main, will have a "sneak preview" this Friday and Saturday night. I'm not sure what else to say about this. Griff was excited about this back in October.

"Upscale lounges" generally aren't my scene; I'm neither hip enough nor pretty enough for such escapades. But I usually like to wander in once, just to know what all the fuss will be about.

So I think maybe my plan for Friday is to go watch the Pomegranates at Fountain Square, then head over to Passage to check things out.

Park + Vine Moving to Main Street

Cincinnati's very popular green store Park + Vine announced yesterday they are moving to new location in Over-the-Rhine.

The store will move to 1202 Main Street and will expand operations to include a vegan grocery store, a food bar, indoor/outdoor seating, as well as a room for meetings.

The new location plans to open in September during the MidPoint Music Festival, (Sept. 23-25). The Vine Street location will remain open until then.

This is really great news for Main Street and OTR. It shows the commitment of Dan Korman to OTR, Cincinnati, and community his store serves.

Read the full press release here.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

ForkHeartKnife Opening Soon on Main St.

In May look for forkheartknife to start their catering services adding flavor to the Over-the-Rhine and Downtown business and arts scene. Additionally they are planning to serve varied and flexible meals at their OTR space.

The new business is taking over the North Main Street location (1437 Main Street) used by the former incarnation of Take the Cake.

Keep eyes on their blog at: forkheartknife.wordpress.com for more.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Second Sunday in OTR

A new year brings a smart change to SSOM. The monthly event showcasing the growing neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine has changed its name from Second Sunday on Main, to Second Sunday in OTR.

The event, now in its sixth year, started as a fair focusing on the Main Street area. Reflecting on the growth on Vine and 12th Streets, organizers have changed the name and formally incorporated all of OTR into the event.

Here's the detail from last week's press release:
Second Sunday on Main will expand and change its name to Second Sunday in OTR (Over-the-Rhine), and will include Main, Vine and other surrounding streets between 12th and 14th streets. SSOTR will continue to be a hip, eclectic neighborhood event, but in its 6th season will embrace the vibrant neighborhood and expand beyond Main Street.

The season begins May 9 and continues through September 12 on the second Sunday of every month from 12 – 5 p.m. in historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The event is free and open to the public.

“The focus is going to change to be about the shops, restaurants and residents that are responsible for the rebirth of OTR,” said Barbara Hauser, chair of Second Sunday. “The energy and commitment to this neighborhood is endless and our hope is we can take this event to the next level and truly celebrate all of OTR.”

Several changes will occur including the Beer Garden and live music will move to the newly opened Neon’s Unplugged in their 4,000 square foot patio with a bocce ball court. “We are excited to be a part of Second Sunday and the expansion,” said Dan MacDonald, co-owner of Neon’s. “We want Neon’s to be a part of the fabric of the community, a place for folks to gather, hang out and make connections.”
This is really great news for the event. The addition of Neon's brings a local that will really grow from the exposure. Part of Neon's concept was to be a community and neighborhood place for people to share an afternoon or an evening. This cooperation will really give the event a chance to grow.

The schedule for the summer is as follows:
• Sunday, May 9 Take Mom to OTR
• Sunday, June 13 Dog Days
• Sunday, July 11 Global Groove
• Sunday, August 8 Neighbor Block Party
• Sunday, September 12 Eco-OTR-ia

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Reminder: Tweetup for Tarbell Tonight at Neon's!

Just a reminder to everyone that the Tweetup for Tarbell takes place tonight at Neon's Unplugged (208 E. 12th Street) from 5:30PM to 9:00PM.

Come out and support Jim Tarbell's campaign. This isn't a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to meet Jim and learn about his effort to become the next Hamilton County Commissioner.

If you are lucking you might get to wear his top hat too.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tweetup for Tarbell April 21st at Neon's

Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to have fun? Do you want to drink beer? You can do all of that and more on April 21st from 5:30 to 9:00PM at Neon's where everyone can show their support for Jim Tarbell by attending a Tweetup for Tarbell event. You will have the opportunity to meet Jim and interact with people who support his campaign. This gathering is organized by a group of independent minded Twitter users who have met Jim and appreciate the experience he brings to everything he does. Just so you know, outside of paying for your own drinks, there is no charge to attend.

Former Cincinnati Vice-Mayor Jim Tarbell is running for Hamilton County Commissioner and needs your support and your vote in the Democratic Primary on May 3rd.

Jim is a strong advocate for smart development in all of Hamilton County, but Jim understands the importance of development in the City of Cincinnati. Jim will work to get the county budget in order and establish a tone throughout the county that inspires cooperation, not conflict.

Please come out on Wednesday April 21st from 5:30PM - 9:00PM to Neon's Unplugged, 208 E. 12th St.,Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Main Street Making A Comeback?

As has been announced elsewhere, the space formerly occupied by Jefferson Hall has found a new tenant: Jack Potts Tavern. While Jack Potts' official grand opening isn't until April 2nd, the bar had its "soft opening" last night, just in time for Bockfest. Jack Potts will, I think, remind most people of the old J-Hall. Its grand opening will feature a performance by the Polecats (who, I suspect, will be regulars on stage there). I celebrated Bockfest at Jack Potts last night, and am pleased to report that the place was packed most of the night.

We also know that Neon's is coming back. And I now hear rumors that a new pizza place will open in the old Harry's Pizza space.

I don't know that we'll ever see Main Street return to its former peak. I'm not sure how many people want that, anyhow. (How many times can anyone over 23 actually go to a place like Bar Cincinnati, after all?) But it seems to be returning as a legitimate entertainment district again.