Let’s Get Kinky
Here's a recommendation from entertainment reporter Brian Mains ...
Touring Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” had me laughing, clapping and even crying a bit when I saw it at the Aronoff Center. The Tony Award-winning show, which runs through Jan. 17 at the Aronoff, focuses on the relationship between a privileged young man who inherits his father’s failing shoe factory and the drag queen he meets who helps him save it. The musical’s big, colorful number at the end is worth the price of admission alone, but there is the added bonus of seeing two Cincinnati natives who are part of the ensemble cast.
Through Jan. 17. The Aronoff Center. 650 Walnut St, Downtown. For showtimes and ticket prices, click here.
Hot Wheels
If you love cool cars, this is your weekend. The 56th annual KOI Auto Parts Cavalcade of Customs will bring classic and souped-up hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles and trucks to the Duke Energy Convention Center. There also will be appearances from “Dukes of Hazzard” stars Catherine Bach and Tom Wopat, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan, Disney star Olivia Holt and other familiar faces. Time to go see some hot wheels!
3-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Downtown. General admission $17; children ages 6-12 $6; children age 5 and under free. https://autorama.com/attend/cincinnati/
A Little Dirt Doesn’t Hurt
Three thousand tons of dirt at U.S. Bank Arena. Dozens of dirt bike riders competing to advance to the next level. AMSOIL Arenacross draws the world’s top up-and-coming riders. The courses are tight, and races are marked by high speeds and a lot of contact. You want thrills this weekend? Start here.
7 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown. $10-$50. http://usbankarena.com
Cocktails, Part I
Bromwell’s Harth Lounge, which has been operating as a private events space, will officially open to the public as a cocktail bar and lounge Friday. Expect to hear music from Blue Wisp Big Band pianist Steve Schmidt while sipping signature and classic cocktails, craft beer and wine.
Opens 4 p.m. Friday. Bromwell’s Harth Lounge, 125 W. 4th St., Downtown. www.facebook.com/bromwellsharthlounge
Cocktails, Part II
That’s not the only bar opening this week. The Vestry, Funky's Catering and 4EG’s in-house bar at the new Transept event center in Over-the-Rhine, is finally celebrating its grand opening Friday. It’s first come, first served and the event is open to all.
7:30 p.m. Friday. The Transept, 1205 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. For details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Happy Birthday, Bowie!
The Drinkery is celebrating legendary glam-rocker David Bowie's birthday with a big party. Hear music from Bowie tribute band The Spiders and DJs Gerald & Brian. Creative outfits are welcome; just come prepared to dance all night long.
10 p.m. Friday. The Drinkery OTR, 1150 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. Ages 21 and up. For details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
‘I’m Every Woman’
Expect to hear three gorgeous, soulful voices perform with John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra this weekend. “I’m Every Woman” features “The Wiz Live!” actress Capathia Jenkins, soprano Measha Brueggergosman and jazz singer Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield, all performing songs popularized by Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and more vocal powerhouses.
8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Tickets start at $25. http://cincinnatisymphony.org
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!
The Bengals are in the playoffs! Tickets are scarce for this Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium, but there are plenty of places to show your team spirit. The Bud Light Tailgate Zone will be back at the Banks with extended hours, beer, food, live music and thousands of fans. Bonus: Rain is in the forecast, but 2,400 square feet of tents are being set up to keep the Tailgate Zone nice and dry.
4-8:15 p.m. Saturday. The Banks, Freedom Way between Main and Walnut streets, Downtown. Free admission. www.facebook.com/BudLightTailgateZone
Cheers to ‘Carol’
“Carol,” the movie starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara that was filmed in Cincinnati in 2014, is nominated for five awards at this Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony. The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Film Commission is hosting a free watch party at the Transept to cheer on the film. No need to get fancy, though; this is a casual affair, featuring a cash bar, snacks and a lot of Cincinnati pride.
7 p.m. to midnight Sunday. The Transept, 1205 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. For details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
