Largest U.S. United Arts Campaign Kicks Off With Three Weekends of Art

CINCINNATI, OH--(Marketwire - Feb 4, 2013) - The annual Macy's Arts Sampler presented by ArtsWave will cover three Saturdays, February 9, March 2 and April 13, featuring 130 performances and, new this year, a major collaborative concert at Music Hall with four of Cincinnati's largest performing arts organizations. All events are free and open to the public thanks to the sponsorship of Macy's. A complete schedule is available on www.theartswave.org.

Macy's Arts Sampler, presented by ArtsWave, celebrates theater, dance, museums, and music throughout the region in more than 20 Tri-State neighborhoods. The annual community campaign, which raised $11.2 million last year, supports local arts organizations. The 2013 ArtsWave campaign, the largest united arts fund in the country, runs from February through April.

"These weekends are great opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to connect with one another and experience the arts through free events," said Rebecca Bromels, director of communications for ArtsWave. "With the 2013 Macy's Arts Sampler events on three different Saturdays, patrons can choose the performances that fit into their schedules and discover the arts groups in their neighborhood."

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the spotlight is on Eden Park and the Cincinnati Art Museum with free admission and parking along with three live performances from Madcap Puppets and the Playhouse in the Park featuring two performances by storyteller Lyn Ford and back stage tours.

March 2 features a collaborative concert at Music Hall with a "Heroes & Villains" theme at 1 p.m. with live performances by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera and the May Festival. Young fans of action-adventure will also learn how to make stage blood from chocolate syrup and super capes along and enjoy a stage combat demonstration.

The last Saturday set for April 13 includes an "Amazing Arts Race" for young professionals ending with a post-event Sock Hop dance with the Ensemble Theatre's actresses from their new production, Wondrettes, at Washington Park. Afternoon activities will also be hosted at the Cincinnati Ballet, Contemporary Arts Center and Taft Museum of Art.

About ArtsWave

ArtsWave supports over 100 local arts organizations that make the Cincinnati region a better place to live. Theaters, music, dance, museums, art centers and more create lively neighborhoods, attract visitors, and bring our community together.