Nina and Nick Clooney, the special honorees from last year’s event

You know the saying, “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen em’ all.” That could often apply to the fundraiser circuit. The story goes a little something like this… drinks, bites, auction, and hopefully some good tunes. Depending on a couple of factors, mostly your attitude and how many trips you make to the bar, the night may end up as one of the best ever, or ehhh, not so much.

And then there are the events that surprise you, they find a way to differentiate between the same old rigamarole–to reinvent the wheel. iSPYCINCY wasn’t able to attend last year’s Hammer Time event, but we are happy to be the media sponsor for this year’s shindig on Friday, May 18th at the Cintas Center. Macy Kirkland, who has been a dedicated supporter of Habitat for Humanity, will be the honoree, and Fox 19′s Frank Marzullo will emcee the event. (*For more on Macy, click HERE).

Macy Kirkland photographed in her home from her book Let’s Go Home

Some of the highlights for Friday night include an interactive Habitat Village with games like the Wrecking Ball, Fastest Drill in Town, Shingle Shuffle, and the Toilet Toss. I told you this is not your average fundraiser. Plus, Framester will be there to capture all the fun for the interwebs.

Splish splash he was taking a bath

The live and silent auctions will also be full of some pretty top notch prizes: Big Apple Get Away including two Ultimate Air Shuttle tickets, Fun in the Sun–South Florida Vacation, Dinner for 10 at Embers Restaurant, Sunset Helicopter Ride and more! There is one final item on the agenda, but it’s top secret so if I told you, then I’d have to… well, you know. However, if you are that eager to find out (and you should be) I’ve got a simple fix. Purchase your tickets to the event!

Habitat for Humanity is a great cause, one that builds more than affordable housing; they also build a sense of community. The goal for the event is to raise $80,000, which is the amount needed to fund an entire house.

Dorothy says it best…

… I’ll see you at the Toilet Toss

Les Misérables is the Coco Chanel of fashion. It’s the Model T Ford of classic cars. It’s the Brad Pitt of celebrities. As the longest running musical in the world, Les Miz encapsulates all that’s right with musical theatre. From its gripping plot, to the intricately woven character progressions, score, vocal casting, elaborate costumes, sets, and more, Les Miz is one of the all time bests on Broadway. And guess what? You can see it this weekend at The Aronoff Center.

After 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread, ex-convict Jean Valjean, played by Peter Lockyer, is released from the chain gang only to find that the ticket-of-leave he must display condemns him as an outcast. In a glorious rendition of “At the End Of The Day,” we learn that 19^th century French townspeople are tough and merciless. However, through a Bishop’s unexpected act of kindness, Valjean is compelled to pursue a life of virtue and to show others the unlikely compassion that was shown to him, which is earnestly conveyed in “What Have I Done.”

The complex, fast-paced, and emotional tale of Les Miz (adapted from the Victor Hugo novel) pivots around Jean Valjean. His life becomes continually intertwined with over a half dozen other characters who inject our stomachs with unnerving suspense until the final scene.

While the characters are parochial and financially impoverished, they’re rich in passion, providing the story with enough substance that the entire Broadway is sung. The man of the hour was tenor Lockyer (Jean Valjean), who swept us off our feet with “Bring Him Home.” Nadine Malouf played the difficult character of Éponine, managing to give her character fragility and heart, despite the fact that we initially want to dislike Éponine due to her immoral and criminal family. Nadine’s ardent mezzo-soprano solo “On My Own,” leaves us ashamed for judging her as a child and empathizing with her current situation.

Les Miz has won eight Tony’s and a Grammy for its music, which is particularly effective at building progressive suspense and swiftly guiding the emotions of the audience. The gloomy police chief Javert, for example, is cast as a deep baritone reflecting his rigid and pessimistic nature as a man who doesn’t believe any human can change for the better. Stoic Andrew Varela conveyed the “fatal flaw” of Javert’s Shakespearian-like character in “Stars,” without blemish, “God be my witness, I never shall yield, till we come face to face!”

Some of Hugo’s paintings are incorporated into the backdrops of the sets, helping to convey the melancholy, unjust, and “Dog Eat Dog,” tone of the socio-economical period. This is a new addition amongst a wide variety of changes by directors Lawrence O’Connor and James Powell for Broadway’s re-mastered 25^th Anniversary tour. They’ve also included moving projections into two scenes giving us the impression that characters are actually walking through the streets of France, and later, through the sewers.

At the end of the show, I was in full-fledged tears. And I was left with two powerful thoughts: 1.) I’m really glad I don’t live in 19^th century France; 2.) Everybody should raise a glass to the cast for being Masters of the House; 3.) Ok, I lied (so it’s three thoughts)… scoop up the last few tickets before it’s too late.

Les Misérables is playing now through May 13 at the Aronoff Center.

*Photo credits: Provided

Sam Strater, Erica Minton, Meghan Berneking, Chris Pinelo of the CSO

When you ask your friends what they’re doing on the weekend, it’s unlikely you’ll hear, “going to the symphony.” Perhaps that’s because Millennials prefer spending money on the latest fashions, technologies, and craft cocktails at the local watering hole. We tend to prefer listening to rap or house music on our iPods, and socializing via text, GChat, and Facebook. It’s not that attending the symphony isn’t a lovely idea; it’s just that the idea rarely comes to mind.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is trying to change that. Over the past two years they’ve taken significant strides aimed at attracting and retaining a younger fan-base. Earlier this year, they released a state-of-the-art cell phone application available in app stores for free, they’ve reduced ticket prices to accommodate those of us on a tight budget ($23 dollars a ticket anyone?), and they’re getting our attention with CSO Encore. Encore is a group that reaches out and engages the next generation of CSO and POPS patrons. They promote CSO and the Cincinnati POPS via their blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Plus, they host chill after parties at various establishments around the city.

Michelle Herd, Allison Mooney, Kyle Jury, Pete Brown, Mike Jackson and Kate Brown

Encore inspired me to take a break from my typical musical routine and attend the final CSO show of the season, “Raise the Roof,” with internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang. I wasn’t disappointed.

Allowing your ears to soak up the harmonious tunes of dozens of beautiful instruments at Music Hall is a spiritual experience. When songs are un-interrupted by the “ooh baby baby baby’s” of Justin Beiber, or the vulgar chanting of Kanye West or Ke$ha, you’re actually able to think. It’s a crazy concept (I know), but totally worth the experience.

Molly and Tom Garber

The New York Times described Lang Lang as “the hottest classical music artist on the planet.” Better yet—he’s a fan of the Queen City! He must be considering this was Lang Lang’s second series at Music Hall since January.

No disrespect to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” but Lang Lang is a master in a whole other sense of the word. We’re talking fingers moving delicately across the keys at the speed of light, crossing hands, scales and arpeggios all over the board. These are technically complicated compositions that require incredible skill, and Lang Lang executes them with seemingly effortless precision.

Also joining us for “Raise the Roof,” was Lang Lang’s friend, Conductor Long Yu, who is currently the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Shanghai and Guanzhou symphony orchestras, and Artistic Director of the Beijing Music Festival. Please pinch me if I ever become as accomplished as these guys!

Watching Long Yu seamlessly conduct pieces like Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Opus 74, Pathetique, was truly a humbling experience.

Packed house at Mr. Pitiful’s

DJ Emmit Jones turning the tables

To top it off the night, I headed over to Mr. Pitiful’s in OTR for the Encore after-party. If you’ve never experienced an Encore event, they’re a great way to meet young professionals in Cincinnati sans the over-served clientele and dirty bar scene. This weekend’s event included some of the orchestra’s musicians, fellow music lovers, and Cincinnati supporters. A Tavola provided a delicious assortment of pizza pies, and Framester captured the memories of the night while DJ Emmit Jones bumped the house.

CSO Encore left pleasant tunes in our ears and positive tastes in our mouths. Although they’re on a hiatus from hosting events until the Cincinnati POPS Ault Park summer picnic on July 31st, that shouldn’t stop you from heading down to Music Hall. Natalie Merchant is playing with the POPS on June 9th; perhaps I’ll see you there!