Parrotheads gathering tonight, while other shows already selling seats fast
After more than a year of no big-time concerts in Cincinnati, musicians from all genres are returning in force. The COVID-19 pandemic silenced stages across the region beginning in March 2020, leaving music enthusiasts with online and television performances, which just aren’t the same as live. The opportunity to see many of your favorites will begin this evening and continues throughout the year.
Riverbend/PNC Pavilion, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band will play at 8 tonight at Riverbend Music Center, with doors opening at 6 p.m. (Tailgating started at 8 a.m.; tickets were still available this morning.) Riverbend keeps expanding its concert lineup, with new shows filling in dates throughout summer and fall on its main stage and at the PNC Pavilion.
Icon Music Center, 25 Race St., Downtown
The brand-new Andrew J Brady Icon Music Center will host its first concert July 22 in partnership with Procter & Gamble and Vibe Cincinnati. R&B/soul singer KEM will perform with special guest Leela James. The Foo Fighters, with special guest Radkey, will open the Icon Festival Stage at Smale Park on July 28. That concert sold out in minutes when tickets went on sale last month.
Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown
Taft Theatre has announced a number of shows—from Southern rock/country group Whiskey Myers to alternative rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket to country rockers The Mavericks to comedian Bill Maher and comedienne Chelsea Handler to saxophonist Boney James to bestselling Christian artists Crowder and TobyMac, among others. Current bookings begin July 29 with Whiskey Myers and special guests The Steel Woods, and continue throughout the fall.
Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown
Before heading into the resumption of Broadway shows, the Aronoff Center will present two concerts—Johnny Mathis’ “The Voice of Romance Tour” Aug. 28 and Jeremy Camp’s “When You Speak Tour 2021” Sept. 26.
Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton
Some pop, rock, blues and country are on the bill at Ludlow Garage, with the Pat Travers Band on July 24, the Smithereens on July 30, EmiSunshine on Aug. 7, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on Aug. 10, followed by Larry Carlton, Marc Cohn, Emmaline, Average White Band, Pablo Cruise and Corky Laing later in August.
Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville
Events at Bogart’s, a longtime concert venue, are starting Aug. 12 with rapper/singer Bryce Vin’s “I Miss You a Little Tour.” Among others on the way: Lloyd Banks, Shakey Graves, Ashley McBryde, Blue October, Anberlin and Walk the Moon.
Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., East End
It’s Fitz and the Tantrums tonight at Riverfront Live, followed by the Summerland Tour of Everclear, Living Colour, Hoobastank and Wheatus on Thursday, Phil Vassar on Friday and Buckcherry on July 25.
PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation, 101 W. Fourth St. Newport, Kentucky
Currently under construction, PromoWest Pavilion at Ovation is an indoor/outdoor concert venue. First up on the schedule are Polo G on Aug. 21, Kesha on Aug. 29 and Lady A on Sept. 3.
Other venues to check out:
BB&T Arena, 500 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky
Belterra Casino Resort, 777 Belterra Drive, Florence, Indiana
Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton
Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown
Hollywood Casino, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport
