Updated: Thursday, 10:00 a.m.
Welcome to the first-ever WVXU "Do" List, a roundup of arts-focused events happening around the Tri-State we think public radio listeners may enjoy making time for over the coming weekend.
Below are a few select events happening the weekend of May 3-6. Want more? Also check out WVXU "Around Cincinnati" host Lee Hay's "Music Notes" for the week.
Thursday, May 3
- Guitarist and singer-song writer Noah Wotherspoon plays an acoustic duo with Jessi Bair at Latitudes Bistro (7454 Beechmont Avenue) beginning at 6 p.m. This show is free.
- Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (126 N. Main Street, Dayton) hosts "A Musical Toast," which is just that -- a toast to music that is a theatrical orchestral work in a pop music vein. More info here.
- Preview items in Everything But The House's auction happening this weekend to benefit the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center from 5-7 p.m. at EBTH's central processing center (6000 Creek Road, Blue Ash). Up for grabs are pieces by Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring, Zaha Hadid, and more.
Friday, May 4
- Ricky Nye and Chris Douglas play at Herzog Music (811 Race Street) with "The King of Hillbilly Piano: Moon Mullican Tribute" starting at 7 p.m. Moon Mullican was a King Records artist, considered by some to be the musical father of Jerry Lee Lewis. A $5 donation is suggested.
- Singer-songwriter Lauren Eylise brings her blend of R&B, soul, funk and hip-hop to the Woodward Theater (1404 Main Street) beginning at 8 p.m.
- Lindy Society Dances hosts its monthly dance at Molly Malones (112 E. 4th St., Covington, KY) with a Star Wars twist in honor of May the Fourth. Dressing as a favorite "Star Wars" character is encouraged, though not required to attend the $5 event. Lessons start at 8 p.m. and the dance begins at 9 p.m.
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra showcases "Baroque Masterworks" by Baroque specialist Harry Bicket. One show takes place Saturday at 8 p.m. and another Sunday at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 5
- If you didn't already know, it's Day 1 of the Kentucky Derby.
- It's also Cinco de Mayo. Cincy-Cinco is hosting its quinceañera all weekend long on Fountain Square with live Latin music, dance and food -- namely, tacos!
- It's also Free Comic Book Day. That means comic book stores everywhere are giving away comics at no cost (and yes, they truly are gratis).
- Actress and author Marcia Gay Harden reads from and signs copies of her new book, "The Seasons of My Mother," at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Rookwood. Tickets are required.
- Caffe Vivace (975 E. McMillan Street) welcomes Chicago jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis with the Andy Brown Quartet beginning at 8 p.m. The group plays again Sunday at Washington Platform (1000 Elm Street).
Sunday, May 6
- With "Beyond Milk and Honey: A Musical Journey," The Skirball Museum (3101 Clifton Avenue) welcomes Yael Front and a three-person band who will explore the history of Israeli popular music (which includes the hora) beginning at 4 p.m. The event is free, but you must register to attend.
- At 6 p.m., Ben Levin Duo will play the blues at Latitudes (7454 Beechmont Avenue). Have a listen to his latest CD here.
- Whatever you decide to do, beware of road closures thanks to the Flying Pig Marathon.
Not the Weekend, But...
On Wednesday, May 9, The New York Times' Jada Yuan leads a discussion with the paper's national correspondent John Eligon on the "52 Places to Go" at the Shakespeare Theater Company (1195 Elm Street). Yes, Cincinnati is on the list. The inaugural event starts at 7 p.m.
And, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention our own Charitable Suds event at Rhinegeist (1910 Elm Street), also happening May 9 from 5-8 p.m. For every pint you purchase, a portion is donated to Cincinnati Public Radio. Come have a drink and support your favorite radio station!