June is here, which means you've got 13 weekends left to make the most of your summer. Ready to get started?
Welcome to the WVXU "Do" List, a roundup of arts-focused events we think public radio listeners might be interested in. On tap for this week? Bunbury, blues, kayaking basics and tons of free stuff. Want more? Check out "Around Cincinnati" host Lee Hay's "Music Notes" for the week ahead.;
Friday, June 1
- The 2018 Bunbury Festival takes over Yeatman's Cove (705 E. Pete Rose Way) this weekend, featuring performances by The Chainsmokers, Foster the People, Incubus, Manchester Orchestra and many more. See who's performing when, and get tickets, starting at $89, here.
- The Ben Levin Band is joined by special guest Bob Margolin at the Freedom Center's Harriet Tubman Theater (50 E. Freedom Way) starting at 8 p.m. Margolin played guitar with the Muddy Waters Band in the '70s, touring and recording with the blues icon who soon became a close friend. The performance will be a blend of music, storytelling, and a meet-and-greet with the musicians. Tickets are $15.
- Fountain Square's first First Friday of the summer kicks off at 7 p.m. featuring DJ Diamond. This event is free.
- One For the Foxes, a triple-threat Irish trio who not only play music but sing and dance too, come to the Irish Center (3095 Eastern Avenue) for a concert starting at 7:30. Day-of tickets are $25.
- At 6 p.m., cover band Model Behavior brings its blend of dance and party songs from the '70s, '80s and '90s to Stanbery Park (2221 Oxford Avenue).
- From 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each Friday in June, NKU will open the doors to its Campus Rec Center to the public (Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY), offering a chance to conquer its rock climbing wall, take part in an indoor soccer game or attend a kid-friendly "dive in" movie at its pool. All access and events, as well as food and drink, are free.
Saturday, June 2
- Believe it: Eclipse, the Ultimate Journey Tribute, rocks Fountain Square starting at 7 p.m. for free.
- The jazzy Phil DeGreg Trio, featuring Phil DeGreg, Jon Massey and Art Gor, play Schwartz's Point (1901 Vine Street) beginning at 9 p.m.
- Learn kayaking basics at Winton Woods' Adventure Outpost (10248 McKelvey Road). Multiple sessions, starting at $25, are being offered throughout the summer and all equipment will be provided. All you need to do is register.
Sunday, June 3
- From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Hofbrauhaus Newport (200 E. Third Street, Newport, KY) hosts the 123rd German Day Celebration, which, in addition to food, drink and dancing, features multiple raffles, all benefiting the German Heritage Museum.
- The Cincy Blues Society holds its 20th Cincy Blues Challenge at Germania Park. Bands taking part include Lil' Red & The Rooster, Fred Gillespie and the Swamp Bees, Tempted Souls Band and more. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and don't close until 9 p.m. Entry is $15.
- If you like cooking, music and wine (who doesn't?) this one's for you: Starting at 7 p.m., Aster Social Sippery (8 E. Fourth Street) holds "Cooking in Concert: Winds + Wines," featuring a wine tasting led by Zachary Schumate accompanied by musical selections by Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra principal oboe Chris Philpotts. Admission is $40.