I know that artists have this habit of closing every show by outing, over rollicking drums and guitar fuzz, “We LOVE you Wichita/Waco/Cleveland/Detroit.”
But really, truly, after my 4th pass through, I gotta tell you…. I LOVE Cincinnati.
I really really love this place. I’ve heard people say it’s rundown or “ghetto” or a has been place. But screw ‘em. They just don’t get it. It’s under my skin, it’s the feel of my feet on the pavement, it’s the unintimidating but awesome hipster vegan indie rock cafes. And the way 20-somethings and middle-aged folks alike could give a shit about Fader and Pitchfork, but come OUT for shows.
I’ve been trying to pin it down, turn it inside out. So here it is… my list of reasons Cincinnati is the bomb!
1) The old brick buildings. I live in Texas, but as I don’t told, “You don’t seem like a Texan.” The wave of relief that hits me when I see the clock towers, old brick buildings, I feel this wave of relief. Like COMING HOME.
2) Findlay Market – a bustling historic market where you can buy the world’s best waffles, beer, organic teas, leg of lamb, fancy candles…. It’s not the stuff, but the feeling that this is a place where you come to people watch, and on a lucky Saturday, jam out with the Please, Please Me.
3) Midpoint Fest….. which is like South by Southwest. But way smaller & way more fun. 15 or so venues stacked w/ great indie bands & plenty of carousing, dancing, socializing in the middle of sidewalks as you go from show to show. Kicking myself for missing Tristen & Jessica Lea Mayfield… but Asobi Seksu’s drummer is my new archangel. (Baby, remove that loveless tattoo off your back… I love you.) And glad we finally got to check out Bright Light Social Hour. (team Austin, you make us proud!)
4) There’s something in the water – & by water, I mean the attitude of the people we meet. Of the festivals, we play, this was the first & is still my fav! It feels light & free & raw & simple like rock ‘n roll is supposed to be… which is why Douglas & I were easily cajoled into wearing wigs for our showcase. Pictures puhlease (Thanks to E PayneArts Photography for this great shot)
5) A special shout out to Dan McCabe, who makes Midpoint happen, whose club MOTR is awesome (& serves amazing veggie food), who sends you to his family mechanic when your van shakes & happens to be at the front of the stage just as we pushed our way to see Asobi Seksu. And Sara Beiting, Tracy Walker…. All testaments to the fact that, it’s never too late to make a city cool, or cool again. If people want culture, art, food, diversity, a city that feels alive as you strut down the streets, they can make it happen!
6) Last but not least, JT & Amanda – the awesome dancing couple in the front row of our showcase.
‘Til we meet again. Which is looking like December. We’ll bring our space heaters if you bring your swagger.
Xxx oo Ohio
~jessie & the please, please me
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