Soapicks July 28-August 3

Going Once, Going Twice
July 30
“Rubber Duckie, you’re the one. You make bathtime lots of fun….” Who says rubber duckies are just for kids? With celebrity-autographed and artist-decorated rubber ducks, the Freestore Foodbank makes the yellow-plastic swimmers a cool toy for any adult to own. This Thursday, the official kickoff to Duck Season begins at Jefferson Hall with the annual Celebrity Duck Auction. Join hosts Brad Johansen and Dave Lapham as more than 40 ducks are auctioned off throughout the evening-proceeds go towards the Freestore Foodbank and the September Rubber Duck Regatta. Each duck is decorated by a local artist and autographed by a local or national celebrity such as President Obama, Rascal Flatts, Elton John, Carson Palmer and the list goes on. So get there early-auction begins at 5:30 p.m.-to get a sneak peek and decide which rubber duckie you’d like to bid on.

Group Vision
July 31
As the saying goes, “you win some, you lose some.” A group art show reflects the motto at NVision’s latest exhibit, Can’t Win For Losing. Both floors of NVision will be covered with works of art including print media, graffiti art, found object art, photography and fashion design-all of which will be for sale. Featured Cincinnati-area artists include Eric Lee Cope, Tony Frisell, CT King, Mercedes Roling and more. NVision will host the Opening Reception this Friday from 6:00-10:00 p.m. So come peruse the newest works of art, and who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect accent piece to finally feng shui your apartment. Click here for full list of exhibit artists and samples of their works. Exhibit continues through September 13.

Move Over Ocho Cinco….
July 31 & August 1
….Fantasia’s in your house. Ms. Barrino-winner of American Idol’s third season-is just one of several hot acts on the ticket for this year’s Macy’s Music Festival. Paul Brown Stadium acts as the arena for two days of phenomenal music, food, drink, shopping and more this Friday and Saturday. Joining Fantasia is an assemblage of Billboard chart-toppers including, Robin Thicke, The Whispers, John Legend, Eric Benet, Charlie Wilson, Anita Baker, The O’jays, Joe and Jazmine Sullivan. Whether you like R&B, Hip-Hop or Jazz, the diverse line-up offers something for everyone. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Click here for tickets and further event info.