ArtsWave grant recipient: Madisonville Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation

ArtsWave recently awarded a total of $45,000 to five LISC Place Matters neighborhoods—Avondale, Covington, Madisonville, Price Hill and Walnut Hills. Each neighborhood received $9,000 in grant money, which will help bring ArtsWave-supported arts activities and organizations to each neighborhood. For five weeks, Soapbox is featuring the five neighborhoods and their plans for the grant money.
 
The Madisonville Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation plans to use the $9,000 for the Cincinnati Jazz and BBQ Festival. The festival will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the intersection of Madison and Whetsel.
 
“We picked two things that showcase the personality of the neighborhood,” says Matt Strauss, real estate and marketing manager for MCURC.
 
The corner of Madison and Whetsel is a city-owned property, and MCURC is working with the city to develop it into a place for the community. The festival will showcase the property, and show that big things are happening in Madisonville, Strauss says.
 
The festival will feature Eugene Goss and Triage, and Mike Wade and the Mighty Groovers. BBQ from Madisonville resident Ron D and JustQ’in will be available for purchase, as well as beer from MadTree Brewing.
 
There will also be events for kids and a number of artisans from the neighborhood selling their wares.
 
“Madisonville has been quiet for the last few years, but we’re getting ready to jump off with lots of new buildings and businesses,” Strauss says. “This has always been a thriving, diverse community, and we want to show it off.”
 
If you can’t make it to the festival, Madisonville is hosting its second 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 27. Register online, and check for updated race information on Facebook.