Far-I-Rome sets sights on Over-the-Rhine shop

Last week, OTR welcomed a new arts and culture-minded neighbor -- Far-I-Rome Productions. New office space on Main Street replaces meet-ups at coffee shops and in dining rooms for the creative group.

From fundraising roller discos at the OTR recreation center to street festivals in Milford to the bi-annual Clifton Heights Music Festival, the team at Far-I-Rome works to bring the best local music to the region year-round. More than 10,000 people have taken part in the four CHMFs, enjoying bands of every genre. The company has also created events from Milford to Northern Kentucky, though most of the events happen in the urban core of Cincinnati.

“OTR is a burgeoning community of individuals willing to invest in new ideas and offer something fresh to the city,” says Rome Ntukogu, founder and director of Far-I-Rome Productions. “We work hard to do just that, so this feels like a natural progression for the company.”

With the new office at 1317 Main Street, Far-I-Rome has a tangible presence in the community as well as a space to participate in local events like Final Friday. Now, the company has its eye on furthering the appreciation of the local music and art scene in the city.

Since the first CHMF in 2009, Far-I-Rome has taken on more and more events. By the end of this year, the five-member crew will have created, or been a part of, nearly 20 events, all of which feature local artists and musicians.

“There are such talented people in this city, but a lot of them leave for cities with bigger music scenes,” Ntukogu says. “We are trying to change that.”

By Elissa Yancey