Soapicks October 13-19

Beatlemania
October 14
Hey Jude, you look like you're in need of a hard day's night out, so grab Sgt. Pepper and head over to Abbey Road this Wednesday for RAIN: A Tribute To The Beatles. The Cincinnati Arts Association invites you to join the only tribute band that captures the Fab Four's musical talents flawlessly for a one night only performance at the Aronoff Center this Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional event combining live camera projection, original Beatles T.V. commercials and historical video footage from the 1960's. Featuring five different acts, the tribute show's first set takes you back to the Beatles American television debut on the Ed Sullivan show. From there RAIN continues the Beatles journey set by set from Shea Stadium, to the Sgt. Pepper days, on to the Flower Power era and closing with hits from the Abbey Road period. RAIN goes to great lengths to capture the true essence of the Beatles down to every last detail. Tickets are limited and range in price from $30.00-$55.00. Call the Aronoff Center Ticket Office for details (513) 621-2787.

Sky's The Limit
October 16
Construction sites never looked as lively as when they were captured on paper by Raymond Thunder-Sky, or as some people knew him, the 'construction clown'. As one of the founding artists of "Art Things," better known today as Visionaries and Voices, Thunder-Sky traveled around Cincinnati with his hard hat and toolbox of art supplies creating images of wrecking balls and becoming a forefather of the Outsider Art movement. Even after Thunder-Sky’s passing in 2004, Visionaries and Voices continues to provide a place for outsider artists to display their works. To honor Thunder-Sky's memory, Visionaries and Voices presents the Work Hard & Think Smart exhibit which opens this Friday with a reception from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  As part of the opening reception, the Raymond Thunder-Sky Legacy Mural, located on the side of the V&V building in Northside, will be dedicated to his memory. Along with enjoying food, music, and the fun of the circus, patrons can participate in the Media Bridges story booth and share their stories about Thunder-Sky. It's a chance to remember the clown-loving man who was dedicated to excellence in art.

Better B.B. There
October 16
Move over Queen Mum because the King, B.B. King that is, is coming to town. He may not rule a country in Europe, but that's because he rules the entire world as the King of Blues. You can catch the 15 time Grammy Award-winner, who at the age of 76 hasn't lost a step, at the Aronoff Center this Friday night. Hear King classics such as Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss, The Thrill Is Gone, Why I Sing The Blues and many, many more in this one night only performance. King's signature guitar style and unique sound mixes together traditional blues, jazz, swing and mainstream pop. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range form $55.00-$99.00; click here to purchase.

Get Paperbacked
October 17
Groucho Marx once said, "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.  Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Add to your collection of friends this weekend with the 3rd annual Books By The Banks. The Duke Energy Convention Center will host 80+ authors and their books, discussion panels and the Target Kids' Corner where the entire family can enjoy crafts, storytelling, costume characters, author readings, and more. Discussion panels with authors will be held throughout the day covering everything from Cincinnati sports to King Records, endangered animals, cooking demonstration and in the spirit of Halloween, vampires and tri-state ghosts. Books By The Banks begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Click here for a full schedule of adult and child activities.

Wine-ding Road
October 17
Every good book could use a glass of wine to go along with it. The Republic Bank invites you to the MainStrasse Village Wine Festival this Saturday from 3:00-10:00 p.m. Kentucky's wineries will line the Sixth Street Promenade at the Goose Girl Fountain allowing you to move easily from stand to stand and sample a variety of wines. Admission is $10.00 and includes a souvenir wine glass and 4 sample tickets. You can purchase additional sample tickets for $1 each or 6 for $5; special tickets for full glasses can also be purchased for $5 each.  Like what you drink? Wines may be purchased by the bottle and the case. Along with great wines, you’ll enjoy local foods, artisans and live entertainment.