Cincinnati USA's September Familiarization Tour: A Black and White Experience

The bi-monthly Familiarization Tour of the Cincinnati USA CVB was exquisite.

Just when you thought the folks at Cincinnati USA and Accent on Cincinnati, the latter instrumental in planning and executing the Fam Tours, could never surpass in impact and awe-inspiring magic the previous Fam Tour, they pull something else out of the hat.

As a lover of the arts, this particular Fam Tour spoke directly to my heart.

I've entitled this A Black and White Experience. Through black and white photography, I interpret the evening, a beautiful, timeless, classy evening that each of the guests will never forget. (I bypass the earlier part of the day, which you can get a representative sample of in the previous FAMs here and here.)

(Hint: To get the full visual impact, press F11 to put your monitor in full-screen mode.)

The guests entered the lobby of Cincinnati's Music Hall, where they stopped for a moment to admire its wonderful ornate interior.



There in the lobby to welcome them was Evans Mirageas, Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Opera.

After the warm welcome, the guests were ushered into the theater.



Mr. Mirageas led the guests down the center aisle and up a set of steps to the stage, where many fine performers have captivated audiences for over 100 years.

When everyone was assembled on the stage, on cue the curtain opened and the guests beheld this:























The idea of this evening at the Music Hall was to give each of the guestsa of taste of the arts in Cincinnati.

Introducing them to Cincinnati's nationally and internationally renown ballet was Victoria Morgan.



Three dancers performed a sensuously moving routine (forgive me if the terminology is incorrect) created by Ms. Morgan.















After that performance, the guests were treated to a taste of the symphony. The world-renown Paavo Jarvi, conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, introduced the musicians.





Everyone one surprised when one of the violinists pulled out a banjo and the two classically trained musicians began to play bluegrass.



Evans Mirageas introduced the Opera.











It was a night none of the guests will ever forget.

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Catholic Charities USA, Annual Conference

During the week of September 10, 2007, Dan Ledbetter had the honor of photographing the Annual Conference of Catholic Charities USA. There were many people from all over the country.





The conference began with some great music by an African-American choir led by a very energetic director.



The attendees were also treated to a great performance by the Steeles.



Those giving of themselves selflessly in helping others were recognized.



There were a variety of speakers addressing the issue of race and poverty. Dr. Robert Franklin, Jr. gave the keynote on Sunday morning, during the last session of the conference. Dr. Franklin is an author and educator and recently wrote Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope to African American Communities.



Dr. Franklin and Janet Valente Pape, Chair of the Board of Trustees, pause for a photo.



The highlight of the conference was Saturday Mass at Covington, Kentucky's Basilica.







After Mass, the attendees marched across the suspension bridge from Covington to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Given that the underground railroad ran through this part of Kentucky and Ohio, this march was a symbolic re-enactment of the slaves crossing the river to freedom.