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.

Cincinnati USA's July Fam Tour

The tour begins with dinner at Cincinnati's premier four-star restaurant, Jean-Robert at Pigall's





The staff of Jean-Robert explain every delicious, savory detail of the dinner they are about to enjoy.



Kathy of Cincinnati USA gives the official welcome.



After dinner, the guests boarded the tour coach and received a personalized tour of downtown Cincinnati.



One of the stops was at the Cincinnati Museum Center.



The honored guests paused for a photo op.



From the Cincinnati Museum Center, the tour continued, with a stop at another Cincinnati landmark, Skyline Chili. The store manager welcomed the guests and gave them a little history about Skyline and suggestions on what to order.



While the guests awaited their food orders, David Pepper, Hamilton County Commissioner, welcomed them to the city and encouraged them to make this their meeting destination.



Everyone got suited up for dinner. Bibs are an important part of the experience. Otherwise, you wear the experience.



The chili dog is supposed to be consumed like this:



But, he was not with this tour. He was on the last one.

These guests were a little more, what should I say, dignified. Notice the fork. No shoving it in the mouth with these folks.



From Skyline, the guests made other stops. I had to part company and take care of some Fam-related business. My next appearance was the grand finale of the evening--dinner at Paul Brown Stadium.

Look closely at the scoreboard. Each of the guests had their name in lights. A wonderful touch.






When the guests walked out onto the field, they were thoroughly surprised.



They had a special visit from a very special guest.



The guests and their hosts gathered for another photo op on the 50 yard line.



CVB staffers Kelsey Clark, Marketing Coordinator, and Jessie Folmar, Communications Manager, took a moment for a photo op.



Barrie Perks, VP of Sales and Services, having just arrived from out-of-town business, joined the guests for dinner.



Everyone enjoyed dinner and conversation.






Some of the guests hit the field to try their hand at kicking a field goal. Bill Beavers was impressive.



Then came Marc Edwards of the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati.

What incredible form.



Marc's performance elicited some good-natured laughing from Bob Louis of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.



Bob showed Marc how it is done.



Marc is not about to be outdone. What a stretch!



Marc, having demonstrated his athletic abilities, gave Kathy instructions.



Kathy appeared not to need any instructions.




Barrie Perks showed the Americans how to really kick a ball.



Barrie kicked it into the stands, and someone had to retrieve it.



After the festivities ended at the stadium, the guests were taken to Fountain Square for some Graeters ice cream. A wonderful conclusion to a wonderful day.

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