News

Bridge, brews & beauty

COVINGTON, Ky. – Whew … now that we got those tornado warnings out of the way (hopefully), it’s time to look ahead to a good time in The Cov.

As you well know, here in The Cov we’re all about moving forward but never without a nod to our past. Beers are sort of like that too. That’s why you can raise your stein to a longtime favorite this weekend as well as tip your glass for a sip of a brand-new brew being released on Saturday.

Even if you don’t drink, there is a lot to do this weekend … and several things going on tonight, so we’re not going to lollygag here, and you shouldn’t dally. Read on and make plans.

Get pickled

As in Parks & Rec’s Covington Pickleball Series.

You just never know when Pickleball will become an Olympic sport (hey, badminton, table tennis, and trampoline made it), and you know you will want something shinier than bronze. Time to polish your pickle(ball) skills now.

A pint of local

More than 150 years ago, German immigrant George Wiedemann began brewing Wiedemann beer across the Licking River.

We’re still drinkin’ it.

Tonight is Wiedemann Pint Night at Crafts & Vines. Stop in and help keep history alive. Specials on the beers and you’ll get to meet members of the brew team.

The sweet & the spicy

Here’s a yummy little walk through Covington.

The Sweet & Spicy Art Walk starts at Golden Gelato (if you haven’t had their gelato yet, let this be your introduction), when you can order a scoop (or two, or three). Then you’ll make your way to Yankee Doodle Deli for spicy or sweet pretzels.

Along your walk, as you’re burning off every single calorie you’ve consumed, you’ll be feeding your mind with history about local architecture and artwork (a la murals, mosaics, and more).

The tour ends at Rich’s Proper Food & Drink for spicy Squad Goals cocktail, which features tequila and chili spice -- but, truly, you can sip on whatever you like (just that the tequila and chili liqueur keep things spicy).

Art for miles

Krista Sheneman is a time-based sculptural artist who explores identity through collection, health, and memory.

Back in April, Sheneman walked more than 470 miles from Cincinnati to Memphis, Tenn. (from where she hails). Her journey wound up being an investigation of the notions of home through identity and collection. The result is the debut of her new sculptures and performance relics.

Walk alongside Sheneman on her journey at Walking Home: The Exhibition at Pique Gallery tonight. Who knows what you’ll find about your own notions of home?

‘High-voltage dance party’

That’s exactly how the Behringer-Crawford Museum described Ramona Blaine & The Company.

Music@BCM is back and tonight’s performance promises to be an eclectic mix of Motown, R&B, pop, current hits, dance classics, oldies, and jazz. The Company has cross-generational appeal, so this can be a full-blown family outing (if you want to put up with everyone all evening).

Expect to hear songs by Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Black Eyed Peas, Michael Jackson, and a repertoire of ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s music.

The story of a bridge

It would be tough to argue that the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge isn’t one of, if not “the,” most iconic focal point or backdrop of any image that captures the essence of Northern Kentucky.

Whether beneath a bursting bouquet of fireworks, or looming behind the oversized head of a tourist, that majestic bridge is all anyone needs to see to know where you were when you snapped that photo.

It’s got a heck of a story and Dr. Don H. Tolzmann is just the person to tell it. Tonight, he’ll be talking about John A. Roebling and His Bridge on the Ohio River at the Kenton County Public Library.

Resilience and beauty

Jay DeFazio created the Inside Out project to bring together members of the transgender community to participate in a collaborative and supportive art experience.

That experience involves creating self-portraits that focus on acceptance and love. This is done in the company of others facing similar struggles, a safe environment where they can express their authentic selves.

On Saturday, that safe place is the NKY Pride Center, where DeFazio will lead the Inside Out Art Youth Workshop for Youth.

This portrait workshop will celebrate the strength, beauty, and resiliency of transgender individuals through techniques that will help them recognize their self-worth as they translate their identity into artwork and meet others who can inspire and support them through the process of transition.

Squeezin’ lemons

What’s summer without lemonade stands?

Left Bank Coffeehouse is hosting Lemonade & Popsicles on Saturday. Expect to see little folks doing all the work, because grownups simply should not hijack what is clearly a child’s business industry.

Show up thirsty for good old-fashioned lemonade and some of Left Bank’s favorite kiddos staffing the stand. Be sure to tip well.

How’d you make that?

Haven’t you always wanted to ask an artist about their process? Or what inspired them? Or if they always wanted to be an artist when they grew up (because you did too, but then you got all caught up the trappings of … oh … never mind).

On Saturday, the Local Artisan Market takes place courtesy of Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop – and you ask away because there will be plenty of artists hanging out.

It’s a great opportunity to secure a special piece that speaks to you.

A creamy orange beer dream

Remember hot summer days that demanded a sweet, colorful popsicle to cool you off? It was perfection – or so you thought.

Then one day you discovered a chilly confection with a marriage of flavors so brilliant that your mind could barely process its goodness. That delicious orange sherbet exterior blanketed around frozen rich cream. To bite or lick? That was the scope of the dilemmas you were met with in that sweet chapter of life. Dare you attempt to deny that the entire time you’re enjoying a creamsicle you are in a Zen-like trance?

Thankfully, Braxton Brewing Company pays attention to the most beloved childhood experiences in our lives.

On Saturday, Braxton’s Summer Social kicks off the season with its Graeter’s Oranges and Cream release. There will be pizza too, but, come on, we all know that orange and cream are such satisfying sustenance.

Tacos and ‘thanks’

The folks at OLLA Taqueria will say “thank you” to their customers on Saturday at the OLLA Customer Appreciation Fiesta or OLLA Fiesta Flier (in Spanish) at Madison Live.

DJ R3DRAGN will be playing the tunes. There’s a full bar and no cover.

Second Sundays are best

If you need to get your steps in, Latonia is the place to do it on Sunday.

The Latonia Second Sunday Market is back and there will be plenty to peruse in the charming Ritte’s Corner Historic District.

Looking for a nibble? Plenty of choices, like Nacho Average Taco Cart, Blind Man’s Soups at The Roost Latonia, Emerson’s Bakery, Granny’s Latonia Diner, Good Timers II, and Legends Bar & Grill.

If you’re shopping for someone (or yourself), you’ll find more booths than you can count, and then you’ve got a bunch of cool Latonia businesses participating, like Local Studio 325, Angie’s Closet, Curated Design & Décor, Blondie Locks Latonia, Mona Lisa Collections, Half & Half Antique Store, Around the Corner Fabrics, and Warrior Spirit Wellness.

Live music

Tonight: Open Mic Night with Mara Moon at Pandemonium … Sonny Moorman at Smoke Justis … Allison Bishop & Mark Campbell at Keystone Bar & Grill … Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s.

Friday: Newbees play The Newbees at Wunderbar … Chantelle & The Digs at Smoke Justis.

Saturday: Kenny Cowden at Smoke Justis.

Sunday:  Rooftop Sessions at Braxton … Elijah Batson, Leno and Warren Village at Pandemonium.

Miscellaneous

And then there’s … MainStrasse Village Food Tour on Saturday … Saturday Sweat Club at the Overlook at Devou Park on Saturday (obviously) … Covington Farmers Market on Saturday … Weaving in the Round at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop on Saturday … “Oh Snap” Photographs, Collages, and Unique Images at Pandemonium, Thursday through Sunday.

 

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