Dear friends,

There is no need to wait until March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day downtown!  The festivities begin this Friday at BlackFinn and Arnold’s, followed by the parade on Saturday.  A great place to view the parade is on Fountain Square where you will also find McCormick & Schmick’s O’Nati’s Pub in full swing!

Wine lovers are sure to enjoy the Cincinnati Wine Festival Grand Tastings this Friday and Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center where you can also enjoy the final weekend for the Home & Garden Show.   Lastly, our world-class Cincinnati Boychoir performs this Saturday at Christ Church Cathedral.  

Best regards,
    
David Ginsburg
President & CEO
Downtown Cincinnati Inc.
(513) 562-8727
david@downtowncincinnati.com
www.downtowncincinnati.com

ST. PATRICK’S PARADE, PLUS OFFICIAL PRE AND POST CELEBRATIONS – MAR 12-13
Although the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this Saturday, you can start celebrating at the Mad Hatter Party on Friday, March 12 starting at 8:00 p.m. at Arnold’s, located at 210 East Eighth Street. Then Saturday, at the crack of dawn (6:00 a.m.!), the official Kegs & Eggs Breakfast begins at Arnold’s. The highlight of the day – the St. Patrick’s Day Parade – will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday at Fifth and Sentinel Streets. The Parade travels west on Fifth to Plum Street, so a great place to watch is from Fountain Square, where celebrations will be taking place. Then it’s back to Arnold’s at 7:00 p.m. for the Parade After Party. Are we tired yet? Find more at http://www.cincinnatisaintpatrickparade1.netfirms.com/schedule.htm

COCKTAILS AND SPIRITS SCHOOL AT TONIC ON FOURTH – MAR 10
A lesson in Bartending 102 is as easy as heading to Tonic on Fourth tonight at 5:30 p.m. The class is $55 per person and is a crash course in the foundations of the professional bartender. It’s the second installment of the bartending series and focuses on building your repertoire of drinks, developing technique & organizational skills to quickly execute fantastic drinks. All attendees will receive a gift-bag of bar related goods. Call and reserve your spot or buy tickets via http://www.ticketderby.com/innerindex.php?eventid=2237. Tonic on Fourth is located at 127 West Fourth Street.

SALE GOING ON NOW AT PLAZA ARTIST MATERIALS
Save up to 65% off select canvas and 40% off on brushes. Plaza Artist continues to expand their Montana Spray color line and stock Hardcore Markers. Custom framing is always available, and remember you save even more when you sign up for a Plaza Saving Card. Plaza Artist Materials is located at 701 Main Street. Find more at http://www.plazaart.com

THE PHOENIX WINE DINNER – MAR 10
For just $60 per person, join winemaker Adam Lazarre of the Villa San-Juliette Winery in Paso Robles as he shares his wines along with a four-course dinner at The Phoenix beginning at 7:00 p.m. on March 10 at 812 Race Street. Call (513) 721-8901 for reservations. http://www.thephx.com

CINCINNATI HOME & GARDEN SHOW – MAR 10-14
Let the flowers bloom! The nationally-acclaimed Fifth Third Bank Cincinnati Home and Garden Show continues at the Duke Energy Convention Center March 10-14. Explore and shop for all of your garden and home improvement needs under one roof. Talk to the experts and get great ideas. For tickets, hours and more http://www.hartproductions.com

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS– MAR 10 – 14
Alex Ramon, the “Zingmaster” will mesmerize you with human cannonballs at 65mph, high-wire acts and swings, 82 animals and much more at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at U.S. Bank Arena March 10 to 14. Ticket-holders are encouraged to come to the All Access Pre-show an hour before show time for autographs, a clown college crash course, and animal viewing at no extra charge. For show times and ticket information visit http://usbankarena.com or call 1-513-421-4111.

CINCINNATI BOYCHOIR TO CELEBRATE 45TH ANNIVERSARY – MAR 13
The Cincinnati Boychoir begins celebrating its anniversary season with a program entitled “Mystics & Madmen” on Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral. The program will feature selections by Delibes, Glass, Faure and Casals. Tickets to all events are $10 for adults, $7 for students/seniors. The Cathedral is located at 318 East Fourth Street. Call (513) 621-1817 or visit http://cincinnatiboychoir.org/concerts/mystics-madmen

QUEEN CITY GOTHIC AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT MAIN LIBRARY – MAR 13
J.T. Townsend, a freelance writer and lifelong resident of Cincinnati, will discuss his new book Queen City Gothic: Cincinnati’s Most Infamous Murder Mysteries at the Main Library located at 800 Vine Street at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 in the Huenefeld Tower Room. A book signing with the author will immediately follow the discussion. For more information, call (513) 369-6959 or visit http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org

CINCINNATI WINE FESTIVAL & DINNER PACKAGES – MAR 11-13
The Cincinnati Wine Festival celebrates twenty years this March 11-13 in the Grand Ballroom of the Duke Energy Convention Center with more than 600 wines from 130 wineries, live music, delicious food and a silent auction. Tickets are $70 in advance and $75 at the door. For hours and more, visit http://www.winefestival.com. Winery dinner packages on March 11 are available at several local restaurants, including Morton’s The Steakhouse, but hurry as these are selling out. Click here for Dinner Package information.

HAVANA MARTINI CLUB THIS WEEK – MAR 10 - 13
Spend the week at the Havana Martini Club.  On Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. there are free Salsa Lessons and Latin DJ Rudy Alvarez with no cover. On Thursdays, it’s Bollywood Night with DJ Rudy and no cover. Fridays stop in for Happy Hour Comer Trio from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and free Salsa lessons beginning at 9:00 p.m. End the week on Saturday with 80s music videos and dancing beginning at 9:30 p.m. Havana Martini Club is located at 441 Vine Street.  Call (513) 651-2800 or visit http://www.havanamartini.com

DAISY MAE’S OFFERS HEALTHY BREAKS – NOW
Daisy Mae’s is the fresh produce merchant located at Findlay Market on the Race Street end of the Market House. Open since November, this full-time vendor offers “Healthy Breaks,” fresh fruit delivered to downtown offices that want to promote workplace wellness.  Daisy Mae’s also offers “Quick Pick Produce.”  Just call ahead to (513) 602-5601 to place your order that will be ready for pick-up at their convenient loading zone on Race Street.  Find out more at http://www.daisymaesmarket.com.

BLACKFINN: ST. PATRICK’S WEEK – MAR 12 – 17
Celebrate Ireland’s favorite holiday at BlackFinn beginning Friday, March 12 with the Ceremonial Tapping of the First Green Keg at 5:00 p.m.  On March 13, do the “St. Practice” Day Bar Crawl.  On March 16, it’s Level Tuesday and on March 17 the doors open at 9:00 a.m. for Kegs and Eggs, Green Beer, Jameson, Guiness, Smithwicks and Harp all day and night. BlackFinn is at 19 East Seventh Street. For more information, call (513) 721-3466 or http://blackfinncincy.com    

RAIN BARRELS 101 & BABYWEARING BLISS AT PARK + VINE– MAR 13 & 14
Learn how to harvest rainwater with a simple system at Park + Vine located at 1109 Vine Street on Saturday, March 13 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Representatives from Cincy Rain Barrels and Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati will outline easy ways to reduce storm water runoff, improve water quality and promote water conservation with rain gardens and rain barrels. Space is limited to 25. $5 suggested donation benefits Civic Garden Center. RSVP at info@parkandvine.com before March 12. Park + Vine is also hosting Babywearing Bliss, a free workshop on safely and comfortably carrying a baby from birth through toddler years, on March 14 and the second Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Megan Seaman-Kossmeyer, co-leader of the Cincinnati chapter of Attachment Parenting International, facilitates this monthly exchange. For more information, visit http://www.parkandvine.com or call (513) 721-7275

WASHINGTON PLATFORM’S NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & FOOD BUFFET – MAR 14
Experience all that downtown has to offer at Washington Platform. Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with a tasty Louisiana buffet and a side of smokin’ hot jazz with the Mike Sharfe Trio on Sunday, March 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations encouraged.  Call (513) 421-0110. Washington Platform is located at 1000 Elm Street.

PATRICIA HEATON SMARTTALK CONNECTED CONVERSATIONS – MAR 15
Motherhood And Hollywood, Patricia Heaton’s hilarious portrayal of much put-upon housewife in the hit show Everybody Loves Raymond, garnered her several awards; in real life Patricia Heaton is a mother of four, actress, best-selling author and one of the most unusual and refreshing voices in Hollywood. Hear Patricia Heaton speak as part of the SmartTalk series, 7:30 p.m. on March 15 at the Aronoff Center. Single event tickets prices start at just $40, the build-your-own package starts at $114 for three shows; both are available now while quantities last. Reserve at (513) 621-2787 or http://www.smarttalkwomen.com/cities.html

MUSIC LIVE AT LUNCH CONCERTS – MAR 16
Christ Church Cathedral's weekly offering of Music Live at Lunch takes place on March 16 at 12:10 p.m., this week featuring Apollo's Cabinet:  It is free and open to all. Patrons may bring their lunch or buy one at the cathedral for $5.  Christ Church is located at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore streets. http://www.christchurchcincinnati.org  

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT THE MAIN LIBRARY – MAR 17
Join our friends at the Main Library for the 28th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration of Song and Dance, sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library, on Wednesday, March 17, starting at 11:45 a.m., in the Main Library Atrium. Featuring Celtic music with Silver Arm and a special performance by the McGing Irish Dancers, this tribute to Irish heritage is family-friendly and fun! Get more information at http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

PALACE RESTAURANT TASTING THURSDAYS – MAR 18
The Palace Restaurant, located at 601 Vine Street in the Cincinnatian Hotel, has an amazing offer every third Thursday of the month – a 2 course dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine for $60.00.  Two courses include your choice of first course and entrée from Chef Salazar’s weekly prix fixe menu and a bottle of wine from this week’s “Maitre d’picks”.  Call (513) 381-3000 for reservations.  For more information, visit
http://www.cincinnatianhotel.com

HARVARD GLEE CLUB & UC’S MEN’S CHORUS – MAR 19
The University of Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and Harvard’s Glee Club come together for one night, Friday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m., to present a free performance at Christ Church Cathedral, located at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore streets. This is a rare combination of talent you won’t want to miss. Find out more about each chorus at http://www.harvardgleeclub.org and http://www.ucchoruses.com.

FASHION FOR HAITI AND TRUNK SHOWS AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE - NOW
While supplies last, purchase the $25 t-shirt to contribute to the earthquake relief effort at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks will donate $15 from the sale of each t-shirt to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Fashion for Haiti is a charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.  On March 11, join Saks for Lafayette 148 New York Trunk Show to see the new Spring 2010 collection from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The Dana Kemp Trunk Show is from March 11 to 13. Lastly, Donate, Dress, and Dance is March 13 to 31, where you receive 20% off one full-price prom or party dress when you donate a gently worn special occasion dress to Kensie’s Closet. For more information, call (513) 421-6800. Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 101 West Fifth Street. http://www.s5a.com  

$4.99 RECESSION BUSTER LUNCH MENU AT ARNOLD’S - NOW
Arnold’s new recession buster lunch menu is not only easy on the wallet, but tasty too! Choose from spaghetti and meatballs, turkey pot pie, Irish stew, fish tacos, Cincinnati Veggie 4-Way made with lentils, and more. Tempted? Tell Ronda we sent you! Arnold’s is located at 210 East Eighth Street. (513) 421-6234.  http://arnoldsbarandgrill.blogspot.com  

YWCA FITNESS CENTER 10% DISCOUNT ON A 10-CLASS PASS – THROUGH MAR 31
Pilates, Spinning, & Yoga, oh my!  Sign up for a 10-Class Specialty Pass before March 31 and receive 10% off the price of $85 (savings of $8.50).  Specialty classes are offered Monday through Friday at lunch time and in the evening. For details, http://www.ywca.org or call (513) 361-2116.

TJ MAXX SPRING COLLECTION OF MEN'S SUITS AND SPORT COATS - NOW
Rolling off the trucks at TJ Maxx is their spring collection of men's suits and sport coats. Designers including your friends truly, Michael, Geoffrey and Calvin and more, are priced from $99 to $149.99. Suits from Hugo are available for $399.99. TJ Maxx downtown is also in the midst of a renovation with new fixtures, paint, flooring, dressing rooms and more. Stop in and check them out at 18 West Fourth Street. (513) 621-0065. http://www.tjmaxx.com

NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Senate restaurant at 1212 Vine in the Gateway Quarter http://www.senatepub.com; Mr. Sushi at 580 Walnut Click here; It’s Just Crepes’ second location at 151 W. Fourth Street; Abby Girl Sweets in the Carew Tower http://www.abbygirlsweets.com; and Bouchard’s on Main 825 Main Click here. Also open is Lunch on Main located at 633 Main Street.

$1.99 MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL AT ROLY POLY
Get ready for this! Roly Poly, located at 425 Walnut, has a March Madness special for the entire month of March, offering the half-sandwich (of the day) for $1.99. Coupon is required and is available by Clicking here. During the season of Lent, keep in mind their large variety of vegetarian and tuna options, with two new sandwiches added just for March, Mandarin Tuna and Tuna Club. (513) 721-4499.

THIS WEEK ON FOUNTAIN SQUARE
St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Fountain Square include McCormick & Schmick’s O’Nati’s Pub on Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on March 13 and marches right past the Square. On March 17, the party continues on the Square with Irish food, beverages and music by the Naked Karate Girls from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For more information, visit http://www.myfountainsquare.com

CANSTRUCTION FOOD SCULPTURE EXHIBIT – NOW TO MAR 15
Canstruction, an art exhibit featuring large-scale sculptures created from canned goods benefiting the Freestore Foodbank, returns for its thirteenth year and is on view until March 15 at the Weston Art Gallery located at 650 Walnut Street. The exhibit is free, though the public is encouraged to bring canned food items for donation to the Freestore Foodbank. http://www.freestorefoodbank.org.

ONGOING...
Happy Hour at Righteous Room - enjoy half priced drinks from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. every Monday to Saturday! Located at 641 Walnut Street. http://www.therighteousroom.com/. (513) 381 4408.
J. Gumbo’s: Cajun and Creole cuisine, offers specials weekly. 425 Walnut Street. http://www.jgumbos.com.
McCormick & Schmick's hosts Half Priced Bottle Wine Night every Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Located at Fifth & Vine. And don't forget $1 oysters on Thursdays. Call (513) 721-9339.
Jazzercise Downtown is held weekly at two locations, Christ Church Cathedral and the Emanuel Community Center. http://www.jazzercincinnati.com.
Cricket Lounge Happier Hour - enjoy daily drink and menu specials from 4 to 7 p.m. every day! Located inside the historic Cincinnatian Hotel at 601 Vine Street. http://www.cincinnatianhotel.com.
The Palace Three Course Prix Fixe - enjoy a three course meal - two savory and one sweet - at the Palace Restaurant for just $44. Located at 601 Vine Street. http://www.palacecincinnati.com.
Bootsy's Happy Hour Specials - Monday-Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Drink specials include $15 wines by the bottle, $5 for 5 domestic beers, $15 sangria pitchers and $5 martinis. Enjoy specials off the Happy Hour menu as well. 627 Walnut Street. (513) 241-0707.
JeanRo Bistro is offering 1/2 price drafts on Mondays, 1/2 price bottles of wine on Sundays and a great Happy Hour Bar Menu, Mon-Sat 2 to 7 p.m. 413 Vine Street. (513) 621-1465. http://bistrojeanro.com.
Afternoon Tea at Orchid's at Palm Court hosts Saturday afternoon tea from 2 to 4 p.m. For reservations email Sean Garner, sean.garner@hilton.com or call (513) 421-9100.
T.G.I.T. Wine Tastings at City Cellars for $8 every Tuesday. http://www.citycellars.biz.
Nicholson's brings live traditional American folk music to downtown with The Tillers every first and third Friday of the month, 8-11 p.m. (513) 564-9111 or http://www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com.
The Blue Wisp hosts Happy Hour from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday with drink specials, jazz music videos and jazz karaoke, plus BBQ and pizza. (513) 241-WISP or http://www.thebluewisp.com.  
Tune in to City Talk with 55 KRC on Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m. with Michael Sweeney and Tom Hodges discussing issues and happenings throughout Cincinnati. (513) 749-5500. http://citytalk550.com.
Fountain Square and Soapbox: Sign up today for the Fountain Square newsletter (http://www.myfountainsquare.com) and for Soapbox Media's online weekly newsletter (http://www.soapboxmedia.com).
Put your junk in your trunk: The Cincinnati Police Department and DCI urge you to protect yourself from auto break-ins. Items left in plain view are the top contributing factor to theft from auto. Get in the habit of securing your vehicle by leaving valuable items at home or putting them in your trunk before you arrive at your destination. Report any unusual activity to the Cincinnati Police at (513) 765-1212.