https://ashleymoor.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Ashley MoorenSun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/celebrate-black-history-month-with-a-visit-to-these-ohio-landmarks/article_46b91068-db4c-55c4-b33e-c7282df480e6.htmlSince 1976, Americans have celebrated the achievements of African Americans during Black History Month, occurring during the month of February. With its important role in the Underground Railroad and home base for many prominent African Americans throughout the past few centuries, Ohio boasts many opportunities to celebrate Black History Month.Here’s a look at some of the best places to celebrate Black History Month in Ohio, from the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce...Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/celebrate-black-history-month-with-a-visit-to-these-ohio-landmarks/article_46b91068-db4c-55c4-b33e-c7282df480e6.htmlhttps://www.citybeat.com/arts/10-arts-culture-stories-that-made-an-impact-on-greater-cincinnati-in-2025/Cincinnati’s arts and culture scene took some unexpected turns in 2025, and CityBeat was there for all of it — the rise of a beloved local clown, viral greeting cards, exotic pet owners and even the race to host Sundance. Here’s a look back at the stories that defined the city’s arts and culture scene in 2025. Getting to Know Softmaxplus, the Clown about Town Cincinnati is home to a famous clown. Beginning in the summer of 2023, author Michael Sawan, aka Softmaxplus, began wearing clown makeu...Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/arts/10-arts-culture-stories-that-made-an-impact-on-greater-cincinnati-in-2025/https://www.citybeat.com/music/review-from-pixies-to-rilo-kiley-bourbon-beyond-2025-proved-unmissable/Every year, the lineup for Bourbon & Beyond makes me shriek with excitement — and this year’s lineup was no different. Over the course of four days, 2025 festivalgoers had the opportunity to see 117 musical acts across five stages — including The Lumineers, Pixies, Alabama Shakes, Khruangbin, Goo Goo Dolls, Rilo Kiley, Third Eye Blind, Ringo Starr and much, much more. The only catch to this year’s festivities? I’m pregnant, and the very last thing a pregnant person wants to do is stand for hour...Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/review-from-pixies-to-rilo-kiley-bourbon-beyond-2025-proved-unmissable/https://www.citybeat.com/music/northern-kentucky-musician-jordan-smart-turns-gaza-activism-and-social-justice-into-protest-songs-on-new-album-20192605/Northern Kentucky musician Jordan Smart keeps a folder of the most harrowing images he’s seen from Gaza — a private archive that fuels both his outrage and his art. Since the war began, he has turned his platform into a rallying cry for Palestinians while also speaking out against ICE raids and other social justice issues closer to home. “For better or worse I’ve never been too good at keeping my mouth shut,” Smart wrote in an Instagram post in November of 2023. “I know most of y’all are here f...Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/northern-kentucky-musician-jordan-smart-turns-gaza-activism-and-social-justice-into-protest-songs-on-new-album-20192605/https://www.citybeat.com/music/janelle-monae-to-kickoff-the-headline-music-series-at-americas-river-roots-festival-20128834/Organizers have announced the fourth headliner to perform at America’s River Roots Festival in October.On Monday, organizers revealed that innovative R&B artist Janelle Monáe will kickoff the headline music series at America’s River Roots Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9.Monáe is a singer, rapper, songwriter, actress and activist. She has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards and is the recipient of the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award. Fans have speculated that Monáe could be releasing new...Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/janelle-monae-to-kickoff-the-headline-music-series-at-americas-river-roots-festival-20128834/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/asianati-to-host-one-night-screening-of-vietnamese-american-new-wave-documentary-20051831/A film exploring the Vietnamese American new wave music scene of the 1980s is being screened at an exclusive event next month.Asianati, the producers of Asian Food Fest and Asianati Night Market, and Lang Thang Group will be presenting a special one-night-only screening of New Wave, a 2024 documentary directed by Vietnamese American filmmaker Elizabeth Ai. The documentary screening will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Kenwood Theatre, with a community celebration and after party at 13 Knives...Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/asianati-to-host-one-night-screening-of-vietnamese-american-new-wave-documentary-20051831/https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-band-in-the-pines-plug-in-and-power-up-on-new-single-sunbeam-dream-20052466/Cincinnati-based psych rockers In The Pines have released the second single from their forthcoming album, Sunbeam Dream.The eponymous single, “Sunbeam Dream,” is described as the album’s “most muscular and hard-driving track,” with intersecting guitar melodies that perfectly complement the driving synths, percussion and bassline — a perfect track for fans of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Glass Beams.For the uninitiated,  In The Pines is an indie-psych band formed in 2016 by childhood frie...Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-band-in-the-pines-plug-in-and-power-up-on-new-single-sunbeam-dream-20052466/https://www.citybeat.com/music/new-genre-spanning-music-and-arts-festival-to-debut-in-covington-this-weekend-20044777/A new multi-venue and genre-spanning music and arts festival will debut in Covington this weekend.The Arcade Music Fest will feature 80 artists spanning multiple genres across eight stages, with more than 30 local vendors and a showcase of visual art. The festival takes place on Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9.The festival is co-founded by Emma Ranney, the general manager of Revival Vintage Bottle Shop, and musician Jared Metz, who both hope to use the festival to put a spotlight on the loca...Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/new-genre-spanning-music-and-arts-festival-to-debut-in-covington-this-weekend-20044777/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/new-covington-yard-event-channels-indie-sleaze-nostalgia-19883405/A local production company is bringing the indie sleaze aesthetic to life with an event later this month.Mallratz Productions is partnering with Covington Yard to host Indieglo 2025, a “nostalgia-fueled” event meant to transport you back to the “golden age of American Apparel fits, a perfectly curated Tumblr account, ripped leggings and vintage flannels,” according to a press release.Can’t afford to attend a music festival this summer? Or perhaps you just miss Bunbury (we do, too), and want to c...Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/new-covington-yard-event-channels-indie-sleaze-nostalgia-19883405/https://bestlifeonline.com/natural-wonders-america/From Japan’s Mount Fuji to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to Israel’s Dead Sea, the world is absolutely brimming with can’t-believe-your-eyes attractions. Of course, this is no shock to anyone, but what might surprise you is that you don’t have to book an expensive flight to see some of the most intriguing places on Earth. Whether you’re interested in red rocks, crystalline caves, or hot springs, we’ve found 17 off-the-beaten-path natural wonders in the U.S. that will blow your mind. RELATED: Th...Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://bestlifeonline.com/natural-wonders-america/https://www.citybeat.com/food-drink/gotham-style-con-pop-up-bar-coming-to-cincinnati-18282957/A brand new pop-up experience coming to The Banks will be bringing your favorite comic book anti-heroes and villains to life. During the last three weekends in October, Mischief & Mayhem, a Gotham-style Cincy Con Pop-Up Bar, will be taking over the Roebling Event Center.The Roebling Event Center will transformed into “a gritty urban nightlife” scene with plenty of photo opportunities, light shows, interactive DJ sets, a dance floor and a chance to interact with Deadpool, Wolverine, the Joker a...Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/food-drink/gotham-style-con-pop-up-bar-coming-to-cincinnati-18282957/https://www.citybeat.com/music/the-national-to-release-live-album-this-winter-18215545/For those of you who were unfortunate to miss The National’s performance at Bourbon & Beyond on Sunday, the Cincinnati-bred band is bringing their special live experience straight to your home (or preferred music streaming service).On Monday, the alt-rock band announced that they are set to release a new live album dubbed the “definitive live document of The National.” Out on Dec. 13, the live album, Rome, features 21 songs recorded during the band’s set at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Mo...Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/the-national-to-release-live-album-this-winter-18215545/https://www.citybeat.com/music/whited-sepulchre-records-launches-experimental-music-festival-in-cincinnati-17866429/A music festival dedicated to experimental music is set to return to downtown Cincinnati in September.Whited Sepulchre Records, a small-run vinyl and tape label in Cincinnati focused on experimental and ambient music, is hosting the Talk Low Music Festival from Sept. 26-28 at the Contemporary Arts Center and Memorial Hall. The festival is organized by Whited Sepulchre Records founder and Executive Director Ryan Hall, Britni Bicknaver and concertnova Executive Director Brianna Matzke.The artists...Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/whited-sepulchre-records-launches-experimental-music-festival-in-cincinnati-17866429/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/loveland-venue-and-flower-farm-shares-insider-tips-for-crafting-your-perfect-garden-17692125/Have you ever thought about how dreamy it would be to wander through a field of flowers — or better yet, to sit by rows of beautiful blooms with a bottle of wine and some friends? At The Marmalade Lily, your cottagecore dreams can come true. With around an acre-and-a-half of the nine-acre estate dedicated to an indoor and outdoor event venue and flower farm, The Marmalade Lily is as picturesque as it gets.  Throughout most of the year, The Marmalade Lily in Loveland serves as an event venue, ho...Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/loveland-venue-and-flower-farm-shares-insider-tips-for-crafting-your-perfect-garden-17692125/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/great-parks-recommends-its-favorite-cincinnati-parks-for-every-sort-of-outdoor-adventure-17600357/After months of being cooped up at home, Cincinnatians are finally emerging from their cold-season cocoon to explore the beautiful natural landscapes in and around the Queen City. From walks along stunning prairie trails to fun-filled water sports on the lake, Great Parks, Hamilton County’s parks system, has something to offer every sort of outdoor adventurer this summer. CityBeat spoke with Amy Roell, Great Parks’ director of programming, to help you plan your summertime fun outside, whether yo...Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/great-parks-recommends-its-favorite-cincinnati-parks-for-every-sort-of-outdoor-adventure-17600357/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/social-media-influencer-the-midwestern-lesbian-shares-her-favorite-greater-cincinnati-pride-events-17523760/This story is featured in CityBeat’s May 29 print edition. If you’ve ever found yourself searching for LGBTQ+ events in Greater Cincinnati, it’s highly likely that you’ve stumbled across Kelsey Ference’s LGBTQ+ resource, the Midwestern Lesbian. Since 2021, when she’s not crafting media content for a local brewery, Ference is busy promoting local LGBTQ+ events, businesses, organizations and people in Greater Cincinnati on the Midwestern Lesbian’s social media accounts — @midwestern.lesbian on In...Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/social-media-influencer-the-midwestern-lesbian-shares-her-favorite-greater-cincinnati-pride-events-17523760/https://bestlifeonline.com/unique-hotels/When you’re planning a vacation, the choice of destination generally trumps where you’re going to stay. But after you’ve figured out where you’re headed, finding the right accommodations can be nearly as important. Sure, there are reliable chain hotels, but what if you want something a little more interesting? The U.S. is home to several unique hotels, whether you want to stay in a themed bungalow or spend your time at a quirky bed and breakfast. Some are so out there, you might not ever want to...Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://bestlifeonline.com/unique-hotels/https://www.citybeat.com/news/indiana-rep-jim-banks-introduces-bill-to-defund-npr-17282349/At the end of a long, long few weeks for National Public Radio (NPR), Indiana Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd District) introduced legislation Friday to defund the media organization.In an exclusive article written by right-wing news organization The Daily Caller and in a series of tweets posted on X, Banks said that Americans shouldn’t be “forced to fund Democrat propaganda.” All of the drama began when a senior business editor at NPR, Uri Berliner, had an essay published in the Free Press about w...Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/news/indiana-rep-jim-banks-introduces-bill-to-defund-npr-17282349/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/jason-kelce-loses-super-bowl-ring-during-new-heights-live-show-in-cincinnati-17271087/Jason Kelce lost his Super Bowl ring in a pile of chili during the New Heights live show in Cincinnati. No — this is not just a really strange dream you’ve had. This shit really happened.Jason and Travis Kelce, both former University of Cincinnati football players, paid a visit to their alma mater on April 11 to bring their New Heights podcast to life in a debauchery-filled show at Fifth Third Arena. One of the portions of the live show featured the first-ever Great Lombaby Games, in which UC st...Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/jason-kelce-loses-super-bowl-ring-during-new-heights-live-show-in-cincinnati-17271087/https://www.citybeat.com/news/northern-kentucky-rep-thomas-massie-joins-marjorie-taylor-greene-in-call-to-oust-house-speaker-mike-johnson-17264928/Northern Kentucky’s U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie is joining fellow Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in her call to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson.During a weekly Republican meeting on Tuesday morning, Massie called for Speaker Johnson to resign. In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Massie revealed that he would be co-sponsoring the official motion to vacate Johnson’s role as Speaker of the House, originally introduced by Greene.“I just told Mike Johnson in conference that I’m cosponsorin...Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/news/northern-kentucky-rep-thomas-massie-joins-marjorie-taylor-greene-in-call-to-oust-house-speaker-mike-johnson-17264928/https://bestlifeonline.com/secret-spots-in-the-us/From the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the jagged coastlines of Maine, the United States is home to some of the most enchanting landscapes in the entire world. But while you may be familiar with the most iconic spots, like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, there are other hidden gems you may not know about—and they can be just as breathtaking as the well-traveled destinations. These locales may leave you speechless, but you need not worry: We managed to find a few words to convey our...Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100https://bestlifeonline.com/secret-spots-in-the-us/https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-city-council-approves-funding-for-king-records-preservation-project-17138737/Cincinnati City Council approved funding on Wednesday to benefit the preservation of historic Cincinnati record label King Records.The King Records Legacy Foundation, the foundation created to revitalize the King Records complex and help educate others about its historical significance, will receive $205,000 from council to cover the cost of an executive director and marketing. The King Records buildings are currently owned by the city.According to Steve Goodin, the foundation’s treasurer, Kent...Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-city-council-approves-funding-for-king-records-preservation-project-17138737/https://www.citybeat.com/music/greater-cincinnati-concerts-were-looking-forward-to-this-summer-16937579/Along with blue creamy whip and trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, a visit to one of Greater Cincinnati’s many concert venues is a summertime staple. Whether you’re into obscure punk or mainstream country, the Queen City’s music venues are sure to have a concert that strikes your fancy. Below, we’ve included a list of concerts taking place between May and September at multiple music venues in Greater Cincinnati.Andrew J Brady Music Center: ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park: Riverbend Music Center: P...Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/music/greater-cincinnati-concerts-were-looking-forward-to-this-summer-16937579/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/black-owned-outerwear-and-university-of-cincinnati-launch-inaugural-collaboration-16930897/Cincinnati-based clothing company BlaCk OWned Outerwear and the University of Cincinnati have officially launched their historic collaboration.In a press release on Feb. 19, the University of Cincinnati announced the launch of the  university-branded clothing line, BlaCkOWned™ x UC™. This is the university’s first collaboration with BlaCk OWned.“At the heart of [BlaCk OWned]’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to promoting Black business ownership and challenging societal inequities through th...Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/arts/black-owned-outerwear-and-university-of-cincinnati-launch-inaugural-collaboration-16930897/https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-native-michael-marcagi-releases-debut-ep-with-warner-records-16849680/On Feb. 9, Cincinnati native Michael Marcagi released his debut EP, American Romance, via Warner Records.The EP includes two singles previously released by Marcagi, “Scared to Start” and “The Other Side,” both of which have earned Marcagi millions of listens on Spotify. American Romance officially introduces listeners to three other tracks by Marcagi: “Savannah,” In The Light” and the title track song.Marcagi’s music and lyrics, rooted in soaring folk-rock, are largely inspired by his life growi...Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-native-michael-marcagi-releases-debut-ep-with-warner-records-16849680/https://www.citybeat.com/music/review-the-nationals-homecoming-festival-made-me-fall-in-love-with-cincinnati-even-more-16017015/After leaving the Homecoming Festival on Saturday night, I think I can officially call myself a Cincinnatian.  Despite the fact that I’ve been living in Cincinnati since November, I had never fully felt the pride of calling the Queen City my home until I was walking (floating, actually) back to my car after the National’s second performance on Saturday night.  Many of the earliest memories I have of being in Cincinnati involve the National. I remember, over a decade ago while still in high sc...Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/review-the-nationals-homecoming-festival-made-me-fall-in-love-with-cincinnati-even-more-16017015/https://www.citybeat.com/music/a-diehard-swiftie-and-non-swiftie-review-taylor-swifts-cincinnati-concert-15546244/On June 30, CityBeat reporter Madeline Fening, a self-proclaimed diehard Swiftie, and CityBeat‘s editor-in-chief, Ashley Moor, an indifferent non-Swiftie, attended Taylor Swift’s highly-anticipated show at Paycor Stadium. Ahead, Madeline and Ashley reveal their honest opinions of Swift’s show in Cincinnati. Madeline: While “Eras” was my first Taylor Swift concert, I have been a devoted Taylor Swift listener since the beginning of my high school days. Growing up with Swift in my headphones was,...Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/music/a-diehard-swiftie-and-non-swiftie-review-taylor-swifts-cincinnati-concert-15546244/https://www.citybeat.com/arts/nyxx-cycle-brings-inclusive-fun-workout-experience-to-norwood-15125749/For over a decade, indoor cycling has been an immensely popular exercise option in every major city across the world — and even virtually, thanks to companies like Peleton. Though Cincinnati is also home to its fair share of spin studios, NYXX Cycle hopes to bring a new sort of workout experience to the Queen City.In February, NYXX Cycle officially opened its doors in Norwood. With a decade of experience working for other boutique fitness companies, like Cincinnati-based CYCLEBAR, NYXX Cycle fou...Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/arts/nyxx-cycle-brings-inclusive-fun-workout-experience-to-norwood-15125749/https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-native-sudan-archives-sophomore-album-makes-the-new-york-times-best-albums-of-2022-list-14364371/Brittney Denise Parks is having a good year.The Cincinnati native, now a Los Angeles resident performing under the moniker Sudan Archives, released her sophomore album, Natural Brown Prom Queen, to quite a bit of fanfare back in September. Since 2017, Parks has been releasing music that combines visual art with “atmospheric vocals, expressive violin and eclectic beats inspired equally by slanted R&B and experimental EDM,” as contributor Jason Gargano wrote in a 2020 CityBeat feature about Parks....Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000https://www.citybeat.com/music/cincinnati-native-sudan-archives-sophomore-album-makes-the-new-york-times-best-albums-of-2022-list-14364371/https://www.citybeat.com/news/king-records-is-one-step-closer-to-being-listed-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places-13346665/King Records, the iconic Cincinnati label that produced several celebrated and legendary musicians from the 1940s into the early 1970s (including James Brown), is one step closer to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.On Friday, June 17, the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board approved the nomination of the King Records complex to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. King Records’ old studio/office at 1532-36 Brewster Ave. in Evanston was named a...Fri, 17 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100https://www.citybeat.com/news/king-records-is-one-step-closer-to-being-listed-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places-13346665/