Photo By Jymi Bolden

(L-r) Eric Triantafillou and Dr. Saad Ghosn of S.O.S. Art

Hot Statement
Politics are boring only when they're confined to the realm of words. Questions of justice and tyranny, peace and war become much more engaging when transmitted in bold colors, dramatic motion and rousing sound. S.O.S. Art is a three-day celebration of art during global crisis. More than 40 visual artists, eight bands and poets are participating in the show June 6-8 at SSNOVA (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton).

The U.S. conquest of Iraq and the Bush administration's assault on civil liberties motivated Eric Triantafillou and Dr. Saad Ghosn (pictured, L-R) to organize the event. "What are the implications of the war for Cincinnati?" Triantafillou asks. "We want to give voice to folks in the city who have strong feelings about what's going on but always feel they're in the minority." Ghosn, a native of Lebanon, is a physician and artist who works in drawing and mixed media. The show's title represents the urgency with which people should approach both politics and art, he says. For a complete schedule, visit www.cincydemo.org. (GREGORY FLANNERY)

Hot Mass
When artists Carissa Barnard and Christopher Daniel began building the Massive series at the SSNOVA, they didn't actually intend for it to become a series. Or quite so massive. But the response was so, well, massive they decided to extend the site-specific, large-scale installation series to a twice-yearly interpretation of the enormous, cavernous space that is the Mockbee Building (2260 Central Pkwy., Brighton).

Photo By Jymi Bolden

Karen Novak

Massive opens and closes the summer with its two 2003 shows. The first, Massive: Luminosity, fills the space with light and glass June 16-28. Luminosity will offer two community-oriented sessions, an artist discussion on June 18 and a glass-blowing demonstration on June 24. Kevin Sambiagio, Warren Trevz, Brad Smith and many other artists install their light-oriented, site-specific pieces at the Nova this summer. Massive: Presence, a study of the human form, happens Oct. 10-31. Info: www.ssnova.org or 513-929-9463. (STACEY RECHT)

Hot Novel
More and more, missing person alerts induce a hypnotic effect on the public. The combination of a potentially gruesome reality with overwhelming hope for a happily-ever-after reunion sears through people intent on a suspenseful, voyeuristic ride. Faces on milk cartons and Door Store inserts have become increasingly interesting fodder as the return of Elizabeth Smart, the murder of Laci Peterson and the success of CBS' well-executed drama Without a Trace demonstrate.

Those who prefer a literary bent on the topic would do well to sample Innocence, the newly released novel by Mason-based author Karen Novak (Five Mile House and Ordinary Monsters). A young girl disappears, calling to mind a suburb's tragic past of serial abductions. For private investigator Leslie Stone, the case has nestled itself into her home -- Stone's daughter is friends with the missing child. Novak's shifting narratives compound and confound the facts for a tantalizing page-turner. But Novak, who appears for a book signing at the Kenwood Barnes & Noble June 25, has generated an even juicier mystery by basing her fictionalized account on real-life events. What are the correlations, if any, to the Tristate's own history of crime? (BRANDON BRADY)

Paddlefest 2003

Hot Water
Notorious for its, uh, dark waters, the mighty Ohio River might not seem too inviting at first glance, but is it ever hot, bothered and, yes, wet for a little interaction. If you're ready to reciprocate, Paddlefest 2003 is waitin'. Billed as the largest canoe and kayak festival in the Midwest, the June 26 event features a wide range of competitions, including the 14.3-mile C-2 Pro Challenge Marathon, the co-ed infused Team Rafting Challenge and the nine-mile Amateur Canoe and Kayak Race.

If competition isn't your thing, there's the leisurely, all-ages "1,000 Paddles" Float Trip as well as plenty of live music, food, exhibits and various river-related demonstrations. The day closes with the "Rivertown Breakdown," a musical benefit at the Southgate House featuring local faves Jake Speed & the Freddies, the Comet Bluegrass AllStars and Katie Lauer. And this ain't just good, wet fun: Portions of the money raised go to protecting and nurturing one of our most neglected yet essential natural resources. Hey, rivers need love too. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. June 26 at the Serpentine Wall, Downtown. Info and race registration is at www.OhioRiver-Paddlefest.com. (JASON GARGANO)

Todd Almond as Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hot Return
"Ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not ... Hedwig." That intro by a sullen Eastern European brings to the stage the "internationally ignored" song stylist who tried -- and failed -- to change sexes to escape East Germany. Hedwig's botched operation gave the back-up group its singular moniker, The Angry Inch. And this summer, whether you like it or not, Hedwig is back -- as Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (ETC) revives its 2001 summer hit, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The show won the 2001 Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best Local Premiere, and CCM grad Todd Almond (pictured) collected another CEA for Best Performance by a Visiting Actor.

Almond returns to ETC June 13-29 in all his 6-foot-4 glory, with the all-star members of the Inch -- Billy Alletzhauser (Ruby Vileos, Ass Ponys), John Curley (Afghan Whigs), Sam Womelsdorf (Culture Queer, Throneberry, Loveland), Mike Lamping (Color Test), Doug Smith (Loveland), Andrew Smithson (Showboat Majestic) and award-winning actress and singer a. Beth Harris, reprising her role as the surly Yitzhak, Hedwig's significant other. It's a slow summer elsewhere but, thanks to ETC, the beat goes on. Says ETC's D. Lynn Meyers, "It's hip, it's hot, it's here to help keep theater alive in the Queen City this summer." Tickets: 513-421-3555. (RICK PENDER)

Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey

Hot Production
"Jesus H. Christ!" That's surely what some theater fans are exclaiming over the prospect of protests surrounding the upcoming production of Corpus Christi, a play by award-winning writer Terrence McNally. You see, it's a story about the second coming of Christ -- in the form of a contemporary gay man. Several conservative religious groups think this is blasphemous, although I'd challenge you to find one person among the thousands who have sent postcards demanding the production's cancellation who has actually read or seen the show.

The group America Needs Fatima has called for peaceful demonstrations June 12-14 when The Know Theatre Tribe opens its production at Gabriel's Corner (1425 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine) -- aka Salem United Church of Christ, a group of folks apparently unafraid of looking at their faith from another angle. Know Theatre recently held a fund-raiser to collect some scratch to offset the cost of extra security. If you're a believer in free speech and the power of the arts to foster tolerance and understanding, you should get a seat for this one and show your support. Performances are June 12-28. Tickets: 513-300-5669. (RICK PENDER)

Soprano Catherine Malfitano will appear at the Cincinnati Opera.

Hot Twin Bill
Things are definitely heating up at the Museum Center's OMNIMAX Theater, with two intense films on the five-story screen's summer bill: Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa and Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey. You don't have to be an extremist to want to catch Kilimanjaro; the film treks alongside a group of people ranging in ages from pre-teens to pre-seniors climbing to the tip-top point of the continent, not to mention the largest freestanding mountain on earth. You'll "tough it" through the desert, a rainforest, snow and wind -- right in the comfort of your theater seat.

And if heights and adventure aren't your thing, Pulse will (should) be. The film sounds just as it is, starring performers of the show STOMP: Brazil's Timbalada, West Africa's Les Percussion de Guinee, Kodo drummers from Japan, American Indian Dance Theater and more. It's culture and rhythm and music and dancing -- and if some limb of your body's not tapping or flailing about, you should probably see a doctor. Both showing June 14-Oct. 3. $6.75; $5.75 seniors; $4.75 children ages 3-12. Info: 513-287-7000. (JESSICA TURNER)

Inventing Flight: The Centennial Celebration

Hot Sopranos
Forget cable TV. The real sopranos are at Music Hall. That's because Cincinnati Opera's 2003 summer festival sizzles with the sounds of some of the opera world's hottest sopranos. This summer, four world-class sopranos head up the Music Hall stage in conquest of opera's most challenging roles.

First in the lineup, renowned diva Eva Urbanova sings Puccini's Turandot. American soprano Catherine Malfitano (pictured) stars in all three single-act operas triple billed in the season's second spot, including William Bolcom's Medusa, a role written specifically for her. The third diva to watch is Hasmik Papian in La Traviata; Cincinnati audiences last heard her as Aida in 2000, and this performance promises to be just as inspired. Last but not least, get ready for the powerful Lauren Flanigan as she returns to thrill Music Hall audiences as Norma. Some like it hot, and these ladies know how to deliver. 513-241-ARIA or www.cincinnatiopera.org. (KATE BRAUER-BELL)

Photo By Jymi Bolden

Laketa Cole

Hot Air
You can't accuse the city of Dayton of having its head stuck in the clouds. Well, OK, you can, at least when it comes to Inventing Flight: The Centennial Celebration July 3-20. Sure, Orville and Wilbur Wright dragged their prototype to Kitty Hawk, N.C., for that first flight exactly a century ago, but the magnificent flying machine was built in the brothers' bicycle shop in downtown Dayton. Kitty Hawk just had better gusts of wind.

The celebration revolves around a virtual World's Fair at Deeds Point, a 12-acre park overlooking downtown Dayton on the Great Miami River. Highlights include a blimp meet, balloon races, jet flyovers, parades and events at venues from Dayton Art Institute and United States Air Force Museum to Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Fifth Third Field. A "mission pass" gets you into all the events (except opening ceremonies) for $66 adults, $56 seniors, $47 children 10 and under; a variety of a la carte tickets for the invididual events are available for $12-$20. 888-359-2003 or www.inventingflight.com. (FELIX WINTERNITZ)

Gala of International Star

Hot New Voice
Laketa Cole, Cincinnati City Council's newest member, knew that in the end her diligence would pay off. Cole, who has a degree in political science, worked as an aide to Councilman Paul Booth, quitting her job to run in the last council election. She was appointed to fill Booth's spot when he resigned to take a job with the state this year. She wasn't on the list of endorsed Hamilton County Democrats for her council race in 2001, but she didn't let that stop her. She ran as an independent that year and came in 10th place, one spot from winning a seat.

"I didn't get the endorsement; I didn't let that stop me," she says. "I didn't get elected; I didn't let that stop me. I'm that person who can tell people, 'Don't give up.' "

Photo By Jymi Bolden

Prose of Ra Sessions after Dark

One of her favorite parts of being on council has been talking with students about how people can beat the odds. "I don't consider myself a role model," Cole says, "but I consider myself hopeful. Dreams do come true." (MARIA ROGERS)

Hot Feet
Yes, August can get very hot. Why not enter into the spirit of the season watching hot ballet dancers? So far, Latina legend Paloma Herrera and American Ballet Theater's Gennadi Saveliev have signed on for ballettech ohio's second annual Gala of International Ballet Stars. The Bolshoi Ballet's Anastasia Meskova and her partner and Kirov principal, Ilia Kuznetsov, will also appear. Alonzo King's LINES Ballet stars Xavier Ferla, Laurel Keen, Brett Conway and Prince Credell, plus National Ballet of Canada's Geon van der Wyst and his partner Chan Han Go are booked, too. Ohio native and Stuttgart Ballet principal Bridget Breiner performs with her partner, Ivan Cavallari.

Photo By Matt Borgerding

True Blue Music and Sportswear

At last year's gala, the only question seemed to be whether an entire evening of climactic performances could sustain itself. It could. It did. Simply stated, if you want to see great dancers from all over the world performing in Cincinnati, you'll be at the Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall Aug. 9. $25-$75. Tickets: 513-241-SHOW. (KATHY VALIN)

Hot Words
Give The Greenwich (2442 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills) some dap. The once-thriving Jazz club starves the heyday and feeds the renaissance, as management rents the performance room to whomever can pay. Kimberly "DuWaup" Bryant and her crew post up with the Ra Sessions After Dark the last Saturday of every month. Named for the Egyptian god of the sun, "The Ra" (shorthand used by hip regulars) is absorbent, sopping up the electricity of performers like Prose (pictured) and wringing it out on audiences.

Photo By Jymi Bolden

Harriet Russell of Cincinnati Public Schools

Current and past members of the collective 144,000, Jazz wunderkind William Menefield, jewelry makers, drummers, poets, rappers and singers fall through lyrically jabbing and musically jibing. A business card or two changes palms, too. Watusi Tribe recently recked the joint and a brotha hawked T-shirts imprinted with "poet." The Ra this summer: June 28, July 26 and Aug. 30. 513-221-1151. (KATHY Y. WILSON)

Hot Sounds
True Blue Music and Streetwear is slightly smaller than a movie star's walk-in closet and fittingly located in the pool room of an old Indie Rock club (Shorty's Underground/Chilly's) in Corryville. True Blue's electronic music/culture specialization is perfect for its location, nestled near Short Vine (the store hosts Thursday DJ/Dance music nights called Fluid at Top Cat's) and UC. The store's music selection is small, but it can wield some great finds, featuring everything from underground Hip Hop and DJ/Electronica discs and videos to Christian Indie Rock and a bin of unusual vinyl for the aspiring or established scratch-master.

True Blue's main stock is club, skate and B-Boy wear, with reasonably priced apparel and other accessories for men and women. The 1 1/2-year-old store does a nice job of promoting itself in the community, using opportunities like UC's Springfest and the ASA Mobile Skatepark Series to set up booths, pass out fliers and generally spread the word. In a world where cookie cutter Hot Topic and Pacific Sun mall stores pop up like ragweed, True Blue is a great example of an independent retailer finding, understanding and directly serving its niche. 6 W. Corry St., Corryville; 513-221-TRUE. (MIKE BREEN)

Hot Seats
Now that Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) has enough money to rebuild or renovate all of its schools -- thanks to the $1 billion bond issue Cincinnati voters narrowly passed a few weeks ago -- all eyes will be on the two main people in charge of carrying it out: Mike Burson, CPS facilities director, and Russ Alford, Turner Construction's CPS project manager. And don't leave out Harriet Russell (pictured), the Cincinnati Board of Education member chairing the Facilities Committee.

Count on steady critics such as Ohio Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr. to cut them no slack, especially because Turner Construction has been involved with the project's design from early on. Has everyone learned from the Paul Brown Stadium debacle? State oversight from the Ohio Facilities Commission is reassuring, but in Cincinnati, if one school project goes seriously awry, it might color public perception of the others. (DOUG TRAPP)

Hot Festival
The best ceviche I've ever eaten wasn't served by a uniformed waiter in an ambience-coated restaurant with stars, ratings or "Best of" anything. The best ceviche I've eaten was served in a styrofoam bowl by a plump, grinning, walnut-skinned woman who spooned it out of a large foil container and added a small handful of popcorn -- the traditional accompaniment -- as I stood in front of a small booth and underneath a hand written "Ecuador" sign at the Cincinnati Hispanic Festival.

This 10-year-old festival, a fund-raiser entirely manned by volunteers from the Catholic Hispanic Ministry, has grown from several hundred to more than 20,000 attendees last year for two days of music, arts, crafts, games and food. The colorful arts and crafts are a big draw for sure, but with dishes like Spanish paella, Colombian papas, Panamanian arroz con frijoles, Mexican and Guatemalan tacos, enchiladas and tamales, and "Ropa Viejo" (a shredded meat dish that translates "to rip your clothes"), this is the summer's hottest and spiciest food event. 12-10 p.m. Sept. 13; noon-8 p.m. Sept. 14. St. Charles Church, 7036 Fair Park Ave., Carthage. Info: 513-761-1588. (DONNA COVRETT)

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