Nick Lachey Host Event for Boys and Girls Club @ Cincinnati Zoo

photo: Nick Lachey Foundation Event last year Dec. 2010

Cincinnati's favorite Pop star Nick Lachey hosted an event for the Boy and Girls club at the Cincinnati Zoo last night (Dec.5th). The private event which was given by Lachey's "Nick Lachey Foundation" hosted the party for 40 Boys and Girls Club members for a special holiday celebration.

The Club members enjoyed a fun filled night which included up close animal encounters and a special visit from St. Nick giving out toys.

Several local companies including LaRosa's, Chiquita and UDF are donated dinner for the event.

Bonus: Nick talks new album with Zap2it:

Zap2it: Musically, what's next for you?

Nick: I'm in the studio now doing a new record. It's called "The Soundtrack of My Life." It's all songs from movies that I've grown up on, that mean something to me. So it's kind of got a little back story to it. So yeah, I'm in the studio working on that right now -- hopefully that'll be out early next summer. Other than that, just finishing up "The Sing Off" here and getting ready to drink some egg nog.
Read entire interview here

Crosstown Shoot-Out Has Xavier Students Camping Out For Tickets

The Xavier -vs- U.C.'s Skyline Chili Crosstown Shoot-out this weekend (Dec. 10th)has Xavier students camping out for tickets. On Friday Dec. 9th, starting at 6 AM, Xavier students wanting a tickets to the annual rivalry Shootout must present a valid Xavier student ID at the site of the former Hoff Marketplace on the West side of Xavier's Cintas Center. Students will then receive a wristband with their number in line.

After registration, the students will set up tents outside Cintas Center. From the point at which the group registers until 6:30 Friday night, at least 50 percent of the group requesting tickets must remain in the tent. Students may leave the tent only from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday night to attend the women's basketball game against Middle Tennessee State, during which time security will monitor the tents.

But, from 9:30 p.m. Friday (after the women's game) until 6 a.m. Saturday, every student in the group must be in the tent or the wristband – and the chance at a ticket - is relinquished. By 7 a.m. all tents must be cleaned up and removed. Students return at 10:00 a.m. and line up for tickets according to the number on their wristband.

Pizza for the camping Musketeers will be provided by LaRosa's on Friday night and Kroger has donated doughnuts for Saturday morning's early wake up call. Students will also walk away Saturday morning with Copper Mountain's Hot2Go microwavable coffee to help insure they are back in line and ready to cheer on the Musketeers at 10 a.m.

Clare McGrath, president of Xavier's X-treme Fans, is coordinating the event.

source: FOX 19 wxix

Holiday Celebration @ Fountain Square

SANTA SKATES:

Santa joins families on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink at Fountain Square. Santa laces up his skates and joins visitors for an hour of fun for all ages. Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker will also make an appearance!

*Saturdays & Sundays during the holiday season: 11am – Noon

December 10 & 11

December 17 & 18

Christmas Eve: December 24

5th Annual Downtown Dazzle: Presented by Macy's On Fountain Square

WHERE: Corner of Fifth and Vine Streets

Saturdays, December 10, 17, 2011; 6:30 p.m. (choirs at 5:30 p.m.)FREE! Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine Building office tower to the Macy’s rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off a spectacular holiday fireworks display.

Macy’s Downtown Dazzle takes place Saturdays on Fountain Square. The 20-minute family-friendly program also features holiday music. Enjoy live music on Fountain Square by local choirs beginning at 5:30 p.m. -- this year registered choirs for the 2012 World Choir Games will join the festivities. (513) 421-4440

Story time with Mrs. Claus at Macy’s Fountain Place505 Vine StreetSaturdays, December 10, 17, 2011Immediately following Macy’s Downtown Dazzle fireworksFREE! After the fireworks, head in to Macy’s Fountain Place for some cookies and story time with Mrs. Claus and craft activities. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Weekend Carriage Rides at Macy’s Celebration StationBoards at corner of Fifth and Race StreetsDecember 10—11, 17—18, 2011Noon–5 p.m. (Final boarding at 4:45 p.m.—please arrive early!)FREE! Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley carriage rides through the heart of the city. Courtesy of Macy’s.

Photos with Santa at Macy’s Fountain Place 2011!Fridays and Saturdays, November 25—December 23; 11 a.m.—8 p.m.Sundays, November 27—December 18; noon—6 p.m.Monday—Thursday, December 19—22 and December 24; noon—6 p.m.FREE! Bring your own camera for photos with downtown’s only Santa in a festive North Pole setting. Courtesy of Macy’s!

Rob Williams & Sheila Gray Named Favorite Local TV Personalities of 2011

Fox 19 Rob Williams and Sheila Gray are SWN's Favorite Local TV Personalities of 2011. This wonder reporting duo reports the news with flair, style and sometimes humor. We just love it when they do a food segment together. Rob always licks his fingers because he loves to eat and Shelia adds to the moment by sometimes making fun of Rob.

Check out SayWhatNews Favorites List of 2011 here

2011 West End Reunion Dance Big Seating Disaster

The Annual West End Reunion dance encountered a huge seating disaster. The West End Reunion has been a yearly ritual for many years now, where all the former West End/local neighborhood residents gather and celebrate their yearly reunion. This year's celebration wasn't as fun and exciting as prior years all because of the seating disaster which left over one hundred attendees with out tables/seating. According to a source who attended the event Saturday night (December 3rd), "Over 100 people had to sit in the bleachers. Women with high heel shoes and dresses had to sit on the gymnasium bleachers like they were attending a basketball game."

DJ Willie C., a well known local DJ has been hosting this event for the past few years since taking it over from the original event coordinators. Another source tells SayWhatNews, that Willie C. contacted the rental company who provided the tables and chairs to correct the mistake but even after they brought more tables, it still wasn't enough to accommodate everyone.

29th Annual PNC Festival of Lights

The 29th Annual PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo is now underway. The beautiful winter wonderland of lights is a yearly favorite for Cincinnatians and is the longest running family event ever. With over 2 million LED lights you can celebrate the season as you stroll through the themed areas: FAIRYLAND, CANDY CANE FOREST, TWINKLE TRAIL and MORE.

PNC Festival of Lights

Date: Now until January 1st 2012

Time: 5PM - 9PM (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Order Tickets Here

Kiss 107 FM Joey & Jordan Favorite Radio Duo/Team of 2011

Kiss 107 FM's Jordan and Joey are SWN's Favorite Radio Duo/Team of 2011. Its nothing like being entertained with jokes, gossip, news and great personalities early in the morning while driving to work. Jordan and Joey are never boring. From 6am - 10am you can listen to the duo on Kiss 107 FM radio.

Judge Leslie Gaines Back in Hospital

Judge Leslie Gaines is back in the hospital. The one time top Criminal Defense Attorney in Cincinnati has been suffering from heart disease, skin cancer, stroke and other health elements.

Over the weekend Gaines announced on Facebook that he was out of ICU. Even through sickness Judge Gaines has kept up beat and stayed in touch with his friends and fans thru Social Media (Facebook, Youtube and etc.) Judge Gaines thanked all his FB friends for their prayers.

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall Which Stage Play Should I See? Snow White

Mirror Mirror on the wall, which stage play show I see this Holiday season? Snow White that is. The stage play premiere of Snow White by David Kisor and Joseph McDonough is currently playing at the Ensemble Theater until December 31st.

Event description: Mirror, mirror on the wall, from apple to queen, Ensemble Theater's Snow White has is it all! From the creators of last year's smash hit Cinderella, comes an all-new world premiere musical Snow White, based on the classic fairytale, that reminds us the true reflection of beauty and happiness can only be found within. The eighth collaboration between ETC perennial favorites David Kisor and Joseph McDonough, this enchanted and memorable musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season.

This production is suitable for all audiences.Approximate Running Time: 1 hr 40 min, including one intermission. For more information click here

Dawn Wood Favorite Local Talent of 2011

Dawn Woods is SWN's Favorite Local Talent of 2011. When Dawn hits the stage to perform she takes control with her vocals, her moves and her style. Her performance is top notch and truly entertaining.

Genuinely Different::The Voice of Dawn Woods as she presents::Capture from Kolade "Mr K" Adeyemo on Vimeo.

98 Degrees Member Justin Jeffre's Released From Jail & Talks to Lincoln Ware

Former 98 Degrees member Justin Jeffre's was released from jail this morning and immediately went to the Lincoln Ware show to discuss his arrest and the "Occupy Cincinnati Protest".

Jeffre spoke about how the Occupy Protest is bringing awareness of the 1% population that is not paying their fair share in taxes. Lincoln said, "I bet Nick Lachey is in the one percent". And Jeffre denied that claim of his former band mate. He also said that jail was not a fun place to be.

Jeffre went on to tell Lincoln that he would be at the NAACP meeting tonight (Oct. 27th) at the Freedom Center at 6 PM.

Jeffre was arrested on Oct. 23 along with 10 other protestors who were occupying Fountain Square in Cincinnati. Jeffre and the other demonstrators were charged with criminal trespassing and prohibitive use of the square and enterted a plea of "not guilty".

Jeffre told Cincinnati.com his overnight stay in jail was not fun:

“I spent the night in jail, and it was not fun,” said Jeffre, who resides in Clifton Heights, Ohio. “But it was the place to be if you are standing up for free speech.” As the article points out, a lot of singers have been inspired to write music when they are feeling blue behind bars, but Jeffre said this was the case for him. “I didn’t feel like singing in there,” he said.

Although 98 Degrees haven’t released a song in years, Jeffre also said that a lot of his cellmates recognized him from his boy band days. “Everyone was very nice,” he said. In between offering his jail-mates slices of pizza, Jeffre told the publication, “Nothing is more important that standing up for what you believe in.”

Cincinnati Native Arin Ray Makes Top 12 on XFactor

photos: XFactor/facebook

Cincinnati native Arin Ray makes top 12 on the hit show XFactor. Arin Ray, 15, is a Freshman at SCPA decided to follow his dream and try out for Simon Cowell's singing competition TV show, the XFactor. The local sensation made it through as a soloist but than was placed in a group with other teens who too were solo artists aspiring to win the competition. The group InTensity was formed and mentored by Paula Abdul.

After an exceptional performance of the song "Footloose", Arin along with his fellow group members found themselves advancing to the top 12 and competing for the ultimate prize.

Here is the performance:

Simon Cowell called it a "music miracle".

Balloween 7 @ Mixx Ultra Lounge

All dressed up in costume and feeling sexy but no where to go. Check out the Mixx Ultra Lounge's "Balloween 7" Halloween party on October 29th. This party has all the excitement and more. You have a chance to win $1,000 for the best sexiest costume and a chance to mingle with some of Cincinnati's finest.

Event description:

THIS YEAR HALLOWEEN FELL ON A WEEKEND......

JRODG PRODUCTIONS & MIXX ULTRA LOUNGE PRESENTS THE 7TH ANNUAL BALLOWEEN BASH @ MIXX ULTRA LOUNGE, SATURDAY, OCT. 29th.

THE TRISTATE INVADES MIXX FOR LARGEST & SEXIEST URBAN ADULT COSTUME PARTY PERIOD, BALLOWEEN 7 @ MIXX.

WHATEVER YOU’RE GONNA BE, MAKE SURE YOU’RE AT MIXX THIS SATURDAY FOR THE SEXIEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME BASH OF THE YEAR- BALLOWEEN 7 @ MIXX.

DRESS UP IN YOUR SEXIEST OR FREAKIEST COSTUMES AND WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT TAKE HOME THE MONEY, THAT’S RIGHT, WERE GIVING AWAY A $1,000 FOR THE BEST & SEXIEST COSTUME. BALLOWEEN 7 @ MIXX.

*******$1000 COSTUME CONTEST**********

EVERYBODY IN COSTUMES FREE BEFORE 11, BALLOWEEN THIS SATURDAY @ MIXX. QUESTION, IT’S BALLOWEEN SO ARE YOU A TRICKING OR TREATING.FOR VIP OR TABLES CALL 621-MIXX.COSTUMES ARE REQUESTED NOT REQUIRED,

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A COSTUME DON’T WORRY WE HAVE YOU COVERED.

WHEN: OCTOBER 29th

TIME: Saturday 10:00pm - Sunday at 3:00am

WHERE:

1203 Main St # 1

Cincinnati, OH 45202-6327

(513) 621-6499

Batavia Graduate Crowned Miss Ohio

Batavia High School graduate Audrey Bolte was crowned Miss Ohio USA 2012 at The Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in Portsmouth, Ohio, Oct. 15.

Here what Audrey had to say about that very moment she was crowned:

“I was so shell-shocked,” Bolte said about the moment the crown was placed on her head.

“I was just so ecstatic and grateful for what I had accomplished. I had so many people behind me and supporting me and I did not want to let them down,” she said.

Bolte graduated from Batavia High School in 2007 and earned a degree in business administration with a minor in equine studies from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C.

The newly crowned Miss Ohio will be competing in the Miss USA 2012 pageant next year in Houston, Texas.

Bambooz Bar & Grill Goes Halloween for 2 Nights

Bambooz Bar and Grill goes Halloween for 2 nights full of fun, costumes, cash prizes and more:

Party description:

Halloween Festivities at Bambooz Bar and Grill! TWO nights of Costume Parties, Cash Giveaways and Gift Certificates! Make sure you stop on over to check it out!!!!

WHEN: October 28th from 8 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Music by Dj Henry

October 29th from 8 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Music by [+]

WHERE:

Bambooz Bar and Grill

Neighborhood: Southgate

501 Licking Pike

Wilder, KY 41076 859-261-7555

Event Phone Number: 859-261-7555

Bambooz Bar and Grill Website

Saints and Sinners Like to Party Too

Saints and Sinners like to party too and they can this weekend at Bartini's Premier Martini Lounge Halloween party, "Saints & Sinners".

Party description:

*Saint or Sinner? Good versus bad? Naughty or nice? Either way it's going to be one Hell of a good time. Eat, drink and be scary !!! The fog rolls, lightning flashes and trick or treating begins at 9pm. No cover if you come in a costume before 11pm.

WHEN:

October 29 from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

WHERE:

Bartini's Premier Martini Lounger

580 Walnut St.

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Neighborhood: Downtown

Phone:513-381-5001

Price: No cover if you come in costume

Bartini's Website

A Night with Whoopi Goldberg @ St. Aloysius Stars of Excellance Gala

Comedian/actress/talk show host Whoopi Goldberg will be part of the Stars of Excellence Gala and Awards. The event is celebrating St. Aloysius 175th anniversary helping children and families in the Cincinnati area.

Nick Clooney will be hosting the event and Carol Williams of WCPO Channel 9, will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Event Info/Details: Enjoy an evening Celebrating St. Aloysius 175 Anniversary and meet Whoopi Goldberg Category: Special Events

WHEN: November 19th

WHERE: Duke Energy Convention Center Contact

Location: 525 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513 242 6082

Nick Lachey Talks Babies and Moving Back to Cincy

Singer/Producer and Cincinnati native Nick Lachey talks babies and moving back to Cincy in a recent interview with Access Hollywood:

Nick Lachey had his dream wedding with Vanessa Minnillo in July, has a new house in his hometown of Cincinnati – now, the star and his new wife just have to fill it.

“The Sing-Off” host stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Monday, where he revealed that his fatherhood plan is taking shape.

The 37-year-old told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover that he recently bought a home next door to brother and former fellow 98 Degrees member Drew Lachey.

“That’s kind of that brother dream,” Nick said. “We’re gonna grow up and have houses next to each other. Our kids are going to play in the back yard together.”

Despite being married to a fellow star, Nick said his ladylove is getting used to the Midwest lifestyle.

”[Vanessa has] really growing to love Cincinnati, it’s obviously not LA or New York… but it’s a great place to raise a family. It’s where my family is and it’s kind of her family now, and we’re loving it,” he continued. “I love the idea of raising kids in the Midwest, where the values are good and I love the idea of raising my kids next to my brother.”

Adding, “Just one problem, I have to get on the kid wagon!”

Nick stopped short making a big baby announcement, saying, “One day that will be awesome.”

“The Sing-Off” airs Monday’s at 8 PM on NBC.

Carl Linder Remembered

Billionaire/local business man Carl Linder died at the age of 92. Linder who made a huge contribution to the financial world and neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Norwood and nationwide died on October 17th. According to a report from Hamilton County Dispatchers, paramedics were called to the 92-year-old's Indian Hill home after he had trouble breathing early Monday morning. Lindner was then rushed to Jewish Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest around 3:48 a.m. He was transported to Christ Hospital, where he later died.