Celebration

This year the OTR Summer Celebration will host two stages of live, local original music in Washington Park. Appearing on the Main Event Lawn Stage and Bandstand:

The Cincy Brass

A mainstay of the Summer Celebration lineup, this nine-piece brass band’s release “Ain’t Nuttin Louder” is so funky it features a guest appearance from RNR Hall of fame bassist Bootsy Collins. It’s no surprise the Brass earned the “Best R&B/Funk/Soul” trophy at the 2011 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEAs). http://thecincybrassmusic.com/

DAAP Girls

Self-described “gutter punk, rock n soul,” this raw and ready quintet released their debut album last year with not one, but an entire album of songs with girls’ names in the titles. Their raucous live shows helped them earn New Artist of the Year honors at this year’s CEA’s. – http://daapgirls.com/

Decker

Decker is the new project of Belle Histoire (an Alternative Press 100 Bands You Need To Know artist) front woman Jane Smith. Lush arrangements and Smith’s inimitable voice make Decker an artist to watch this summer. http://www.deckerband.com/

Baoku & the Image Afro-Beat Band

Nigerian native and drummer Baoku Moses leads his ten piece world beat ensemble – a perennial live favorite at regional music festivals – through a set of original and classic tunes that take inspiration from Afro-beat icon, Fela Kuti. http://www.baokutcr.com/

The Tillers

The headline should read: Recovering punk rockers take on folk music in a steel cage match and win with an award winning blend of bluegrass, Americana, and angelic back wood’s harmonies. The Tillers are Cincinnati’s preeminent roots trio, impressing critics, music fans, and Tom Brokaw. http://the-tillers.com/home/

Mia Carruthers

Carruthers appeared on MTV’s Cincinnati-based reality show “Taking the Stage” for two successful seasons, but she’s left that all behind with the spring debut of the first of many new tunes, including the terrific “Bell and a Basket.” The OTR based singer/songwriter hooked up
with a Nashville producer to hone her growing sound and plans to take it on the road this summer, including hometown stops at the Summer Celebration and Bunbury Music Festival. – http://www.miacarruthers.com