2013 Sunday Salon Series

The Reservation Line number has changed to 513-765-5992.

Salon 1 – January 27, 2013   7:00-9:30pm – SOLD OUT!

Hosts: Jennifer and Brian Gibson, North Avondale

Speaker: Matthew C. Leininger, Independent Art Registrar

Topic: Faux Real: On the Trail of an Art Forger

Matthew Leininger’s considerable experience and credentials as an art registrar have uniquely equipped him for his present quest.  For five years, he has pursued prolific art forger Mark Landis, who duped at least 25 museums with donations of “masterpieces” that he actually created.  Matthew will share his efforts to halt this fraud which will be the subject of his upcoming book and documentary.  Meet the man who could help you authenticate your family “heirloom.”

The Gibsons’ “French Eclectic” North Avondale home was designed by Guy Burroughs, the architect responsible for numerous local properties including Breezy Hill Farm in Indian Hill as well as the home of B.H. Kroger and the Gruen Watch Company (now the Union Institute).  The home showcases their early English antiques and art collection which includes Old Master drawings and works by renowned Cincinnati artists such as Paul Chidlaw, Jack Meanwell, Connie McClure, Frank Herman and Jens Jenson.

Salon 2 – February 10, 2013   2:00-4:30pm – SOLD OUT!

Hosts: Mamie and Bob Maxwell, The Ascent, Covington

Speaker: Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati Enquirer, Sports Columnist

Topic: An Afternoon Grand Slam

In addition to writing about sports for thirty-plus years, Paul Daugherty has delighted Enquirer readers with stories about his son, Kelly, aka “the kid down the hall,” and Jill the Magnificent, his special needs daughter.  The region’s go-to sports personality, he has covered major local and national sporting events and also blogs his opinions and insights.  He is certain to entertain sports fanatics and fair weather friends alike.

Join the Maxwells for appetizers and wine in The Ascent party room.  After the program, guests are invited to tour The Ascent, a landmark residence by acclaimed architect Daniel Libeskind.

Salon 3 – February 17, 2013   1:00-3:30pm

Hosts: Debbie and Dan Weinstein, Mt. Adams

Speaker: Jon Sanchez, Navy SEAL (ret.)

Topic: Hot Topics and Food to Match

In 2012, Navy SEALs were front and center in the news.  Meet a member of this special operations force who will share what it takes to become and serve as a SEAL.  Jon is currently dedicated to working with active and returning service personnel.

Spice up your afternoon with a trio of chilies, complemented by beer, wine and desserts.  Enjoy panoramic views of Downtown, Kentucky and the Ohio River from the Weinsteins’ contemporary Mt. Adams condominium.

Salon 4 – February 24, 2013   11:00am-1:30pm

Hosts: Mary Sue and Terry Cheeseman, Western Hills Country Club

Speaker: Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times Correspondent

Topic: A View from the Pentagon

Cincinnati native and New York Times Pentagon correspondent Elisabeth Bumiller will discuss being embedded with Marines in Afghanistan and traveling to Iraq and other sensitive parts of the world with the Secretary of Defense on “the Doomsday Plane.”  She will also talk about women in combat, the effects of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the prospects for Afghanistan after the United States withdrawal in 2014.

Long time supporters of Women Helping Women, Mary Sue and Terry Cheeseman will welcome you to a festive brunch and mimosas in their Monticello-inspired home.

Salon 5 – February 24, 2013   2:00-4:30pm

Hosts: Elisabeth and Eugene Pridonoff, Wyoming

Speakers: The Pridonoff Piano Duo

Topic: Two for the Show!

Relish an afternoon of classical piano artistry in the home of Elisabeth and Eugene Pridonoff, duo-in-residence and professors of piano at The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.  For 30 Years, their performances have received accolades in Europe, the Far East, and across the United States.  They have appeared with Bill McGlaughlin’s St Paul Sunday, NPR’s The Sunday Show, and CBS Sunday Morning.  Their recital will feature works by a variety of composers, including Liszt and Rachmaninoff.

Enjoy wine, desserts and music in the Pridonoff’s Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home.

Salon 6 – March 3, 2013   2:00-4:30pm – SOLD OUT!

Hosts: Donna and Roger Weddle & Mary and Bill Moran, Newport

Speaker: Sonja Stratman, Holocaust Historian

Topic: Growing Up Under the Swastika

Hear the stories of Sonja Stratman’s childhood as a member of Hitler’s Youth League in Nazi Germany and how she came to understand the truth about that horrific time in history.  For most of her life, Sonja rarely spoke of her experiences under Hitler’s regime.  In 2004, more than 60 years later, she began the therapeutic journey of revisiting her childhood memories.  Sonja captivates her audiences by telling of a time that we have only read about.  History comes alive with this fascinating presentation.

Designed by Architect Samuel Hannaford, the Wiedemann Mansion is an historic treasure.  This venue with a view, built by Beer Baron Charles Wiedemann, had fallen into disrepair byut was brought back to life by the Weddles.  Their restoration created the present-day event center where they also reside.  The afternoon includes appetizers, desserts and an assortment of beverages.

Salon 7 – March 10, 2013   1:00-3:30pm – SOLD OUT!

Hosts: Stephanie and Bob Gilbreath, Clifton Gaslight District

Speaker: Polly Campbell, Cincinnati Enquirer Food and Dining Writer

Topic: Eating for a Living…While Hiding Behind a Hat

Polly Campbell will give us the “skinny” on her eating experiences, dishing on foodstuffs, restaurants both popular and obscure, new trends in dining and some of the best places she has sampled in the past year.  You’ll come away with all you need to know to eat like a pro.

The William Resor House, built in 1843 is on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the oldest homes in Clifton.  This outstanding example of Second Empire style features original painted and stained glass, intricately carved woodwork, and a hand-painted Pedretti ceiling.  The Gilbreaths will welcome you with hors d’oeuvres and beverages

Salon 8 – March 17, 2013   3:00-5:30pm

Hosts: Fred Martens and Warren Liang & Sara Studebaker and Jim Salamon, East Walnut Hills

Speaker: Riley Humler, Rookwood Aficionado

Topic: Your Fireplace: Is it REALLY Rookwood?

Riley Humler, a world-renowned expert on Rookwood tile and Antiques Roadshow appraiser, will enlighten you on the complexities of identifying authentic Rookwood tile.  Each guest may bring one piece of Rookwood (or what is hoped will be Rookwood) for appraisal.

The historic Martens/Liang home has been featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer and HGTV.  The murals in the dining room surround a one-of-a-kind Rookwood tile fireplace.  The creator of the murals is a mystery; was it the man who signed them or a turn-of-the -century woman who created the elaborate tile work?  Guests may tour the house to see the variety of decorative periods represented by individual rooms.  Canapes and an assortment of wines complete the afternoon.

Salon 9 – March 24, 2013   2:00-4:30pm

Hosts: Jan and David Lazarus, Anderson Township

Speaker: Jan Lazarus, Certified Specialist of Wine

Topic: Wine: Be Your Own Authority

What’s your wine IQ?  Jan will help increase your knowledge of wine and consequently your understanding and enjoyment of it.  You will learn what it is about a wine that pleases your palate and why certain wines make you raise your glass for more.

The Lazaruses, owners of Water Tower Fine Wines in Mt. Washington, will welcome you to their home, built in 1937 as a hunting lodge for the Gamble family.  It’s the perfect place to relax with fine wines and accompaniments.

Salon 10 – Wednesday March 6, 2013   5:30-8:00pm

Host: City Cellars, Downtown

Speaker: Mike DeCourcy, Sporting News, College Basketball Columnist and Big Ten Network Analyst

Topic: March Madness, A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Perfect timing!  Mike DeCourcy will share his insights for the approaching NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Hear what makes some teams more likely to succeed in the tournament.  Learn about post-season possibilities for the Bearcats, Musketeers, Wildcats, Hoosiers and Buckeyes.  Ask questions about your favorite players, teams, and coaches on their way to the NCAA Final Four.

Mike has been covering college basketball for more than 25 years and was recently inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writer’s Hall of Fame.  He is the author of Legends of College Basketball and Inside Basketball: From the Playgrounds to the NBA.

Get your March Madness on at this downtown Happy Hour!  Enjoy pizza and beer or wine and get the inside scoop as you choose your Final Four.

The Reservation Line number has changed to 513-765-5992.