Free tickets available for “Spirit of America Gala” music event on Oct. 7

Cincinnati State employees, retirees, alumni, and friends of the College are invited to claim free tickets for the “Spirit of America Gala,” a celebration of the area’s deep musical heritage, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Cincinnati Music Hall, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The concert performances include classical, blues, jazz, country, and R&B, and the event is described as “blending nostalgia, patriotism, and a few surprises.”

The concert is a kick-off event for the America’s River Roots Festival, taking place at various locations on the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky riverfront from Oct. 8 to 12, 2025.

To obtain up to two complementary tickets, go to http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/promo, then enter the Promo Code RIVERBOAT, and the Password CINST.

This opportunity is made possible by Steve Dessner of the Spirit of American Gala committee, and Cincinnati State Trustee and Foundation Board member Jane Garvey.

Spirit of American Gala performers and collaborators include:

• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
  • John Morris Russell – Conductor, Cincinnati Pops
• Cincinnati Ballet
  • Cervilio Miguel Amador – Artistic Director
  • Performances of George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes
• Cincinnati Opera
  • Evans Mirageas – The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director
  • Performances by vocalists Michael Preacely and Noël Walton
• Special arrangements of songs by Over the Rhine, Hank Williams, and James Brown.
• A full-cast encore of Good Rockin’ Tonight