Special to the NKyTribune
Suits That Rock will return to The Carnegie’s Otto M. Budig Theatre stage for the 8th annual Suits That Rock concert on June 20 and 27. The event features 40 local business and community leaders with a passion for music who gather each year to drop their briefcases and pick up their microphones and benefit youth education at The Carnegie.
In honor of the All-Star Game coming to Cincinnati in July, the Suits are hosting an all-star dance party featuring upbeat favorites from Billie Jean and Dancing Queen to Get Lucky and Hey Ya.
While the core roster of Suits remains the same from year to year, each year a handful of guest Suits join the lineup. Joining Suits That Rock this year are Nancy Grayson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Northern Kentucky Education Council (and former Suit); Tim Schigel, Fund Manager, Cintrifuse; Mark Fischer, Professor of Physics, College of Mount St. Joseph (and returning Guest Suit); and Rodger Roeser, Owner/President, Eisen Agency.
While perhaps best known for their work in the community or at the office, many of the Suits That Rock performers also have impressive musical pasts.
“Performing is more than just a hobby for our Suits,” said John Domaschko, one of the co-founders. ”Many Suits have impressive musical backgrounds that include performing in bands that opened for national acts including Sonny and Cher, the Beach Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, Eddie Money, the Gin Blossoms and even Styx.”
Founded in 2008, Suits That Rock has become The Carnegie’s annual sell-out fundraising event, raising more than $460,000 since its inception. Proceeds from the event support The Carnegie’s Eva G. Farris Education Center programs, which provide more than 51,000 contact hours, comprised of creative experiences and exposure to the arts, annually to children.
“Suits That Rock is one of the best events of The Carnegie’s year,” said Katie Brass, Executive Director for The Carnegie. “In addition to always being a great concert, the Suits play a huge role in supporting our education programs. The money raised at their sold-out concerts, as well as donations from other community sponsors, allow us to continually expand our programs.”
Tickets to Suits That Rock – All-Star Dance Party are $60 for Mezzanine, $85 for Orchestra, per person (reserved seat), and include a commemorative Suits That Rock mug, light bites, and a rockin’ good time. A cash bar is provided and valet parking will be available. Doors open at 7 p.m. each evening with Suits taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available by calling The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940 (Tues – Fri, noon – 5 p.m.) or online at www.thecarnegie.com.
2015 Suits That Rock Line-Up
Cliff Adams – Assistant Professor of Vernacular Music at The College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati
Sheila Baker – Vice President of Corporate Development, First Title Agency, Inc.
Bob Blanchard – Former Group Vice President, P&G
Ramona Blaine – Director of Student Services, Daymar College
Gary Bockelman – President and CEO of Merand Corporation
Tom Bosse – General Counsel, CyrusOne Inc.
Paul Bromwell – Chief Information Officer, Frost Brown Todd LLC
Steve Brunner – CPA, Manager, VonLehman & Company
Kevin Canafax – Midwest Vice President Public Affairs, Fidelity Investments
John Caulfield – Vice President & Treasurer, Phillips Edison and Company
Don Clare – Former emergency room nurse, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Elaine Diehl – Morning Music Host, WNKU, 89.7, 104.1,105.9
Jan Diehl – Music Educator and Band Director, Guardian Angels School
John Domaschko – CPA and member of the PBS Foundation Board and member of a number of local organizations.
David Ellis – Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor, UBS Financial Services
Dick Felger – Vice President and part owner, PAR Excellence Systems
Larry Flemer – Attorney, licensed Realtor in Ohio and Kentucky
Mickey Foellger – Retired Family Court Circuit Judge, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Gregg Fusaro – Regional Development Partner, Capital Investment Group
Jim Gaines – Retired Airline Pilot
Richard Goering – Event planner, DEPS Fine Wines
Ken Holliday – Commercial Real Estate Broker, Huff Commercial Group
Ed Hughes – President/CEO, Gateway Community and Technical College
Kathy Laverde – Estate Planning Advisor for businesses and high-net-worth individuals and families. Member, Cincinnati Estate Planning Counsel
Melissa Lutz – Principal/Director of Marketing, Champlin Architecture
Dave Miller – President, Buddy Roger’s Music
Susan Morgan – Vice President, American Mortgage Service Company
Graeme Murray – Consultant; Retired, P&G
Lenny Murray – Broker/Owner, Murray Real Estate Associates
Ken Poleyeff – Front End Lead Engineer, Cornerstone Brands
Chuck Reed – President, River City Productions
Tim Ryan – Independent Market Research Consultant to Fortune 500 companies, Principal, Blink Eye Production
Greg Shumate – Corporate Attorney, Frost Brown Todd
Melissa Singer-Reed – Vice President, Business Development, Planes Companies
Mark Tipton – Licensed Funeral Director, Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home
Ed Wilbers – Retired, Former President, Wilbers and Sons Builders
Gary Wright – Senior Managing Director, Integra Realty Resources
2015 Guest Suits
Nancy Grayson – Director of Strategic Initiatives, Northern Kentucky Education Council
Tim Schigel – Fund Manager, Cintrifuse
Mark Fischer – Professor of Physics, College of Mount St. Joseph
Rodger Roeser – Owner/President, Eisen Agency
2015 Suits That Rock Sponsors
2015 Suits That Rock Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor – Rookwood Pottery Company
Gold Sponsors – Toyota, Fidelity, PNC Bank
Silver Sponsors – Champlin Architecture, Johnson Investment Counsel, Buddy Roger’s Music, Fifth Third Bank, Frost Brown Todd, Rumpke, UBS Financial Services, Four Seasons Catering, Michael and Molly Prues, Bill and Sue Butler, Sub Station II
Bronze Sponsors – Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell, 1919 Investment Counsel, C-Forward, HORAN, Erigo Employer Solutions, Drees, Ken & Bernice Reeder, Von Lehman & Company, Inc., LaRosa’s, Izzy’s, Rudler PSC.
Production Sponsor – River City Productions
Media Partner – Local 12 WKRC
ABOUT THE CARNEGIE: The Carnegie is a multidisciplinary arts venue serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. It offers professional theatre, art exhibitions showcasing the best of local and regional artists, and a comprehensive arts education program.
From The Carnegie