Acts ranging from Blessid Union of Souls to the Northern Kentucky Symphony will perform at this summer's 'Hood is Bigger Than You Think Tour.

        But the tour aims to give more than musical variety.

        It also wants to be a meeting ground for all “neighbors.”

        “The purpose of this tour is to break down barriers, build bridges, bring neighbors and neighborhoods together,” says Kathy Wade, co-founder and executive director of Learning Through Art, the organization presenting the tour.

        In its seventh year, the tour provides a way to bring different people together, Ms. Wade says.

Blessid Union of Souls (from left) Eddie Hedges, Tony Clark, Jeff Pence, Eliot Sloan, C.P. Roth. | ZOOM |

        “Unless you get face to face with someone, how much dialogue are you going to have?” she says. “And somebody has to make that introduction. We're making that introduction.”

        Here is the 'Hood Tour schedule:

        • June 23, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Seasongood Pavilion, Eden Park: Dancin' in the Street will kick off the 'Hood Tour with Blessid Union of Souls, the Scotty Anderson Trio and Tracy Walker. Admission is free. The winners of the “Extraordinary Faces in Community Places'' banner contest will also be announced.

        • July 28, noon-9:30 p.m., P&G Pavilion, Sawyer Point: Carnivale will feature the Northern Kentucky Symphony and Yumbambe. An international market will have arts and crafts from around the world. Admission is free.

        • Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (concert begins at 8 p.m.), Music Hall Ballroom: The Crown Jewels of Jazz will wrap up the tour with Grammy-winning jazz singer Diane Schuur and Ms. Wade. Tickets ($100 - $150) can be purchased at the Aronoff Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations and by phone at 241-7469.

        For more information, call the 'Hood Tour hot line at (866) 242-3253.

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