Julie Brock lives and breathes Cincinnati. Julie works at Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Networkas the Affiliate Engagement Manager. She is also a member of MUSE, Cincinnati's Women's Choir. Julie Brock is the perfect representative for Cincinnati.
I was excited to talk to my friend, Julie Brock about being a Women Behind the Music in Cincinnati.
Tell us about how you came to be involved in MUSE, Cincinnati's Women's Choir?
Early in my year of service with Public Allies Cincinnati in 2000, I participated in a development session that was focused on cultivating our desires. I realized I hadn’t sung in a choir for five years and was yearning to do so again. When I spoke this aloud during the session, a fellow Ally mentioned she was auditioning for a choir that very weekend, and I decided to join her. That weekend I auditioned for — and was accepted in — MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s Choir.
I was excited to be in a choir again. But I was also excited to learn that there were choirs that sang music about topics important to me. MUSE is a feminist choral community that sings for peace and social justice. Now in our 36th season, MUSE’s voice continues to bring action and awareness to improve upon injustices in our community and our world.
I’ve been with MUSE for 19 years, and it is the endeavor that makes me most proud. MUSE provides me with a community like no other I’ve ever known, and I’m grateful it’s a part of my life.
You promote Cincinnati on the daily at the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network, what is your favorite thing about Cincinnati?
There is so much to do in the Cincinnati region — arts, food, sports, events, you name it — which makes it hard to choose one favorite. I love our baseball. I love our beer and bourbon heritage. Our beautiful hills that overlook downtown, the riverfront and our historic bridges. Most of all, I love our arts scene. I love learning new things through art, from viewing the latest murals, to seeing new installations at our great museums, to seeing live theater or catching an orchestra performance. And much of our arts scene is affordable — even free in some cases — making it accessible to all.
Who is your favorite local band and/or what is your favorite local music event?
Just mentioning one is hard. This is where the variety in our region really stands out. My husband and I met at a Jake Speed and the Freddies show at the original Southgate House, so they hold a special place in my heart. And thanks to a collaboration with MUSE, I discovered TRIIIBE, and continue to be amazed by the success they have.
There are so many great places in Cincinnati to see live music. Some of my favorites are concerts at Washington Park, Sunday night bluegrass at The Comet, jazz at Schwartz’s Point, and Lucius Q.
As a woman promoting Cincinnati, do you feel that your gender has ever hindered your path?
I don’t feel I’ve experienced a significant challenge as a woman in my professional roles. One reason for this may be that I’m constantly surrounded by strong women. From my MUSE community to my office where our small and mighty team of seven is all women, I find it empowering to be surrounded by women which propels me forward enabling me get things done.
Do you feel that you have to work harder to get your voice heard?
Aren’t we all just our own worst enemy? In my moments of doubt, I have to remind myself that my voice deserves to be heard, so that’s hard work in and of itself!
What women also promoting Cincinnati do you admire?
The tourism industry in the Cincinnati region has many amazing women doing impactful work. First of all, I need to mention my teammates at RTN: Heather, Marianne, Amber, Casey, and Abby, led by our president, Linda Antus. And we are part of a larger community of organizations that are continually striving to grow the economic vitality of our region. I have the honor of knowing, and at times working with, many of the key players such as Julie Calvert, Julie Kirkpatrick, Susan Lomax, Jill Meyer, Alecia Kintner, and many of the talented, passionate members of their respective teams.
What do you want people to take away with them when they think of you?
I hope that people see that I’m passionate about Cincinnati and all that it offers. I hope that inspires them to get out and experience more of it themselves.
