Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for March 2010

LCP Presentation at Pecha Kucha

By Leave a Comment

There’s a fabulous group of people, led by South Park’s Jill Davis, hosting Pecha Kucha Night in Dayton. The Living City’s Kate Ervin had the chance to present at PK Vol. 3 and you can see her slides below. But what is Pecha Kucha?

“PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of conversation (“chit chat”), it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.”

PK1

Welcome to The Living City!!!

By 1 Comment

The Living City Project is a club open to anyone who is actively working to make Greater Downtown Dayton a vibrant place, or who pledges to start. It is a network of the people and partner organizations who truly care about downtown, and it will soon be a physical place with a storefront office, lounge, and community room.Lecture

Click here to learn more about the concept.

The Living City is being revived from its original incarnation in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, when it was led by John Gower and other staff in the City’s planning department.

Click here to browse the archives.

Want to get involved? Please fill out our Membership Form to enter our database and tell us more about your interests. If you represent an organization that wants to help downtown Dayton thrive, we have a separate form for Partner Organizations.

The new Living City Project is being coordinated by Kate Ervin. E-mail Kate.

Check back often; we’re just getting going!

Launch the Next Big Idea at the Young Creatives Summit

By Leave a Comment

Mural Art Along Wayne Avenue

Mural Art Along Wayne Avenue

Register for the 2010 updayton Young Creatives Summit now.

If you’re reading this right now, you know (at least a little) about DaytonMostMetro.com.   And if you drive down Wayne Ave by the railroad overpass, chances are you’ve seen some cool street art popping up.  What you may not know is that these ideas came from participants at the 2009 Young Creatives Summit.  The 2010 Summit breakouts will challenge you to devise ideas and put them into action.  Do you have the next big idea?

You’ve heard that at the Summit you can put your ideas into action…  Are you wondering what we mean by that?!?  What is the Summit?  How does it work?  What does it mean to you?   I talked to Adam Coatney, co-chair of the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee, and asked him about his experience with Summit breakouts.  With a nod to Lisa Grigsby’s 10?s , here’s Adam Coatney.

Q: Where did the idea for the Wayne Avenue Corridor come from?
Many times after going out to dinner in the Oregon District, we would walk to the Cannery to go to Therapy or the Wine Bar and I realized that the two areas are so close, but were separated by a poorly lit, uninviting stretch of Wayne Ave.  With the arrival of Garden Station, it seemed a natural extension to create an appealing place for people to walk and relax between 5th and 3rd.

Q: People have the opportunity to join the action teams before they leave the Summit.  Was it hard to get other people on board with your project idea?
Fortunately, this was a popular idea and we have had many people on board for the first projects and, as new projects arise, more people come along, each with unique insight and resources to help!

Q: At the 2009 Summit, this idea received enough votes to be designated as part of the updayton action plan.  What happened after the Summit to turn it from an idea into action?
We had a meeting with the group and realized early on that we had to have some immediate, hands-on projects.  We planned clean up days to go through the summer and fall and started within a few months to write a grant proposal for the Dayton mini-grant program.

Q: This project spans two blocks on one street – did you ever think about going for something with a bigger impact?
We started with this area because it is between 2 popular entertainment and arts areas and it was more practical with our volunteer base to stay focused.  However, many groups around Dayton have contacted us about ways to beautify their area, get contacts for the muralists that submitted to our contest for further projects, etc.  We are still focused on our area, but are always looking to help where we can in other parts of Dayton.

Wayne Ave Clean-Up Day (Photo: Libby Ballengee)

Wayne Ave Clean-Up Day (Photo: Libby Ballengee)

Q: Were you able to find partners who were interested in being a part of this idea?
Garden Station and the Circus have, far and away, been the most involved in cooperating with us, thanks in large part to our co-chair, Lisa Helm, who is very involved with the Garden.  The Garden has been in invaluable resource for donated items, volunteer hours and the like.  The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Kristen Wicker was an integral part of the grant writing success for the mural project, as well.  We have been very fortunate to have dedicated people from various groups step in to help.

Q: It’s been almost a year since the Wayne Avenue Corridor Committee got its start at the Summit – what have been some of your successes?
We have had the most success with winning a grant for 10 murals to be painted under the train overpass near Garden Station.  We held a contest and got a tremendous response from area artists.  We chose 10 artists who each got an area on the East or West wall.  We used the grant money to get supplies and award the winning artists.

We also set up regular clean up days on a monthly basis and are starting up this year with a bang on May 17th.

Q: Do you have future plans for the Wayne Avenue Corridor?
Lighting, lighting lighting!  Our big plan is to work with DP&L and the city to get some bright lights under the overpass to show off the new murals and create an inviting walkthrough.  We have an urban garden in the works, and we’ll be approaching local businesses about projects to beautify the chainlink fencing in the area.

Q: Will you be there again on April 16?
Undoubtedly!  We will have a booth at the Resource Fair to show off last year’s work and our plans for this year.  We will have a sign up sheet for volunteers to rally more man- and woman-power to help out!

Q: Any last thoughts or recommendations for people wondering if they can make a difference?
Any little bit helps!  We have folks coming in and out of our group as their lives allow it, and they have been invaluable.  Sometimes you are too busy to help, that’s fine!  But get on a mailing list, read the emails and if you have the time or a group is asking for something you are really good at…help out!  It doesn’t mean that you have to become volunteer of the year and give up everything else.

Well – there you have it.  The excitement, accessibility, and fun of a project developed from the 2009 Young Creatives Summit.  This shows how a simple idea and a few people can make a big impact on the region.  Join us on at the 2010 Young Creatives Summit on Friday, April 16 and bring your big ideas to make the Dayton region a better place to live, work and play.  More info here.

JumpstART is new Culture Works Initiative for YPs

By 1 Comment

There are associate boards all over this fair region of ours – providing ways for young people to get out, meet people, make connections, and do some good on behalf of nonprofits they care about.  Off the top of my head, I’m thinking there’s the Red Cross Associate Board, Dayton Ballet Associate Board, and The Foodbank Associate Board (among others).  Culture Works has jumped into the mix with an Associate Board for the arts-minded young professional up-and-comers.  And turning leadership to action, the CW Associate Board created Jumpstart – the activity arm for YPs in the area to have fun while exploring the arts scene.  Being a member of the CWAB and an organizer or our arts “jumps,” I’m here to tell you a little more about us (and ask for your feedback).

First things first – know your audience.  A few months ago, we conducted a survey to gauge interest in the arts for our demographic.  We learned that although young people (20s and 30s) acknowledge that Dayton has a great arts community, they felt disconnected to the events either because they were presumed to be too costly or because they didn’t consider the arts to be accessible enough.  We also learned that sometimes our generation just didn’t feel as if they were informed about arts events.   So – we’re working on fixing all that.  Our goals are about providing YPs the information they need, the discounts they like, and the opportunities they want to include regional arts as a viable entertainment option.  The Facebook page is collecting fans now, and we’re starting to pilot some events to encourage participation.

Event-wise, we’re hosting “jumps.” These are opportunities to hang out with other young people in formats that are easily accessible (parking/location/cost) and with the performance bookended by fun events that aren’t tied to stuffy notions of the arts (eat, drink, music, dance).  We’re excited for this.

I hope you might join us or follow us on Facebook if you’re willing to learn about something new.  Currently on the new Facebook page, we’ve started writing reviews of shows we’ve seen.  You can read the official critic reviews in the papers, but this is a first-person account of what it’s like to go out and explore the arts as a 20- or 30-something.  We highlight what we liked (and didn’t like) about the shows, but we also provide tips on parking, dinner, after-show drinks, and other experiences that shed some light on what a night out at the theatre (or philharmonic, or opera or gallery or ballet…) can be like.

Feedback is welcome – we are a very small group with small expectations, but we’re excited about the possibility of sharing Dayton’s culture.  We’re slowly spreading the word about our group (we’ll be a featured resource at the updayton Young Creatives Summit this April!)  If you are in your 20s or 30s and have a cool idea to get more people out to arts events- we’re open to feedback.  Right now we’re working on pizza partys before shows, desserts and drinks after the performances (sometimes featuring the performers!), pub crawls highlighting our local arts venues, and some general fun ways to let people hang out together while appreciating the Dayton arts scene.  What would get YOU out to explore the arts with us?

Jumpstart - Connecting you to the Dayton Arts Scene

Jumpstart - Connecting you to the Dayton Arts Scene

Author behind movie ‘Precious’ to speak at WSU

By 2 Comments

SapphireThe author of Push, the novel that became the Academy Award winning feature film ‘Precious’, will visit Dayton this month.

Novelist/poet Sapphire, is scheduled to speak at The Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

A few days before the presentation, the Neon Movies in downtown Dayton has two free screenings of ‘Precious’ scheduled for April 10 at noon and 3 p.m.  Tickets are required and will be available on April 2 at the theater.

untitledPush, Sapphire’s 1996 debut novel, tells the story of Precious Jones, an obese, functionally-illiterate 16 year-old mother struggling to escape a harsh life of neglect, abuse and incest.

In 2008, the book was adapted into the film ‘Precious’, and premiered (with much acclaim) at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.  The film attracted the attention of Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, who signed on as executive-producers of the project in an effort to boost the project’s visibility in Hollyood.

After being picked up for distribution by LionsGate Entertainment, the film was released on November 6, 2009. Though the film was originally slated for limited theatrical release, critical acclaim, positive reviews and the star power of Perry and Winfrey propelled ‘Precious’ into the national spotlight.

‘Precious’ received six Academy Award nominations and won in the Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress categories.

Sapphire’s presentation is part of Wright State University’s celebration of Minority Health Month.  For additional information regarding this event, please visit here.

Spend The Night Cooking With Wiley

By Leave a Comment

wiley3It’s no April Fools joke, on Thursday, April 1st, Meadowlark Chef and Owner will be sharing the recipes and demonstrating the techniques for “Seasonal Side Dishes.” As part of the Springboro Cooks’ Wares guest chef program, Wiley will lead a class on making healthy, surprising and boldly flavorful side dishes. On the class menu:

Capellini Al Limone – lemon, olive oil and Parmesan combine with delicate capellini for the best ever accompaniment for fish and seafood

Spicy Gong Bao Vegetables – garlic, ginger and amazing Sichuan peppercorns create an authentic vegetable stir-fry that bursts with flavor

Cauliflower Flan – An elegant side dish or first course using one of our favorite vegetables–the hit of our New Year’s Eve dinner

Spaghetti Squash Squared – 2 ways to fix this incredible, much misunderstood vegetable that is my current ingredient obsession

Broken Enchiladas – a pan saute of mushrooms, fresh corn tortillas, spicy tomato sauce and cheese that is the perfect thing with grilled beef

The class runs from 6:30 – 9pm and costs $40. For more information contact Cooks’ Wares at 937-748-4540 or register online. Cooks’ Ware is located at The Marketplace at Settler’s Walk, at 756 S Main Street ( also known as ST RT 741) about 4 miles south of the Dayton Mall.

You may also be interested in the April 15th class, Contemporary Sauces for the Home Cook, with Dave Rawson, Wiley’s sous chef at Meadowlark. That class will incorporate simple techniques and fresh ingredients for sauces for meat, fish, pasta and vegetables.

No spelling required for this volunteer opportunity!

By Leave a Comment

images-103 But you will need some basic math skills, as you’ll be assigned to keep score for a table at the Literacy Council’s annual Scrabble Tournament.  The event will take place on Arpil 22nd at the Engineers Club, starting with cocktails at 5:30pm.

If you’re interested in finding out more, there will be a 1 hour volunteer orientation meeting on April 17th at the Literacy Council, located at 333 W. First Street, Suite 130,  in downtown Dayton.  Contact Brian .

Meet the faces of Generation Dayton

By Leave a Comment

A program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Generation Dayton encourages talented young professionals who live and work in the Dayton region to meet, network, learn, grow and establish themselves as integral components in the future success of the region.  Each month we’ll introduce you to one of their members with a spotlight interview.  So meet our second:

The Lions Rampant and The Professors at South Park Tavern

By 1 Comment

ProfsCincinnati-based act The Lions Rampant will be celebrating the release of their new full-length album, It’s Fun to Do Bad Things this Saturday, March 27 at South Park Tavern.  They’ll be hitting the stage with local act The Professors whose latest album, Will Not Lie Down, is available for free download here. This is an all-ages and the cost is $5.  Don’t forget that shows at South Park Tavern generally start and end a little earlier than some of the other venues in town so get there at 9:30pm to catch all the music.

For more on The Lions Rampant’s new album, check out my interview with members of the band a few days ago on Kaleidoscope.

Introducing The Growler Co-Op!

By 1 Comment

growlerBlind Bobʼs, South Park Tavern, Thai 9 and the Trolley Stop have joined forces to offer to-go growlers. All four locations are known as places to get great draft beers, now you can take home some of these draft beers.

How It Works:
Purchase an empty 1/2 gallon growler from any of the four locations for $10. Have it filled with draft beer at any of the four locations. Price for filling growlers will vary depending on the price of the beer itself. The cost will be anywhere from $12 to $30.  While youʼre there enjoy a pint or two of great beer. Take home the full growler, enjoy and repeat. Bring your empty growler back in for a refill at any of the four establishments.

The four members of the co-op try to not have the same beers pouring at the same time so you can get the best variety. All together there are 38 drafts in the co-op. Some beers will not be offered for carry-out because they are limited releases. As an example, Thai 9 has one of four 1/6 barrels of New Holland Brewingʼs Envious in the state, this will be sold at the restaurant only. Each member of the co-op has the choice of what is available for carry-out.

Squids Eye Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with 2 New Releases at Blind Bob’s

By 4 Comments

Squid's EyeSquids Eye Recording Collective has been responsible for releasing some great albums from area bands for the past three years.  On Saturday, March 27, they’ll celebrate their third anniversary and two new releases with a show at Blind Bob’s featuring live music from members of the Squids Eye lineup including Yakuza Heart Attack, Astro Fang, Creatures and Golden Kong.

Local hip hop collective and Squids Eye artist Trunk Bound Regime is also on the bill for the evening and will be celebrating the release of their new album.  Squids Eye will also be releasing their Dayton, OH Vol II compilation that night.  Both albums are available for preorder on the Squids Eye website.

Short Films By, For and About Women

By 1 Comment

lunafestLUNAFEST is a traveling film festival celebrating women filmmakers while also raising awareness for women’s issues and supporting nonprofits that benefit women in the US and Canada.  This years festival will be on Sun, March 28th from 3-5:30pm at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth Street, Downtown Dayton.  Ranging in style from Animation to Documentary, in origin from Brazil to Bulgaria,in subject from Beauty to Bicycling, tickets are just a $5 or $10 donation or $3 with a student ID.  As a special edition to the fest, Dayton Native, Alicia Conway will screen her short, RITE, followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker.  Rite portrays the day of a young girl’s coronation and entry to adulthood in a family with some grisly traditions.

For more information on the 10 shorts featured, click here.

Sponsors for this years local LUNAFEST include Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance, American Association of University Women and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.

Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

images-92Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. To date, LUNAFEST has raised over $470,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

Taste of the Irish

By Leave a Comment

wdprJoin Classical 88.1 FM for their first Taste of The Irish at The Dublic Pub on Tuesday, March 30 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.  Located at 300 Wayne Avenue in the Oregon District Dublin Pub is know as the hub for all things Irish, so don’t miss this unique and exciting event! Holding the record for selling the most Irish Whiskey in the state of Ohio, there’s no doubt they know their spirits!

Tickets are $30 per person and include a sampling of Irish whiskeys, fine Irish fare, and live music.  Proceeds benefit your Classical 88.1 FM, WDPR.

To make reservations, call Jill Bishop at 937-222-9377 or visit www.dpr.org!

WOXY Suspends Live Broadcasts

By Leave a Comment

woxy1
…although they left our region last year for Austin, we were still saddened to hear that the iconic WOXY has suspended its broadcast today due to “current economic realities and the lack of ongoing funding”. The station’s website offers the glimmer of hope that they are exploring their options for funding to keep the station alive, so it may be too early to tell whether this is curtains or not. If you or anyone you know happens to have a ton of money laying around for investment opportunities, may we suggest you contact the station here…