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Archives for April 2010

Teenagers, Princesses & Strippers…OH MY!

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Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Hey everyone!

We are quickly approaching Tony Award season and while New York is seeing a record-breaking number of NEW openings in the last few weeks before the Tony deadline (including Green Day’s American Idiot, Denzel Washington in Fences, and another front-runner for best musical Memphis), Dayton has it’s share of exciting Spring Openings.

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Opening May 7 – make certain to catch Dayton Playhouse’s GYPSY – directed by Brian Sharp and featuring a stellar cast. This Sondheim/Laurents/Styne show is one you don’t get the opportunity to see very often – especially the hilarious “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” from that show is worth the price of admission. (GLEEK ALERT: Rumor has it, selections from ‘Gypsy’ will show up at McKinley High this spring on an episode of Fox’s hit series ‘Glee’)

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

We are blessed to have a fantastic children’s theatre company in the region – check out Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6.

However, I am most excited about a regional premiere opening May 7 at Sinclair Community College – that’s why Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is my PICK OF THE WEEK. Leave the kids at home for this recent Off-Broadway hit and “R-rated” parody by Bert V. Roy. Dog Sees God is a modern tale of teenage angst directed by Brian McKnight. Still plagued with his endless identity crisis, CB turns to his friends to find answers to his questions. They offer him irreverent glimpses into sex, drugs, suicide, violence, rebellion and sexual identity. Cast includes: Steven Brotherton as CB, Katie Klein as CB’s sister, Max Monnig as Van, Sara Linker as Van’s sister, James Roselli as Matt, Corey Schall as Beethoven, Michelle Faulkner as Marcy and Lauren Bernstein as Tricia. Opening at New York’s Barrow Street Theatre in 2004, the rarely staged play is a unique (if not altogether shocking) glimpse into the American teenager. Sinclair Theatre continues to do some exciting work, so if you haven’t been to Blair Hall yet, get your tickets while they last for this limited 9-performance run.

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

“Do something special…anything special…

If you wanna make it, twinkle while you shake it…

If you wanna grind it, wait ’til you’ve refined it…

If you wanna stump it, bump it with a trumpet…

So get yourself a gimmick, and you too can be a star!”

onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave

D.B.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Dog Sees God (May 7 – 15) Call (937) 512-2808 or visit http://brushfire.e-vent.info/events/sinclair/start.aspx

Gypsy (May 7 – 23) visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.com/

Disney’s Cinderella & Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (May 6 – 23) Call (937) 433-8957 or visit http://www.townhalltheatre.org/

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] &Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)


Dayton, Ohio – An Official Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community!!!

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That is right – after months of hard work by many community players and organizations, it has just been announced that Dayton is joining Columbus as Ohio’s only other official Bicycle Friendly Community (both bronze level) – awarded by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB)!  This is a huge achievement, as LAB has over the years developed a comprehensive framework of guidelines and processes that application cities must follow and implement in order to be recognized.  Other bronze cities in the Midwest include Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Louisville, Lexington and of course Columbus (among several others).  Only Chicago and Ann Arbor have silver status – and only Madison, WI has been awarded gold status in the Midwest.  (click here for a complete national list)

Thirty years in the making…

While much of the recent work leading up to now has had the spotlight, it should be noted that this effort is decades in the making – starting with River Corridor Committee and Horace Huffman Jr. leading the charge in the early 70’s (with the Miami Conservancy District, Five Rivers MetroParks and Greene & Miami Counties following soon after) to begin building what is now over 230 miles of connected bike trail in the Dayton Region over the past 30 years.  During that time, several advocacy groups emerged including the Ohio Bike Federation, Bike Miami Valley, Dayton Cycling Club and the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association – as well as sixteen area bike retail businesses.  A few short years ago, MVRPC led a group of regional partners to come together and develop a Comprehensive Local-Regional Bikeways Plan for Montgomery, Greene & Miami Counties that included on-road infrastructure (bike lanes), recreation trail extension priorities (such as the SE Corridor) and education, enforcement and encouragement needs for the region.  Safe Routes to School was incorporated and in the last couple years received federal funds for implementation.

In the past five years, the mountain biking community has grown significantly with trail mileage almost tripled – including the MetroParks MoMBA facility that opened in 2007.  During this time, MetroParks has taken the lead in developing an outdoor recreation initiative and advocating for cycling to be considered for alternative transportation in addition to recreational use.  Programs like the Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast at 2nd Street Market, Drive Less Live More campaign, Miami Valley Cycling Summit and this year’s Bike to Dragons Games campaigns have been successful in getting more and more people outside and pedaling.  Five Rivers MetroParks is about to open (this June) the brand new RiverScape commuter bike hub & pavillion – only the third such facility east of the Mississippi and the first in a mid-sized city.  And MetroParks, MCD and University of Dayton have teamed up with the City of Dayton to develop a cycling initiative for the city that became part of the Cycling, Rivers and Active Lifestyle portion of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan (which will be unveiled on May 18).  The bicycle portion of that plan initiative was written by Greg Brumitt & Hans Landefeld and included a path for the City of Dayton to reach bronze level BFC this year, silver by 2012, gold by 2015 and platinum by 2020 (based on Madison, WI’s platinum plan).

Earlier this year, the City of Dayton adopted a Complete Streets policy and city commissioner Nan Whaley continued the push to organize the City of Dayton Walk/Bike task force.  This group (including city staffer Bobbi Dillon, Kate Ervin, MetroPark’s Andy Williamson, MVRPC’s Matt Lindsey, MCD’s Hans Landefeld and others) developed the application that was submitted to the League of American Bicyclists a few months ago, and we are now officially a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly City!

Whew – we’ve done a lot!  …what’s next?

With all that has been done leading up to this designation, it would be reasonable for people to say its time to relax and enjoy our community’s achievement – but we can only rest for about five minutes because there is MUCH to be done.  Adding bike parking facilities and MANY more bike lanes (not just downtown but connecting our city’s many neighborhoods and suburbs), continued advocacy and education programs, and ultimately building a culture and critical mass of bicyclists that ride for both recreation AND transportation alike are the next steps.  It will all take more investment, political will and cooperation/collaboration between organizations and municipalities to make these things happen.  But as this community has proven, it CAN happen.  In the end, this isn’t at all about bronze, silver, gold or platinum – it is about the fact that our community is coming together and accomplishing the necessary things in order to provide a superior quality of life here in Dayton.  Kudos to everybody involved with these efforts thus far!

UPDATE:  We must mention that Troy, OH received an honorable mention this year (as Riverside did in a past round).  Kudos to Troy and ALL of the individual communities surrounding Dayton that are working toward building a bike-friendly region!

Local Bands pay tribute to the Talking Heads

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On Saturday, May 1st, DJ Masterkid will present the latest installment in his series of local tribute shows.  Life During Wartime will feature local bands playing songs by the Talking Heads as well as their own original material.  Sleepfleet, The Sics, Red Blast Radio, Atomic Euphoria, David A Berry, and Nine False Suns are all on the bill, and DJ Masterkid will spin additional Talking Heads tunes that the bands aren’t performing.  This all-ages show is at South Park Tavern, and admission is $5.

Dayton is going to the dogs: Furry Skurry 2010

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The Humane Society of Greater Dayton will hold its 19th annual Furry Skurry fundraiser on Saturday, May 8.

Check-in for the annual event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Miami Valley Hospital South (off Wilmington); the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.  Participants can walk solo (with their pet) or form teams of walkers.

The walk, which starts at Miami Valley Hospital South Campus and ends at the Dayton Care Center in Centerville, will  take place rain or shine!

Furry Skurry 2009. Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

Festivities will include:

  • Food from City Barbeque
  • A Flea (less) Market
  • Pet/Person Look-alike, Best Pet Kisser,
    Best Costume and Best Trick contests
  • A raffle, with a chance to win a 50″ flat panel TV, an Apple Ipad, and a $250 gift card to Complete Petmart

You can register for this event in person at the shelter on 1661 Nicholas Road, online at www.humanesocietydayton.org, by mail or by calling (937) 262- 5920.

The Furry Skurry raises funds that provide for the food, shelter and veterinary care of  dogs in the Dayton area.  Last year’s walk attracted more than 1,400 participants.

Click here to download a brochure for Furry Skurry 2010!

Hospital Garden celebrates new album at Blind Bob’s

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HospitalGardenOn Saturday, May 1st, Hospital Garden will make a trip from their new digs in Chicago to celebrate their new album here in Dayton.  The self-titled full length album finds the band stronger than ever and is a steal at only $5 the night of the show.

Hospital Garden will be joined on the stage at Blind Bob’s by local band Roley Yuma and Kentucky’s Idaho, Alaska.

Wine Is For Drinking Not Worshipping

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winetasting1If you’ve ever been to the 5th Street Wine & Deli, you’ll realize that they are all about enjoying their beer and wine, without the snobbery often associated with wine shops.  So it’s no surprise that they would host a seminar  a down to earth, strip away the snooty facade, seminar for the wine beginner or any level enthusiast.  Hosted by Rob Barrows, Manager of the deli, the first of this 2 part series begins May 6th at 7:00 p.m. SHARP at the deli, rain or shine.

Part 1 will cover:

  1. 1. A brief history of wine

  2. 2. How to taste and recognize the subtle Nuances

  3. 3. Major red and white wines from the USA and France

  4. 4.Serving Guidlines

  5. 5.Proper opening and storage

Tasting:

  1. 1.Chardonnay

  2. 2.Pinot Grigio

  3. 3.Merlot

  4. 4.Cabernet Sauvignon

  5. 5.Red Zinfandel

Guest Speaker is Charlie de Armon from 55 Degrees Wine Distributor.  Charlie has 14 years experience as a wine representative and another 10 years in fine dining experience.

shapeimage_2Each seminar is $15 and must be paid in advance.  Space is limited, really we are not making that up.  You may sign up at the front counter at 5th Street Wine & Deli.  Any questions call Rob Barrows at 937-220-9333.

Part 2 is May 13th at 7:00 p.m. SHARP At the deli, rain or shine.

Part 2 will cover:

  1. 1. How to read wine labels

  2. 2. How to find great deals on retail wine shops

  3. 3.How to order in restaurants

  4. 4.Wine and food pairings

  5. 5.Looking for the great harvest years for certain wines

Tasting:

  1. 1.Reisling

  2. 2.White Bordeaux

  3. 3.Malbec

  4. 4.Pinot Noir

  5. 5.Red Blend

Guest Speaker is Joe Daniel from Jay’s Seafood Restaurant.  Joe has 10 years experience as the wine buyer for Jay’s which is annually awarded as having a world class wine list by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Bid a fond farewell to April with Motel Beds, New Vega and more

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MotelVegaFriday is the last day of the month, and if you feel like celebrating with some great music, Blind Bob’s is the place to be.  The Motel Beds will take a break from working on their highly anticipated new album, Feelings, to share the stage with New Vega.  They’ll also be welcoming Cincinnati’s Roger Klug to town.  Klug’s latest album, More Help for Your Nerves, made the rounds on quite a few Best of 2009 lists.  Former Captain of Industry front-man Nathan Peters will round out a great night of music with a solo set.

Crown Jewels “Derby Day Brunch”

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n388078255349_5434Get in the spirit of May 1st and run for the pink roses by attending the first “Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch” at Brio Tuscan Grille at The Greene. Enjoy fun, fashions, a fabulous hat show, silent auction and of course, great food. Brunch includes all-you-can eat buffet and one mint julep. Ladies, wear the biggest hat you can find!!! Tickets are $40 with proceeds going to Kettering Medical Center Foundation’s Women’s Wellness Fund.

Call (937) 259-7927 or [email protected] for tickets or sponsorship information, today!!!  Brunch runs from 10am to 1pm.

Meet the NEW Dayton Dutch Lions FC

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n115763131772703_358The Dutch Lions Capital Group purchased the license to play professional soccer in the Premier Development League (PDL) of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) in Dayton. The club will also have a Youth Academy in order to develop youth players to professional players. This Academy is based on the Dutch youth development philosophy, ranked worldwide in category 1 according to FIFA.Dutch Lions FC brings an attractive, dominating style of professional soccer – based on the Dutch philosophy – to the community.

There are 18 million soccer players in the USA (the most in the world) and although the Americans dominate almost every sport, there are almost no US players performing at the world’s top level. The Dutch Lion’s feel this is due to a lack of tactical development, something the Dutch school is known for worldwide.

The Dutch Lions FC will start educating kids at the age of seven and develop them eight to ten years to prep them for a professional career in either the USA or Europe. And even if a professional career is out of reach, the quality education will more than likely contribute towards obtaining a soccer scholarship for a college career.
You can help welcome the owner and new players at the Dayton Racquet Club on Friday April 30th  for lunch and a ‘meet and greet’. The cost per person for lunch is $20. RSVP to Lori Luebben at 224-4381 .  Lunch will begin at 11:30am.

East End, Twin Towers, and Dayton’s New Colossus

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Twin Towers, Dayton OhioUnder all is the land. A simple statement that begins the Realtor’s Code of Ethics, but a larger idea that is beginning to drive my thoughts, this idea that real estate creates freedom. I’m not talking about financial freedom, although that is certainly a possibility. I’m thinking of the specific, unique, and completely human independence that land ownership creates. We are a nation of land owners- a remarkable thing, would you agree? Property ownership in America removes dependence on a landlord, or a government, something that many of us take for granted, however, the right to own property, and a government created to protect its citizen’s right to own property, is extraordinary.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Leah Werner from the East End Community Development Center and she told me about the changes that home ownership was bringing to the Twin Towers neighborhood in East Dayton. You know that neighborhood, don’t you? History has not been kind to this community as property values have plummeted, and development and reinvestment has been minimal. A high percentage of renters can create a large community of people who are dependent on someone else for the very basic human need of shelter. The East End CDC is working within the neighborhood to recreate a community of home owners. By tearing down the worst of the blight, by rebuilding property that is secure, safe, healthy, the Twin Towers Community is creating a neighborhood that once again celebrates a citizen’s right to own property. As Leah told me, “Housing plays an integral part in the success of families.”

Leah told me about a young mother and her sons who are moving back to Twin Towers from the suburb of Kettering. This mother wants to live next to her father, a long term renter who lives in rehabbed bungalow. Her sons will take advantage of Ruskin Elementary and the sense of ownership that Ruskin has created among the parents in that area. The mother will live in one of the homes that the East End CDC helped to build- infill housing that will plant roots for a family, and seeds of development for a community.

This work of transforming neighborhoods is hard work. It’s knuckle-busting, red tape slicing, cultural divide leaping work that in older neighborhoods throughout Dayton, can only happen family by family, house by house. In other parts of the country entire neighborhoods are built, one neighborhood right after another. Tidy rows of stucco and red tile roofs, for miles and miles- *Poof* a neighborhood is created. *Poof* a community of like minded people, all with similar experiences moves in and it’s rather comfy that way, isn’t it? The story of Twin Towers, however, is a personal journey taken by each resident, one family at a time: This home is 100 years old, this home is brand new: This family is from Appalachia, that gentleman is from Rwanda: This path to freedom is messier, taken in small steps and private victories.

I’m thinking of what land ownership must have meant to the immigrants in my own family. How did the hills of Kentucky hold the key to freedom for the Irish patriarch who went into the mines every day? What did the home on the banks of the Ohio River mean to the Austrians who left everything they knew, just for the opportunity to create a life from their own hard work?

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. …

The Twin Towers of St Mary stand as Dayton’s New Colossus- a melting pot of Latino, Eastern European, African, Middle Eastern refugees and immigrants who are transforming this neighborhood one family at a time, creating new generations who are beginning to understand that the right to own property is the key to independence and freedom.

… Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
-Emma Lazarus

Ten to Fourteen

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WSUFall of 2012, Wright State will join the rest of Ohio universities on the semester school schedule. Nearly 90% of Ohio’s higher education institutes are on the semester schedule. With everyone on the same school schedule, transferring credits will become easier. A semester credit hour weighs more than a quarter’s credit hour. Wright State is doing everything they can to ensure that the students who will be affected by the semester change don’t fall behind. It is encouraged to meet with university advisers to create a plan to stay on track. I have my own transfer story.

I began my college career at Miami University Middletown, a semester school. When I made the decision to transfer to Wright State I had a year and a half of credits earned. My parents and I were highly concerned that I would lose some, if not all, of the credits I had just earned. Luckily for me, I did not lose a single credit and kept on track for graduation. I didn’t mind the semester schedule. I actually really enjoyed the semester schedule. Being in a class for 14 weeks allowed me to really get to know my classmates and feel comfortable with my professors. I felt like I had all the time in the world to accomplish work and things were slower-paced. Once I transferred to Wright State it was a huge shock. I had been used to having four extra weeks to accomplish work and get used to my classes. Now I was down to ten weeks to do everything I was used to doing in 14. But after one quarter I was hooked on the quarter system. I felt like time flew by, my classes never felt as though they were dragging on and just as they began to, it was time for finals and either winter, spring, or summer break.

AJohn Parkinson lthough he won’t be affected by the change, senior John Parkinson said “I think  overall the change to semesters will help Wright State University. It will allow transferring to be done more smoothly as well as making classes not so rushed. Students will be able to breathe and not always rush to get things done.”

Michelle Coale But for sophomore Michelle Coale, an education major expected to graduate in 2013 the semester   switch is a bit fearful. “I absolutely am fearful that the semester switch will affect my grades. I care a lot about my academic performance, and I try to keep my grades high. However, I’ve often found myself in a class where I’m slowly slipping farther and farther towards a lower grade. I feel semesters will only worsen this habit.”

Watch out Ohio, all of the college kids will be away at school and back at home during the same time soon! Brace yourself!

Sleepybird and the Rebel Set headline South Park Tavern on Saturday

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RebelSleepyLast fall the Rebel Set and Sleepybird each unveiled a highly anticipated album on the same day.  These two albums, Across the Relentless Sea and The Sadness Will Last Forever, went on to tie for Best Local Album in WYSO Best of 2009  Listener Poll.

This Saturday you’ll have a chance to see both bands in one place: the stage at South Park Tavern.  They’ll be joined by Andy Smith (Andrew and the Pretty Punchers) who will open the show with an acoustic set.  As with other shows at South Park Tavern, this one is all-ages and starts (and ends) a little earlier so it’s a good idea to arrive close to 9pm.

Moby Dick by Zoot Theatre Co.

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Zoot Theatre Co. present "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Hey everyone! April and May are really great months to catch great LIVE theater in the city. And there seems be something for everyone right now.
  • If you are the “blockbuster musical” type, the Broadway revival of A CHORUS LINE rolls into the Schuster next week or catch Maury Yeston’s PHANTOM which is still running at La Commedia.

(editor’s note–La Comedia IS NOT presenting the Andrew Lloyd Weber version of “Phantom of the Opera”…yet some believe this to be the better of the two shows–you be the judge & go see them both!  The ALW version will be in town soon!)

  • If “The Bard” is more your style, then check out Springfield Stage Works’ THE TAMING OF THE SHREW which opens this weekend in the historic State Theater.
  • Looking for something a little lighter? Both Playhouse South’s AND NEVER BEEN KISSED and Beavercreek Community Theatre’s THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (children’s theater production) open this weekend.
  • Hate musicals? Like your drama pretty heavy? Definitely get over and see INDEPENDENCE at the Dayton Theatre Guild. You think your family has issues? Check out this play by Lee Blessing and you’ll feel much better!
  • But if, like me, your tastes tend to run toward the edges, I have my PICK OF THE WEEK:
Zoot Theatre Company have made a name for themselves by using mask and puppetry in innovative and exciting ways. (If you saw their haunting re-telling of HANSEL & GRETL last season, you know what I mean).
Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Opening Friday, Zoot re-imagines Herman  Melville’s American classic MOBY DICK in The Mathile Theatre (that’s the small blackbox theatre inside the Schuster Center).

A couple of things make this even MORE intriguing. Allegedly, the adaptation is by local theatre legend Bruce Cromer and the piece is being directed by John Lavarnway. If neither of those names ring a bell to you, you’ll just have to trust us here at onStageDayton – those are two VERY good signs.

I highly recommend catching MOBY DICK. Zoot Theatre Company is definitely poised to be a major mover and shaker.
(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

“Towards thee I roll…thou damned whale! Thus I give up the spear…and my Friday night to view thine puppets and masks at the Schuster Center…”

Have a good weekend – and see something LIVE!

onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave

D.B.

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

More info & tickets:

MOBY DICK (April 23-25 – ONLY THIS WEEKEND)  & A CHORUS LINE (April 27-May 2) visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com

AND NEVER BEEN KISSED (April 23 – May 1) visit http://www.playhousesouth.org

THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (April 23-May 1) visit http://www.bctheatre.org

PHANTOM (through May 2) http://www.lacomedia.com

INDEPENDENCE (through April 25 – CLOSING THIS WEEKEND) http://www.daytontheatreguild.org

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (April 22 – May 1) http://www.springfieldstageworks.org

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

Will Dayton be among the Bike Friendly?

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images-88Dayton is making it’s move to become the 2nd Bike Friendly Community in Ohio.  In the last few months the City of Dayton has formed a community wide bike and pedestrian task force lead my Commissioner Nan Whaley, striped bike lanes on downtown roads, produced a transportation based bike map for the entire city limits, and most of all, completed and submitted a Bike Friendly Community Application to the League of American Bicyclists.

In the next few weeks the League of American Bicylists plans to announce the 2010 Bike Friendly Community award winners.  Currently only 1 community holds this honor, Columbus, who was named just last fall as the first Bike Friendly Community in Ohio.  Other communities such as Riverside have submitted an application yeilding only an Honorable Mention (meaning, “Not there yet but keep up the good work!”).

2010 submissions were made from two Miami Valley communities, the City of Dayton and the City of Troy.  Both have a very active cycling community and are invested in working toward making the entire Miami Valley a more bike friendly region.  The only other submission in Ohio, to my knowledge, was from Shaker Heights, in the Cleveland Area.

Keep your eyes open for the announcements coming soon.  Good Luck to both Troy and Dayton, the Outdoor Evangelist is rooting for you both.

If you are looking for other exciting cycling related events, visit Drive Less Live More for exciting new programs and event in 2010 such as Bike to the Dragons Games, an expanded Bike to Work Day event list, Bike to It Concert Series at Dave Hall Plaza and of course, one of my favorites, the Courteous Mass and Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights Rides .

The Power of Suck

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POS Side One…in the legend of Guided By Voices, there are few events that are shrouded in such mystery as the aborted Power of Suck concept album. As the star of GBV was ascending on the strength of the one-two punch of Bee Thousand and Alien Lanes and their live show earning them a reputation beyond reproach, Robert Pollard penned an album that was ultimately scrapped in favor of a newer bunch of songs. As a witness to the process of how the Power of Suck came to be and, subsequently, evaporated, writer Jim Greer recently discovered thought-to-be-lost-forever evidence of this album and discusses the events surrounding it on his blog, North of Onhava. Head over there to read the whole story. It also sounds as if Power of Suck may finally see the light of day. Stay tuned…

…on a related note, Jim Greer will be in Dayton at Books & Co. on Thursday, May 7 in support of his new book, The Failure. Might wanna make plans to check that out…

MP3: Guided By Voices “Why Did You Land?”

Download audio file (Why_Did_You_Land.mp3)

MP3: Guided By Voices “The Key Losers”

Download audio file (The_Key_Losers.mp3)

MP3: Guided By Voices “He’s The Uncle”

Download audio file (Hes_The_Uncle.mp3)

3rd Annual Hunks in Heels Event coming May 8th

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hunks_heels-1161An event created so that men in our community can honor the women in their lives and the balancing act they perform by racing around the track at the Greene on Saturday, May 8th at 2pm. While this sounds like great fun, and in fact is, what makes these hunks even more special is that they do all of this to support Clothes That Work. CEOs, community leaders, firefighters, and even that guy down the street are undeniably hunky when strapping on a pair of heels to help provide interview appropriate clothing and image training for those looking to enter or reenter the workforce. Swooning and giggles, guaranteed.  You can enter Hunks In Heels as an individual or a team, contact Lacie at 937-416.8503 for more information.

Last years Best Legs champ, Vince Corrado

Last years Best Legs champ, Vince Corrado

New this year is the online BEST LEGS competition. Nineteen of our true community leaders have let us turn them into eye candy  for a great cause.  With help from photographer Andy Snow, each of our hunks has two photo’s on line for your viewing pleasure.  Help us pick the winner with your votes!  Each vote is $5 and  benefits Clothes That Work. The cost to aid one job-seeker with wardrobe and image assistance is about $135, so vote early and often!

UPDATE!!

Here is a video of the event – special thanks to our friend Sherif Hedayat (always good for a laugh!)