Dayton937

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

Archives for May 2010

Dayton to Daytona: A time for celebration

By Leave a Comment

For the 2,500+ University of Dayton students who make the long journey to Daytona Beach, Fl., it can be the best week of their lives. The traditional trip was from May 4 – May 10 this year and did not fail to disappoint. The week-long party has been going strong since 1978 and is in the hearts of many as an important tradition and final send off for seniors.

Source: Ashley Laker

A room of five will run students $209 each, according to this year’s rates. Any additional information can be found here. This is a very competitive deal which averages to less than $30 a day for a beachfront apartment! The main hotel overlooks a large pool area where Budweiser provides free beer during a few precious hours of the day.

With all this free beer in mind, UD had to be concerned about student safety, especially after incidents at other schools that have been making national news. Because it is an unfamiliar city, students are highly encouraged to stay together at night, and to never go out alone. “You always need to have someone with you when walking to any other place in the area,” said UD student Ashley Laker. “I would never recommend walking alone.”

UD is well-known for having a feeling of togetherness among its students and it is one of the first things that visiting students and prospective students notice when they come to the campus. This feeling is emphasized during Daytona as a large part of the student population converges on Daytona Beach to have one last party and to be with their friends one last time before graduating to “the real world”.

Among the highlights of the trip (besides the free beer of course) are the live performances by popular bands and artists. With popular past performances by bands like Reel Big Fish, UD does not fail in bringing the bands we all like to Daytona. This year’s headliners were up-and-coming Hip-hop artist Mike Posner and Pop-punk band Boys Like Girls. A spirited 2009 performance from Mike Posner is here:

Hearing about all of this just makes me excited for my turn to join in and bask in the sun that is Dayton to Daytona. For all of you Dayton alumni, what were your favorite memories from Daytona? Please feel free to share them!

Come Celebrate a Victory for Dayton

By 2 Comments

Written By DaytonMostMetro.com guest contributor Val Hunt Beerbower – PR Specialist at Five Rivers MetroParks

Cyclists celebrate a victory for Dayton during Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights this Friday!

Cycling is taking Dayton by storm, and this pedal-powered movement has captured national attention.

The League of American Bicyclists has honored Dayton, Ohio, with its bronze-level status for a bike-friendly city. “Communities from all areas of the country, climates and populations see bicycling as an integral component of building livable communities,” said League President Andy Clarke. “The Bicycle Friendly Community program is recognizing those leading the way.”

To celebrate this designation and highlight the emerging prominence of bicycling in Dayton, a special escorted group ride is scheduled in concurrence with Urban Nights. Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights, a group ride, kicks off festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. “This is a great way to bring cycling to the attention of Urban Nights patrons and raise awareness of bicyclists’ right to share the road,” said Andy Williamson, assistant outdoor recreation manager for the Outdoor Recreation Department at Five Rivers MetroParks, and spokesperson for the Drive Less Live More campaign. “It’s a bigger and bolder version of the regular Courteous Mass rides, in which we promote group cycling with an emphasis on learning the rules of the road. This is more of a parade – complete with local celebrities!” In addition to Dayton Police Department officers, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights will host two Dayton City Commissioners.

There is much cause for celebration within the cycling community. The application process to become a BFC is rigorous; currently only 140 of the 359 total applicants have a BFC four-year designation. Communities vying for BCF status must establish records in two or more of the five categories which are known as the Five Es:

  • Education: Does the community have systems in place to train children and adult cyclists?
  • Engineering: Are bicyclists included in the city’s transportation plan?
  • Enforcement: Do police officers understand and enforce bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities?
  • Encouragement: Does the community participate in Bike Month, offer bike rodeos, host community bike rides, or otherwise encourage cycling?
  • Evaluation: Does the community have methods in place to ensure their bicyclist programs are making a difference?

Adding to the excitement of the occasion is the upcoming opening of the new RiverScape Bike Hub, part of RiverScape MetroPark’s latest development phase. The Hub will feature secured, patrolled areas with 40 bike lockers, four showers, 42 storage lockers, restrooms and food concession stand, making it convenient for bike commuters to head to work on two wheels as well as families in need of a pit stop while enjoying an afternoon on the recreational trails. “The Hub is only the third bike commuter facility to open east of the Mississippi,” says Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Director Greg Brumitt. “Washington, D.C., and Chicago are the other east coast locations, and we’re only the third in the Midwest (besides Chicago and Minneapolis) to open a hub. Certainly, we’re the first mid-size city to open a special bike hub, and that’s something to cheer about.”

Anyone who can ride a bike is invited to join the celebration at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Fifth Third Field. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the sights and sounds of Urban Nights. Five Rivers MetroParks will have its own bike-friendly activities—free bike rentals and pedicabs will be available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

Learn more about other cycling activities and opportunities by visiting the website www.metroparks.org/cycling or calling (937) 275-277-4374.

Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble * True Nature/FilmDayton After-Party

By Leave a Comment

RUCKUS ROBOTICUS, SCORPIUS MAX & THE REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE provide a night of high energy dance music in a benefit for FILMDAYTON and an after-party for the film TRUE NATURE.

Although the Arkestra event begins at 10 PM there is an entire evening of dance party entertainment at Gillys as a part of the FilmDayton Festival. A Red Carpet reception takes place from 8PM to 10 PM with the famed Scorpius Max providing the beats.

Following the Neon showing of True Nature the after party goes into full blast with the internationally acclaimed Ruckus Roboticus.The boy robot has recently tour England and Korea, creates soundtracks for Nickelodeon and has played sold out crowds at clubs like NYC’s Mercury Lounge.

At 11PM the REV. COOL ARKESTRA & DANCE ENSEMBLE hits the floor with the most exciting show anywhere with live DJs, horns, drums, Afrobeat, House and Electronic Dance music as well as the most amazing hip-hop dancers in the Midwest. Scorpius will continue the dance party with you even after the professional dancers have left the floor panting.

At 10 the cover drops to a mere $5 or FREE with a stub from TRUE NATURE or a all inclusive FilmDayton pass.

WEAR YOUR DANCING SHOES — DON’T MISS IT!!!

Young Professionals in Dayton: Who, What and Why

By 2 Comments

There are so many organizations that encourage involvement in the Dayton region – clubs and associations focused on topics from entertainment to networking to recreation to hobbies to philanthropy to professional development and more.  But there’s a certain niche of organizations that are specifically directed toward “young professionals,” and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you through DaytonMostMetro.com.

First, let’s get the *full disclosure* out of the way.  I’m on the team that put together the updayton “Young Creatives Summit,” so obviously this is something I feel passionately about.  I also volunteer as the co-chair of the Culture Works Associate Board that puts together deals and events to better connect young professionals to the many arts opportunities in the region.  I’ve been to events sponsored by DULYP, DCS, GenD, the Red Cross Associate Board, and more;  I like what’s going on in the region for YPs and I’m looking forward to keeping you in the loop.

Now for this term “young professional.”  Some people I’ve talked with have been turned-off by the stigma of the term “young professional” thinking that it still carries the negative Yuppie stereotype that it did in the 80s & 90s.  Others fear the term neglects those who love their careers and callings, but are not considered 9-to-5 “professionals.”  And people who are unemployed, in temporary positions as they search for their career, or doing amazing work as volunteers, may feel left out by not being “professional”  at all.  If you have better suggestions (remember, I’m part of the group who took a shot with “young creatives”) – leave them in the comments.  The term young professional is what we have, so that’s what you’ll see throughout these articles.  I’m talking to you if you’re in your 20s/30s – regardless of career choice or lifestyle.  And if there are any stipulations about the type of young professional you have to be to participate, I’ll let you know.

There are a lot of ways that people in their 20s and 30s are getting connected, making a difference, and having fun in the region.  And these organizations aren’t necessarily working against each other.  I’ve seen some true partnerhsips developing; just over the past year, a quarterly lunch has been held so that representatives from some of the local YP organizations can gather to coordinate schedules, cross-promote events, and share ideas and resources.  There is collaborration happening where groups are supporting one another and encouraging members to explore different events.  Although our region may appear super-saturated by YP organizations, I think it speaks to the critical mass of YPs in the region that so many unique organizations can exist and remain sustainable.

So, moving forward, I’m going to try and keep you up-to-date on opportunities specifically for young professionals throughout the region. For those who claim, “there’s nothing to do,” it’s because they’re not looking hard enough.  Lots of great YP organizations, events, and people making a difference will be highlighted in the future.   If there’s anything specific you’d like to see on these pages or if you’re interested in a certain topic, leave it in the comments.

Just a few events coming up this week for YPs:

Generation Dayton: May 11 at 5:30 at the Ohio Coffee Co. – Downtown Dayton: Present and Future– A great opportunity to hear about the role of YPs in changes happening downtown, learn about great opportunities to get active this summer through Five Rivers MetroParks, and talk about how DaytonMostMetro.com is working to bring the region together online.

United Way Young Leaders Series: Connecting Career with Community – Marketing yourself in the Dayton region
May 12th from 8:00 – 9:30 am at the Sinclair Ponitz Center

GenD keeps the week moving along with their monthly Thirsty Thursday.  On May 13 it’s at Brio at the Greene starting at 5:30 PM.

Dayton Urban League Young Professionals: check out the YP at Play night at Therapy Cafe on the second Friday of each month (May 14).  They pull out the old school board games, get active with Twister and Musical Chairs, and have an all out great time.

JumpstART:  JumpstART is the activity arm of the Culture Works Associate Board.  You know you’ve wanted to check out Urban Nights (Friday, May 14), but if you don’t know what to expect or where to go – they’ll take the mystery out with a hybrid art hop/pub crawl around the city.

The Connection of the Collective

By 1 Comment

The Fifth Annual Sideshow To Be Presented At The Armory

By Kidtee Hello

Walking up the three flights of unfinished wooden stairs, one would not expect to find much more than possibly a storage room filled with forgotten industrial supplies and broken machinery, but upon opening the heavy door to the third floor of the Armory’s loft, you will find nothing but wonder. Dispersed under the exposed and age darkened wooden beams of the loft is a olio of objets d’art. Cascading down from one of these beams is a latticework of vibrantly colored worry dolls, connected, as we all are, by the most tenuous of threads. Your eye will fall upon molten sculptures, hyper-realistic photographs, abstract painting that cry out to the viewer in a silent scream. Stages dot the area, awaiting the humming strum of musicians who will take to them during the Fifth Annual Sideshow to be held on May 14th and 15th at the Armory as a part of Dayton’s Urban Nights.

Across the length of the room, crosswise from the main door, a stark black and white photograph hangs, drawing you across the creaking floorboards. The photograph depicts a woman, head thrown back with her eyes closed in a frozen moment of ecstasy. The large picture is adorned with brightly colored flowers which frame and then flow under and in front of it, creating a descriptive display. The photographer is Kidtee Hello and she is the lead organizer of this, the fifth installment of the Sideshow. In speaking with her, I was able to get some of the back history of how the Sideshow was first developed.

By Deloris Bucanan

“When they first started these events, there wasn’t much going on for your average person or artist. Unless you were a graduate of a really good school and had something to show in a really fancy gallery, there wasn’t really anything available except for small art shows like the ones at the Pearl…which actually kind of sparked the Sideshow.” Kidtee went on to describe how the event began. “Laurana Wong wanted to have an event with a little bit of everything and now you see more DYI type art shows…”

Jeff Opt, through an online correspondence, was able to expound on the early days of the Sideshow, having been involved since the beginning and being a part of all the subsequent Sideshows in one form or another since then.

“The original Sideshow idea started with Laurana Wong…it was her idea to throw an art show where the artists worked together to define the show and one that didn’t cost money to throw. It was a community building exercise. There was no theme to the show other than what the participants worked together to create.” Opt went on to say that, “The first show was so successful that it gave birth to the Dayton Circus Creative Collective, a group of like-minded people who wanted to see the spirit of art and community continue year around in Dayton. Since then, the Sideshow has become the premier event for the Dayton Circus.”

This is a perfect depiction of what the Dayton Circus Creative Collective is: a circular energy that feeds and creates itself. The Sideshow begat the Circus and the Circus now gives rise to the Sideshow. It has become a self-sustaining entity of energy and art whose members both feed off of and feed others with a perpetually positive synergy.

With the help of Kate Ervin and Emanuel Cavallaro, I requested Circus members and Sideshow participants to share there thoughts as

By Sean Baumgardener

to what the essence and purpose of the Sideshow was and is. Within an hour, I had at least ten responses, all eloquently espousing the positive contributions that the Sideshow has made not only to the artists and the patrons, but to the community of Dayton as a whole.

“I think what those of us who have been involved with The Sideshow from it’s very first year probably want The Sideshow to become is a cultural institution in Dayton, an event that people can rely on occurring year after year. This is our fifth year, and I’m extremely proud to be involved.” Cavallaro then answered my query directly by saying, “As for what it means to me, personally? Honestly, all my friends are artists or performers of some sort, and from all different backgrounds. Art is what we do and who we are. The Sideshow is a chance for us to share that with the city. And it’s a chance to celebrate and express ourselves. We’re a motley group, and this is a big undertaking that requires weeks and weeks of preparation and hours and hours of hard work, but we somehow find the time to have fun doing it.”

The responses kept coming, all eloquently passionate about what the Sideshow specifically and the Circus in general meant to each individual artist.

“To me, the Sideshow is a multimedia arts event that recognizes local artists of all ages, races, and social classes. It’s an art event for the community. It may be a grass roots production, or seen as an urban underground show, but it’s also a collection of Dayton’s most progressive and Avant-garde artists.” wrote Christine Gaffney, and aspiring film director said. She then added, “The sideshow is more than just an art show, it’s an experience you can’t have anywhere else in Dayton, and it’s only once a year. Dayton is full of Talent. Much of this talent hasn’t made it’s way into the traditional art gallery yet.”

The belief that the Sideshow provided artists a non-traditional venue I which to express and display their non-conforming works was echoed in many of the messages received and conversations I had with the artists, participants and organizers.

Matthew James wrote, “The Sideshow is an opportunity to get outside of the normal space of commercial artwork, a chance for people whose creative works don’t flourish in the ‘normal’ art world to share their contributions with the community. It’s also an opportunity for artists, performers, musicians, and community organizers to get to know one another and come together around a common cause – two nights of outrageous entertainment!”

The very act of trying to draw together all of these divergent artists, secure a location and coordinate the activities of the Sideshow must be a logistics nightmare. While speaking with Kidtee Hello, I asked if this was her first year dealing with all of this as a lead organizer.

“Yeah. Last year I helped Maggie Ottoson with the Sideshow she put together and then this year, I’m organizing it.”

Margaret “Maggie” Ottoson was very direct and emphatic with her description of what the essence of the Sideshow is:

“Empowerment! Freedom to express in any way you like. A collection of the best music art creativity and activism in Dayton.” Ottoson went on to describe what the overall intentions of the Sideshow are, “What is the purpose of the Sideshow? To bring together like minded people who would otherwise have never met and teach that you can do anything if you simply dare to act.”

Tom Watson III wrote that he used his art as a self imposed art therapy regime to help him rehabilitate from a brain stem stroke he

"Worry Dolls"

had suffered. His artwork has turned something that he has feared to reflects a fascinatingly organic view of the brain and the power that it holds.

“It’s one of the artistic highlights of my year!” Tom wrote. “This is my second year as a participating artist and this year is going to be even better than last year’s event. It is a nice way to show my work in an environment that is conducive to free expression and not as restrictive as many venues tend to be. It’s also an opportunity to meet and interact with a lot of other local artists and musicians. It’s also a reunion of sorts for those of us who’ve done it before.

Another factor, almost more important (if not more important) than getting exposure for the artists is the interaction of the artists themselves. The sheer ability to be exposed to each others forms of expression and be influenced to take their own art into areas that they may have never considered possible. Lisa Alexander wrote to express this very aspect of the Sideshow by saying:

“It gives opportunities to local artists to not only showcase their work but to also be involved in a community-building activity.” Alexander succinctly said. “It gives artists a chance to exchange ideas, make contacts, and make friends. It gives the artists a sense of pride in the work they do to help the entire show go off, not just from creating art. It also gives artists a sense of being involved in something bigger than themselves.”

By way of example, Cathy Jeffers described her own experiences as to how the Sideshow influenced her own artwork.

“It really got me to break away too. I usually do art quilts. Last year I did and installation called Fire and Ice.” Jeffers went on to describe the display. “It was a combination of fabric, streamers (representing fire) and white paper mache, (frozen like) figures. I spent hours on it at home and on sight. I really enjoyed the final look…and I could really see the three dimensional impact of the installation in the space.”

Emanuel Cavallaro brought all the elements of the Sideshow and the influence that it has on the artists, the organization and the patrons alike.  “The essence of The Sideshow is its malleability. It changes every year. New organizers each year, new artists, new performers, new venue. It’s chaotic as well, because there is never a specific theme. So the artwork, installations and performances are remarkably varied.” Cavallaro “Something very intense can be followed by something very subdued, something appalling by something beautiful. So it can be aesthetically jarring at times, but in a good way, the way in which a roller coaster ride is jarring. In that way, there is something for everyone.”

What: The Dayton Circus Creative Collective’s Fifth Annual Sideshow

When: May 14th and 15th from 6:00 pm until 1:00 am.

Where: The Armory –  201 E. Sixth Street (Entrance in rear of building – parking is off of Patterson Blvd.)

Why: See story above

For more information or to see other events that the Circus is involved in, check out their website at  www.daytoncircus.org.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours: Sharing the legacy of Downtown Dayton

By 1 Comment

Historians Leon Bey and Nancy Roach of Gem City Circle Walking Tours

Some local historians are offering a unique look into the vibrancy of a city’s past, and the possibilities of an exciting, expansive future.

Leon Bey and Nancy Roach, of Gem City Circle Walking Tours, have recently begun their fifth season of walking tours for downtown Dayton, highlighting the famous and not-so-famous aspects of Dayton history.

Bey and Roach met five years ago in a manner that Roach characterized as “fate.”

“It was meant to be,” said Roach. “I was doing research in the local history room at the [Dayton Metro] library. I asked the librarian down there if he could help me with some of the information. It was Leon, who just happened to be working as a substitute that day.

“We starting talking about our interest in the community. So I asked him, ‘Would you like to research with me and do a walking tour of downtown?’  He looked at me and said, ‘I have a walk and I’m looking for someone to do it with me!'”

The walks were born on that day.

The duo’s excitement and enthusiasm for Dayton’s rich heritage is evident to anyone who goes “walkin’ and talkin'” with them on one of their leisurely downtown walking tours, which are given on the first and last weekends of the month.

Bey and Roach weave together historical accounts, personal recollections and photographic images to create a vivid experience.  That experience is often reciprocated when local residents share recollections of their own visits to downtown theaters, department stores and businesses long gone. “Some of the people on the tours, the older people, they have great memories,” said Bey.

The old Journal Herald building at 111 E. Fourth Street. Look familiar? It's currently occupied by the night club Hammerjax.

The tours, however, do more than simply highlight the city’s past – they also offer glimpses into possible strategic re-uses of some of downtown’s historic structures like the Dayton Arcade, which was purchased last year by two developers who are intent on restoring the beautiful, five-building complex to its former glory. (Leon Bey founded “Friends of the Dayton Arcade”, a non-profit group dedicated to raising awareness and money for the future development of the Dayton Arcade.)

Far from just revisiting the glories of days gone by, the walks also examine the cultural, social and economic contributions of various ethnic groups and nationalities in the area.  The tours provide a very street-level perspective of Dayton history. Many topics are discussed: The 1913 Dayton Flood, Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Dayton and the history of department stores founded in Dayton are explored.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours offers these programs (partial listing):

  • Oregon Arts District
  • Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders
  • Miami & Erie Canal Walk of Downtown Dayton
  • Historic Downtown Dayton’s Main Street
  • Ludlow Street

The fee for each walk is $10. Tours are approximately 3 hours long, with scheduled breaks, including an hour for lunch.  Advance reservations are required. Groups are welcome.

For walk reservations or additional information, contact Leon Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

FilmDayton Festival goes international, doubles in size, is movie buff’s dream weekend

By 2 Comments

Building on the success of the first FilmDayton Festival, the second 2010 edition will present a lively mix of screenings, filmmaking workshiops, parties and special events unlike anything else in town.

It starts Friday, May 14, on Urban Nights, but continues the downtown vibe throughout the weekend at several venues — the Neon, Gilly’s and at a brand new spot: The former Greyhound bus station, now cleaned up and turned into a special lounge area for filmgoers, filmmakers and guests.

The festival will blend Dayton-centric films by local filmmakers, or artists who were trained here in the craft, many from the Wright State Motion Picture program; student films from WSU seniors and talented
high-schoolers who are being trained by FilmDayton and the Muse Machine; international films and documentaries, along with top festival picks from around the nation, that can only be seen at the FilmDayton Festival; and unusual events such as the “Screenless Screening,” an audio-only
presentation by WYSO-FM.  This rare combination of films and events has been stirred together by
combining the talents and connections of the Dayton filmmaking community and pushing it outward.

The festival, of course, is just part of the work of FilmDayton. In the year since the first FilmDayton Festival, the two-year-old organization has worked with Wright State University’s Motion Picture program and the Muse Machine to teach student workshops and film classes; partnered with the Sundog Film Festival to boost young local filmmakers; brought local filmmakers together to network and share ideas at monthly “Film Connections” meetings; revamped filmdayton.com to better promote the area as a filmmaking
location; set up offices at the Dayton Convention Center and brought on a director, Eva Buttacavoli,.

The group’s goal is to establish the Dayton area as fertile ground for making movies, both by helping the filmmaking community that’s already here to flourish and by luring more film activity to town. The FilmDayton Festival showcases and pushes all that forward.


FILM DAYTON FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

As of May 10, 2010. Schedule and screening times are subject to change. Check www.FilmDayton.com for the most up-to-date schedule, as well as for a complete listing of workshops and special events.

FRIDAY, MAY 14

DAYTON ROCKS! (free event)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Shelly “GladGirl” Hulce, longtime Dayton music insider, digs into local attics, basements and cyber archives to showcase some of Dayton’s best past and present rock videos, skater films and more.

WSU BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL ($5, free with WSU student ID)
7 to 9:30 p.m. // The Neon
Students from Wright State University’s award-winning motion pictures program screen their most recent productions in this event filled with compelling, contemporary work.

AFTER PARTY WITH THE LAB PARTNERS ($5 or free with Big Lens Film Festival stub)
9 p.m. to midnight // Gilly’s
Dayton spacerockers the Lab Partners always put on a unique, engaging listening and viewing experience ― which will be seriously amped when the band is joined by Springfield native Rod Hatfield’s ensemble, The Now Device, and their light and film performance.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI ($5)
10:15 p.m. // The Neon
Catch this comedy classic, starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude, on the big screen.

SATURDAY, MAY 15

ROPEWALK ($5)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. // The Neon
What ties together prehistoric tools, Ben Franklin, trust busting, railroads, drug laws, plastics, nanotubes and space travel? Rope, of course. Learn about ropemaking’s forgotten effects on agriculture and industry in Xenia, Ohio, from the Civil War to the present ― and beyond. This award-winning historical documentary film was produced by The Engineers Club of Dayton.

CONVENTION ($5)
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. // Gilly’s
The story behind the mounting of one of the biggest events of the decade: the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Photography and sound by Daytonians Steve Bognar and Julia Reichert, who were nominated for a 2010 Academy Award for their documentary The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant.

WORKSHOP // KARRI O’REILLY DESTROYS YOUR RESUME ―
AND THEN HELPS YOU FIX IT SO YOU CAN GET A JOB ON A MOVIE (free event)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Karri O’Reilly has seen literally thousands of production resumes and most of them stink. Find out how to make your resume stand out ― in a good way ― and learn tips that will help you land a job on a feature film. Sign up for 15-minute appointments beginning at 10:30 a.m.

MUSE MACHINE & FILMDAYTON PRESENT STUDENT SHORTS ($5)
noon to 1 p.m. // The Neon
Students who participated in the 2010 48-hour Film Boot Camp and the Muse Machine Film Club at Centerville High School will show off their films.

MADRINA FILMS PRESENTS THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL SHORTS ($5)
12:30 p.m.  to 2:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Springfield filmmaker Marisha Mukerjee selects the best short films the world has to offer, including the documentary Last Supper for Malthus, winner of the European Independent Film Festival 2010’s audience award. With a billion of the world’s population going to be hungry at night, Last Supper for Malthus sheds light on our permanent food crisis.

RECORDING OF “FILMICALLY PERFECT” (free event)
1 to 3 p.m. // ThinkTV
J. Todd Anderson ― filmmaker and storyboard artists for such directors at the Coen brothers ― and George Willeman ― film archivist, writer and producer ― will record their WYSO 91.3-FM radio show “Filmically Perfect” in front of a live audience.  “Filmically Perfect,” hosted by Niki Dakota, WYSO music director, airs at 12:30 p.m. Fridays on the station, when Anderson and Willeman dissect classic films.

GIRL POWER SHORTS: SUNDAY SPIN / THE ACT / RITE ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // The Neon
Girls with secrets is the theme in these short films. Sunday Spin, written and directed by former Daytonian Nichol Simmons, features a 100 percent Dayton cast and crew. First love, BFFs, lip gloss, barbecued carrots and that boy from eighth grade take Eloise on an unforgettable Sunday spin in this sassy take on the after-school special. The Act was written and directed by Pi Ware and Susan Kraker and filmed by former Daytonian Marco Fargnoli. Rounding out this trio of shorts is Rite, written and directed by Kettering native Alicia Conway.

THE 1ST ANNUAL WYSO SCREENless SCREENING ($5)
3 to 4:30 p.m. // The Neon
WYSO 91.3-FM Director Neenah Ellis and program director Juliet Fromholt present a celebration of Dayton stories, sounds and the art of listening. Hear radio magazine feature stories, such as those on NPR’s StoryCorps and Ira Glass’ This American Life, as you never have before ― in a dark movie theater.

THE LAST TRUCK: THE CLOSING OF A GM PLANT ($5)
3 to 4:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Directed and written by Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar of Yellow Springs, The Last Truck was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary, short subject. It tells the story of the workers of the General Motors Assembly Plant in Moraine, which opened in 1981 and closed on Dec. 23, 2008. While the workers are shocked they’ll be losing their jobs, the film shows they’re also losing much more: the pride they share in their work, the camaraderie built through the years and the shared concerns about what their collective futures will hold. The Last Truck offers a snapshot of a moment in America where we may be seeing the end of the blue-collar middle class.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SUNDAY SPIN (free event)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
Nichol Simmons, writer and director of Sunday Spin, talks about how the film came to be.

MASTER CLASS // ACTING ($15)
4 to 5:30 p.m. // ThinkTV
This class will be taught by a trio of experts: Dave Gewertz, founder of MidwestExtrasDB.com, designed to be the go-to site in the Midwest for people who are interested in being extras in films, television and commercials; Marianne Porter, Wright State University graduate and one of the stars of feature film True Nature; and Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director of Wright State University’s department of theatre, dance and motion pictures.

BURMA VJ ($5)
5 to 7 p.m. // The Neon
This 2010 Academy Award Nominee for best documentary feature is the true story of an anonymous collective of underground video journalists (VJs) who risked their lives to capture the dramatic 2007 Myanmar uprising, when 100,000 people (including thousands of Buddhist monks) took to the streets in protest. The producer, Lise Lense-Møller, will be in Dayton all the way from Denmark for a Q&A after the film.

FILMDAYTON’S SECOND ANNUAL PITCH-IT! ($5)
6 to 8 p.m. // Gilly’s
Think you’ve got a golden idea for a film? This is your opportunity to prove it. Drop $5 in the hat and pitch your movie in two minutes to a panel of industry experts. The winner takes home the cash and the championship belt, although this lively event is fun for audience and aspiring filmmakers alike. Hosted by Niki Dakota, WYSO 91.3-FM music director, with judges including Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director of Wright State University’s department of theatre, dance and motion pictures; Nichol Simmons, writer and director of Sunday Spin; and Jennifer Sharp, director of I’m Through with White Girls.

TRUE NATURE MEMBERS ONLY SCREENING**
8 to 10 p.m. // The Neon
Part drama and part supernatural thriller, True Nature is the story of a family reunited when their college-age daughter is found after a year-long disappearance. Written, directed, produced and filmed in Dayton by Dayton’s own Pat Steele and Ann Rotolante. **This screening is for FilmDayton members and Reel Deal and All-Access pass holders only.

RED CARPET, REV. COOL, DJs AND DANCE PARTY DOUBLE FEATURE
8 p.m. to midnight // Gilly’s
Dance around the fringe with The Rev. Cool’s Arkestra & Dance Ensemble, joined by popular local spinmasters Ruckus Roboticus and DJ Scorpius Max.
• FilmDayton Fundraiser: From 8-10 p.m., enjoy themed martinis and catered bites while helping support Dayton’s nonprofit organization dedicated to local film and filmmakers. $15
• General admission: $5 after 10 p.m. or free with True Nature stub

INK & FLESH / FUN IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT ($5)
midnight // The Neon
Dayton favorite Andy Copp presents a world and local premiere double feature with classic ’70s era grindhouse trailers in between and a Q&A.

SUNDAY, MAY 16
BOOKSIGNING WITH JAMES GREER (free event)
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
James Greer will discuss and sign his most recent book, The Failure, and host a Q&A session about his current movie project, Cleo, a rock musical of sorts, about Cleopatra. Greer wrote the script for this film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and directed by Steven Soderbergh, who describes the film asTommy meets Viva Las Vegas, with music by Robert Pollard of Guided by Voices. Greer has been a bassist for Guided By Voices, editor of Spin magazine, and is the author of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll and the novel Artificial Light.

SUNDOG FILM FESTIVAL ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // The Neon
Originated in Yellow Springs in 2003, this juried competition is open to young filmmakers in grades 8-12.

PANEL DISCUSSION // FILMING UNDER DURESS (free event)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // FilmDayton Power Up Lounge
What happens when your cameras aren’t welcome or in danger zones? Lise Lense-Møller will discuss the perils of filming under less than ideal conditions. Lense-Møller is the producer of Burma VJ, a 2010 Academy Award Nominee for best documentary feature. It tells the true story of an anonymous collective of underground video journalists (VJs) who risked their lives to capture the dramatic 2007 Myanmar uprising, when 100,000 people (including thousands of Buddhist monks) took to the streets in protest.

FILM CONNECTIONS PRESENTS WORKS IN PROGRESS ($5)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // Gilly’s
Loose, informal and interactive, FilmDayton’s monthly networking program, Film Connections, moves to Gilly’s one time only for this special edition of local works in progress. Hosted by recent Wright State University grad and local filmmaker Rocky Smith.

WORKSHOP // INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING ($15)
1 to 2:30 p.m. // Dayton Convention Center
True Nature director Pat Steele and Ann Rotolante present “Beginning to End: A How-to of Local Independent Filmmaking.” From the big idea to opening night, learn how to create an independent film.

DIRECTING PANEL ($15)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // Dayton Convention Center
Jennifer Sharp, director of I’m Through with White Girls and Mike Webber, director of The Elephant in the Living Room, discuss the ins-and-outs of directing and give workshop attendees a director’s behind the lens view.

WINTER’S BONE ($5)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // The Neon
Get an exclusive first look at this winner of the 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize, which doesn’t open to general audiences until June. The film tells the story of a young woman who must fight her way through the Ozark wilderness and local criminal underworld to find her father and save her family.

WSU BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL, TAKE TWO ($5, free with WSU student ID)
3:30 to 5 p.m. // Gilly’s
Missed this festival on Friday? No worries. This is your second chance to catch students from Wright State University’s award-winning motion pictures program screening their most recent productions in this event filled with compelling, contemporary work. The festival will be followed by a meet-and-greet from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

EXPLODING GIRL ($5)
5:30 to 7 p.m. // The Neon
This drama is the exquisite portrait of a young girl coming of age and finding a deeper kind of love in New York City. Kettering native Bradley Rust Grey directed this independent feature, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. At Tribeca, its lead, rising indie star Zoe Kazan (Revolutionary Road, It’s Complicated, Me and Orson Welles), won the award for best actress.

I’M THROUGH WITH WHITE GIRLS ($5)
7:30 p.m. // The Neon
In this film, winner of the 2007 Block Buster Audience Award at the American Black Film Festival, Jay Brooks is on a quest to find the perfect woman ― but first he must deal with his commitment issues to win his love. Director and Yellow Springs native Jennifer Sharp will be on hand for a Q&A and discussion after the screening.

The FilmDayton Festival thanks its sponsors, without whom this festival would not be possible: DP&L, Cox Ohio Media/Dayton Daily News,activedayton.com, ThinkTV, WYSO 91.3-FM, The Now Device, Dayton City Paper, Wright State University, the Southern Ohio Council for Higher Education and The Ohio Coffee Co.

Stivers Choreographers Showcase Fundraiser

By Leave a Comment

Here is an opportunity for you to have an evening of entertainment and help a great cause.  Thursday, May 13, the Seedling Foundation is hosting a private preview at 7:30 pm in Stivers Centennial Hall to raise funds for the dance department.

• Meet the choreographers

•Hear about the creative process from idea to dance

• Learn how the dances are created, practiced and performed

Stivers School for the Arts
2010 Choreographers Showcase

The evening starts with a 6 -7:30 pm hors d’ oeuvre buffet served by Coco’s bistro
$30 for buffet and preview
(includes $15 tax deductible donation to the seedling Foundation)
Call 937.430.6402 for reservations

Another Spinoza’s Beer & Pizza Dinner

By Leave a Comment

Glen Brailey’s pizza parlor a the Mall of Fairfield Commons  is building a reputation for hosting phenominal beer dinners.  Spinoza’s will be doing it again Tuesday, May 25th  at 7:00 pm.  Lindsey Shafer from Goose Island Brewing Company, a craft  brewer located in Chicago,  will be on hand to talk about the unique Goose Island beers featured at this special event. For just $24.95 per person plus tax & gratuity, you’ll enjoy a five course dinner complimented with six brews from Goose Island.  Seating is by reservation only. Previous beer dinners have sold out quickly so you’ll want to call 937-426-7799 for reservations quickly to reserve your seats.
Goose Island Event Menu:
“Summertime” German-Syle Kolsch paired with House-made Soft Pretzel and Roasted Garlic Aioli

“312” Urban Wheat Ale paired with Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto
“Sofie” Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale paired with a salad of Mache Lettuce, Chilled Wild-Caught Sea Scallops, Honey Roasted Pecans, and Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

“Matilda” Belgian Style Pale Ale paired with Hearth Baked Pizza with Pesto, Lump Crab, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Chilies

“Pere Jacues” Belgian Style Abbey Ale paired with Strawberry Cheesecake with Belgian Chocolate Sauce
“Night Stalker” Imperial Stout- A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that’s as dark as night.

Call for art for Urban Nights: Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place!

By Leave a Comment

Yes, I know it’s very last minute, but artists, do you have art laying around your studio that you wish was on public display? Send me a digital image to OK with management, and then drop it off Sunday or Wednesday with a way to attach it to wires. I’ll hang & light it in the windows of Jefferson Place (corner of 2nd & Jefferson) downtown, just in time for Urban Nights! The details can be found below & printed here (I’ll bring extra copies): http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AU2J6AlHg0AlZHg4N3N6OF82N2c2Y3Btc2dj&hl=en ___________________________________

The Living City Project’s

Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place

Guidelines for Artists Thank you for your interest in showing your work at the Street Gallery @ Jefferson Place! This is a community service of the Living City Project and Jefferson Place intended to bring more life to the streets of downtown Dayton and is not a commercial endeavor. Please notify Kate of your intent to submit by e-mailing a digital image and dimensions to [email protected]. Below are some items to consider:

  • Liability – The Jefferson Place apartment building is providing their storefront for artists wanting a public presence on the streets of Dayton. The storefront will not be open to anyone but the building owners and designated associates. However, the owners cannot 100% guarantee the security of your art, though they will make every attempt. If you are concerned, we encourage you to make a print to display instead of the original. Owners and Management is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged pieces. Due to the space being unoccupied, there may be showings to prospective tenants in the retail space. Management has the right to give 15 days notice to have the art removed by the artist. If artwork is not removed within the 15 days notice period given, management will not be responsible for keeping or storing the artwork.
  • Installation and Tear-Down dates – You will be given two opportunities to install your work – Sunday, May 9 from 2-5PM and Wednesday, May 12 from 4:30-7PM. There are 25 windows ranging from 15″ to 52″ wide (most are 34″) and approximately 5 ft tall. Work will stay up through June 26th or 27th; you may pick it up either day from 2-5PM. Management will allow access to space through the coordinators of this project, but is not responsible for setup, takedown, or any utilities outside the agreement.
  • Installation methods – 2-D work should be mounted on a rigid surface and you should provide a way to attach wires to hang it from above (otherwise we’ll provide duct tape). The work will hang from wires attached to dowel rods above. The Living City will provide methods of hanging but you must provide a way to attach wires to your work.
  • Content – Since the art will be on view for the general public walking down the street, work must be “family friendly” in nature and not intended to offend. Final discretion will be given to the building owners. Please discuss with Kate (see contact info below) if you are not sure whether your work would be appropriate.
  • Self-promotion – Since the Street Gallery will not directly handle the sale of your art, artists are encouraged to creatively self-promote with labels to direct viewers to your website or other means to contact you and purchase your art.
  • Lighting – The Living City will provide rope lighting above your work so that it brings life to the streets of Dayton at night. If you would like to provide your own additional lighting and extension cords, let us know. Works will be lit for a few hours after sunset through the month of May.
  • Contact Info – The Project Manager is Kate Ervin of the Living City Project. She can be reached at [email protected] or 554-8865.

Please print this document, sign it, and bring it with you to the Installation. I, the undersigned, have read and understand the above guidelines. I will not hold Jefferson Place, Tower Commercial Group LLC, owners, or Living City Project, Inc. liable for any loss or damage to my property. Signed ______________________ Date ____________________ Print Name _______________________________

Former Guided by Voices member unveils new novel at local readings

By Leave a Comment

James Greer wrote the book on Guided by Voices…literally.  The former editor for Spin Magazine is the author of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll, a book about the band with which he played bass.  More recently Greer has been focusing on novels and screenwriting.  He’ll be in town this week promoting his new novel, The Failure (Akashic).  There are several opportunities to see Greer and learn more about The Failure, which is partially set in Dayton:

-On Wednesday night, I’ll be interviewing Greer on Kaleidoscope on WYSO 91.3FM.  The show is 8-11pm and will also feature information on the FilmDayton festival.

-On Thursday, Greer will reading at the Town & Country Books & Co. in Kettering beginning at 7pm.

-On Friday, Greer will hold a private house-show style reading in Dayton.  There are still a few slots open for this event.  You can find out more and reserve a slot by emailing [email protected].  This reading will also be broadcast live on Ustream beginning at 7:45pm.  Click here to sign in as a guest and watch.

-Greer will also be part of a Q&A session about an upcoming film project, Cleo, at the FilmDayton Festival (May 14-16).

First Friday in music

By 1 Comment

First Fridays are always full of activity and opportunities to enjoy some of the best our area has to offer.  This month is no exception.  Here’s just a taste of the musical offerings this Friday night:

Canal Street Tavern will host three great local bands: The Black Who’s?, Fuzz Hound and 2006 Dayton Band Playoff winners, Orange Willard.  The show starts at 9:30pm and is $5

The Rubbles will bring their 60’s style rock and roll to Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District, starting at around 8pm.

Down the street at the Trolley Stop, the Curious Animals will hit the stage around 9:30pm.

If you prefer your music with a seafood dinner, Puzzle of Light will perform at Jay’s Restaurant from 9pm until midnight.  You can just come for dessert or a drink and, of course the music, but if you’re going to do dinner, call ahead for a reservation (937-222-2892).

Or if you feel like taking a drive out to Yellow Springs, Sohio will be headlining Peaches Grill with the Black Owls starting at around 9pm.

What are your musical plans for Friday night?  Do you know of another great that’s not on this list?  Share it in the comments!

Where to Wine & Dine Mom

By Leave a Comment

It’s traditionally the busiest restaurant day of the year, so we highly suggest you make reservations for your celebration!  Here are some suggestions:

Amber Rose,
1400 N. Valley St., Dayton, (937) 228-2511, open 11 a.m. to 4pm.
Mom’s receive a $10 gift certificate for a subsequent visit

Amelia’s Bistro, 129 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, (937) 310-3040, open 11
am – 3 pm.

Artisans Cafe, 8351 N. Main St., Clayton, (937) 832-1176, 11 am 8:30 p.m.
Four-course dinner special for $14.95; regular dinner
menu also available.


 L’Auberge: 4120 Far Hills Ave., Kettering, (937)299-5536. Noon – 7 pm
Three-course fixed-price meal with eight entree choices for $39.50; kids menu $12.

Barleycorn’s Restaurant & Bar: 6204 Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek Twp.,
(937) 848-6999. Mother’s Day brunch 10 am – 2 pm; Adults:
$14.95, kids $5.95, kids under 5 eat free.

The Barnsider Restaurant, 5202 N. Main St., Harrison Twp., (937)
277-1332, noon – 7 pm

Boulevard Haus: 329 E. Fifth St., Dayton, (937) 824-2722. Mother’s Day
brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm Cost: $19.99, children 5 to 12  $8.99, under 5 -free.

Caffe Anticoli, 8268 N. Main St., Clayton, (937) 890-0300. Open 11
am – 7 pm serving Mother’s Day specials and 15 selections from the regular menu.

The Caroline, 5 S. Market St., Troy, (937) 552-7676,
Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 10am –  2 pm  Adults $18.95, children 5 to 12 $8.95.

Carvers Steaks & Chops, 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road,
Washington Twp., (937) 433-7099.  Plated brunch menu 11 am
to 4 pm, full dinner menu available 11am – 8pm

C’est Tout, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, (937) 298-0022. Noon to 8 pm

Champps Americana, 7880 Washington Village Drive, Washington Twp., (937) 433-2333.  Mother’s Day brunch and entree buffet from 9 am – 3 pm Adults
$16.95, kids $9.95.

Chappys Tap Room and Grille, 2733 W. Alex-Bell Road, Moraine, (937)
299-7427, 11 am  – 9 pm   Special $9.95 menu.

Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton, (937) 228-2626. Open 11 am – 2 pm

Culp’s Cafe, 1000 Carillon Blvd. at Carillon Historical Park (937) 299-2277. Old Fashioned Mother’s Day Brunch 11 am – 3 pm.Adults $17, children 12 and under $10.

Dublin Pub , 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton, (937) 224-7822, open 11 am -10 pm,
mothers get up to $10 off any one item on the menu with the purchase of one
or more meals at regular price.

El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton, (937) 859-8229, Brunch buffet served
from 11 am -3 pm Adults $27, children 12 and under $12, 6 and under free.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 4432 Walnut St. at The
Greene,  (937) 320-9548. Special brunch menu 11:30am 3pm, regular menu through the evening. Brunch $29.95. Mothers
receive a $25 dining card to use on a subsequent visit to Fleming’s
from May 10 through June 14.

Fricker’s, all Dayton-area locations, open regular hours from 11 am through 2:30
am, mothers will receive a small box of chocolates while supplies
last.

Giovanni’s Ristorante Italiano, 215 W. Main St.,
Fairborn, (937) 878-1611, open 11am -6 pm  Mother’s Day buffet. Adults $14.95, children 11 and under $7.95.

Golden Jersey Inn, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road (U.S.68) north of Yellow Springs, (937) 324-2050. Open 8am to 8pm No
reservations required.

Harrison’s, 106 E. Main St., Tipp City, (937) 667-5200, noon to 5 pm.

Jay’s Restaurant,
225 E. Sixth St., Dayton, (937) 222-2892. Open noon to 9 pm

Kohinoor Palace, 39 S. Springboro Pike across from the Dayton Mall  937-723-9014, Brunch buffet from noon -3 pm, dinner 5 pm -9 pm, mothers pay
half price when accompanied by family members. Brunch buffet is
$13.99.

La Piazza, 2 N. Market St., Troy, (937) 339-5553. Open 11 am -8 pm
Mother’s Day specials and regular menu.

Mamma DiSalvo’s, 1375 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 299-5831. Open
noon to 8:30 pm Mothers get 10 percent off of their meal and a free dessert.

McCormick & Schmicks, 4429 Cedar Park Drive at The Greene,
Beavercreek, (937) 431-9200, Brunch served 11 am- 2 pm, dinner menu
available all day.

Michael Anthony’s at the Inn, 21 W. Main St., Versailles, (937)
526-3020, brunch from 11am -3 pm, adults $22.95, children 3 to
10 $10.95, under 3 are free.

Paragon Club, 797 Miamisburg-Centerville Road,Washington Twp., 937-433-1234. Open 3 pm – 9 pm Serving Mother’s Day specials and regular menu. Reservations suggested for groups of five or more.

Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar, 79 S. Main St.,Centerville, (937) 610-9835. Open for Mother’s Day brunch from 11 am -3 pm Two-course meal for $22.99 or order off the menu a la carte.

Spinoza’s Gourmet Pizza & Salads, 2727 Fairfield’s Common Blvd. at the Mall
at Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek, (937) 426-7799. Open noon to 7
p.m. Moms receive a certificate for a free artisan salad valid on a
subsequent visit from May 9 through May 30.

Stockyards Inn, 1065 Springfield St., Dayton,
(937) 254-3576. Open noon – 8 pm Special Mother’s Day menu and
regular menu available.

Sweeney’s Seafood House, 28 W. Franklin St., Centerville, (937)
291-3474. Open 5 pm – 8:30 pm with regular menu plus Mother’s Day
specials.

Wellington Grille, 2450 Dayton-Xenia Road,
Beavercreek, (937) 426-4600, open noon – 7 pm

The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, 438-3585, 1st two seatings full, still room at 4pm seating, Adults 22.95 /12 and Under 12.95 5 and under Free!

Special thanks to Mark Fisher- check out his Taste column in the Dayton Daily News

Rock-n-Roll Play Date – a different kind of open mic

By 2 Comments

A couple of months ago, South Park Tavern began hosting an open mic night on Wednesday nights, but instead of sticking with a traditional acoustic-style evening, they decided to do something a little different.  Thus the Rock-n-Roll Play Date was born.  The event is open to a wide variety of performers including comedians, rappers, acoustic and electric acts and the idea is to foster collaboration.  Interested performers can sign up for a 25 minute time slot in advance on South Park Tavern’s website and even put in a request for other musicians they’d like to play with (say a drummer or bass player).  It’s a good environment to try out new material or for solo musicians to meet other people to play with.  The first act gets started around, and the last act goes on between 12 and 12:30am

Wayne Avenue Widening Project – Good or Bad

By 15 Comments

The following was submitted by Hilary Ross Browning – resident of the South Park neighborhood.  We invite comments from affected residents AND city staff – what do YOU think?

Wayne Avenue - Click to view map

Along Wayne Avenue, lawn signs scream “Stop the Widening Project” and “City Unfair to us.” A seemingly simple infrastructure upgrade has angered many, and leaves Wayne Avenue residents with an uncertain future. There is no doubt, however, that the intersection of Wayne and Wilmington Pike needs improvement.
Congestion, speeding, street light timing, and pedestrian access are just a few concerns that the City should address when improving the intersection. The City’s solution, however, is to widen the road from Anderson Road to Wilmington Pike and from Wilmington Pike to Beckman Street. Widening will start in June, with an estimated completion date in July 2011. The city will use funds from Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and Ohio State Issue 1 funds from Ohio Public Works.

The current plan involves taking a portion of land from property owners using eminent domain. The use of eminent domain is legal in this case, and likely necessary, as property owners do not want to cede land voluntarily. The Supreme Court has upheld the use of eminent domain for infrastructure upgrades as a form of economic development. Kelo v. New London (2005) and Berman v. Parker (1954) have established that governments can take land for public purposes provided just compensation for affected property owners.

From the perspective of Wayne Avenue residents, however, the Wayne Avenue project infringes on property owner rights. These residents are forced to accept the project, whether they want to cede land to the City or not.  Residents have lingering concerns about diminished property values, safety, and the justness of the City’s actions.

It is equally concerning that the City’s plan may not improve the intersection, and widening may have undesirable long-term ramifications. The widening project could affect citizens for decades- and the quality of the plan should reflect the importance of Wayne Avenue as a central traffic artery.

To be successful, the Wayne Avenue project should be a measurable improvement over the present design. The project should benefit the majority of citizens, and should take into account any negative long-term consequences.

Unfortunately, the City’s plan for Wayne Avenue may not be an improvement over the old design. City of Dayton traffic engineers believe widening the road will relieve traffic congestion and promote safety.  Urban design proponents, however, argue that street widening causes more problems than it solves. For example, urban design studies performed by Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Andres Duany have shown that street widening encourages greater traffic volume. Increased traffic on Wayne Avenue would negate the traffic calming effect of widening the road.

Additionally, the widening project does not benefit all road users. Widening the road clearly benefits drivers, not cyclists and pedestrians. The City plans to replace the sidewalks and tree lawn, but it is unclear if traffic lights and cross walks will be updated to better serve pedestrians as part of this project. As for cyclists, the widening project will not make room for a bike lane.

Another concern is the potential destabilization of the housing block along Wayne. Homeowners face hard choices about the safety and value of their properties; many have chosen to sell their properties. The alienation of Wayne avenue residents is damaging to the neighborhood and city, as they may choose to leave the City of Dayton for good. Losing long-term residents is an undesirable consequence of a public infrastructure project.  The widening project will decrease the market value of homes along Wayne, potentially inviting landlords instead of owner-occupants.

The City should address these concerns before moving forward with the intended project. It may be difficult or impossible to address the immediate concerns of residents living along Wayne. However, the City should not settle on an inferior design because of these challenges. With a new road design, Wayne Avenue could be a vibrant corridor. It may not be within the City’s reach to create a tree-lined boulevard or divided road, but beautification could ease some concerns.

A little creativity and extra effort could turn Wayne Avenue around for the better. Widening the road does not promote bike or pedestrian traffic; nor is it a long-term solution to better Wayne Avenue.  As it stands, City residents must accept an inferior road upgrade instead of a sustainable, long-term solution.

Learn About The Wines of Tuscany at Rumbleseat

By Leave a Comment

Italian winemaker Julie Seder will lead a seminar on May 5th to introduce us to the wines of Tuscany. This very special Italian region produces some fantastic wines. The La Massa winery is in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy.  One of their wines was #27 in the top 100 wines of Wine Spectator last year. Julie is planning to bring some of that wine with her as well as some of the other Top 100’s for guests to taste. There will be a variety of fantastic wines to tempt your palate!  Tasting seminar runs from 5 -7pm, no reservations required.

Rumbseat Wine 937-938-98901
5853 Far Hills Ave, Kettering

We hope you’ll join us for this seminar…no reservations required.