Dayton937

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

Archives for July 2010

Help the Humane Society of Greater Dayton win $20,000

By Leave a Comment

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a top five finalist in the Jump START Your Nonprofit contest from Modern Office Methods. The winning organization will receive new office equipment valued at $20,000. The second prize is valued at $10,000 and the third prize at $5,000.

This is a great opportunity for us, as you know firsthand the time it takes to raise this amount of money. This makeover would allow us to be more efficient in providing services for those who need it most. And, typically, money raised tends to support our mission, rather than offset business technology costs.

We need your vote! The more votes, the better chance we have to win. Go to www.momnet.com and vote for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton once a day beginning Monday, July 12 at 8am through Sunday, July 25 at midnight. We need this makeover to help us run better and serve our communities better!

Please share this with any friends or colleagues who you feel would be willing to vote for us.

Happy voting and thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Megan Moon
Humane Society of Greater Dayton
1661 Nicholas Road
Dayton, Ohio 45417
Phone: (937) 262-5929
Fax: (937) 267-5227


The Wandas//Bending Over Backwards

By Leave a Comment

wandas

…we’re very excited about this evening’s edition of The Buddha Den NTRO/XPO at South Park Tavern, as we’ll be hosting Boston indie-pop quartet, The Wandas. The band are currently out on tour [see dates below] in support of their album New Wave Blues, a well-crafted disc overflowing with sunny hooks driven by heart-on-the-sleeve sentimentality. The Wandas will be joined this evening by our July Residency, Outright Liar. Music starts at 10 pm and is FREE/ALL AGES. See you there…

MP3: The Wandas “Bending Over Backwards”

Download audio file (Bending_Over_Backwards.mp3)

Jul 13 South Park Tavern Dayton, OH

Jul 14 Blue Rock Tavern Cincinnati, Ohio

Jul 15 Vollrath Tavern Indianapolis, Indiana

Jul 16 Elbo Room Chicago

Jul 19 The Strutt Kalamazoo, Michigan

Jul 20 Merge Buffalo, New York

Marijuana Johnson and By Way of Sunstorm at Blind Bob’s

By Leave a Comment

This Friday night at Blind Bob’s is going to be a loud one.  Dayton’s  Marijuana Johnson and By Way of Sunstorm will be joined onstage by two great touring bands.  Toronto’s Burning Love is currently doing a few US shows before they embark on a huge European tour this fall.  They’re joined by Louisville’s Coliseum at this 21+ show.

Here’s a video of By Way of Sunstorm performing at Blind Bob’s earlier this year from our friends at The Music Seen.

Yeah… but can it play Dayton?

By 8 Comments

[title of show] - Encore Theater Co. - Dayton CastDayton, Ohio:  a hotbed for the development & performance of new musical theatre?

YES.

“It is a hopeless endeavour to attract people to a theatre unless they can be first brought to believe that they will never get in.” – CHARLES DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby

Musical Theatre Workshop:  Festival 2010

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, American Musical Theatre was developed right in the heart of it all – Manhatten. After all, that’s where all the great theatre was happening. PLUS – it wasn’t nearly as expensive to produce a big Broadway musical as it is today. (Wicked has just recently recouped its $40 million investment and THAT’S a runaway hit). Add to that the fact that the vast majority of Broadway audiences are tourists, then you can see why so many writers of new musical theatre are hungry to test their work in an “everyman” market. After all, those are the folks buying tickets.

Events here in our city over the next two weekends suggest to me that New York writers might just begin asking themselves –“Yeah, but will it play Dayton?” Without a doubt, Dayton is becoming a new Midwestern Mecca for new musical theatre development.

Human Race Musical Theatre Workshop 2008

"The Black Crook Project" 2008

Consider this. Downtown at The Loft theatre this coming weekend, THREE new musicals will premiere. One of those – PLAY IT BY HEART – features the work of Brian Yorkey (2009 Tony-Winner for Next To Normal). Another – TENDERLY – was written by the same team that created the wildly popular GREEN GABLES that played the Victoria in 2005. And the third – being written as we speak by local students – will make its national debut – right here in Dayton (The Lovewell Project). This is coming on the heels of the stellar Human Race production of Adam Gwon’s new musical ORDINARY DAYS. There is simply no excuse not to catch one of these shows. Not to mention, the schedule for the festival weekend makes it so easy. PLUS there are opportunities to meet the creators and party with the Race.

Do yourself a favor and make time for this festival weekend.
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: FESTIVAL 2010 FULL SCHEDULE

Friday, July 16

8pm               Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception @ The Dayton Racquet Club

Saturday, July 17

1:15pm          Meet the Play It By Heart writers @ The Loft Lobby
2pm                Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
7pm               Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception The Loft Lobby
8pm                Tenderly @ Creativity Center

Sunday, July 18

2pm                 Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
2pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
6:15pm           Meet the Tenderly writers Creativity Center
7pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
Followed by a Wrap-Up Party @ a Location TBA

Synopses:

Play it By Heart tells the story of a female country music star battling her family and a changing industry. Taylor, who penned such hits as Tammy Wynette’s “Another Chance” and Johnny Cash’s “The Baron,” calls it “the quintessential story of family in country music.”

Tenderly is about a real musical legend, one of the most famous entertainers ever to come out of the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky region, Rosemary Clooney. The show includes such Clooney hits as “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Hey There.”

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Musical Theatre Workshop: Festival 2010 (July 16-18) will be celebrated at both the 219-seat Loft Theatre at 126 N. Main St. and the approximately 60-seat Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center at 116 N. Jefferson St. Tickets ($15 per performance) are available at the door. Visit http://www.humanracetheatre.org for more information.

If we seem to have a particular passion for developing NEW and innovative work, it because we do! After all, the same weekend as the MTW Festival at the Loft, Encore Theater Company is presenting local premiere of the 2009 Tony-Nominated musical [title of show] – trust me – a comedy like no other!

DB

[title of show]

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

What do you get when you gather four friends, four chairs, a keyboard, some monkeys, vampires, drag queens and a fresh batch of rice crispy treats?  Why [title of show] of course!

How do you explain a show that has an ingredient list like that?  How about “a show that really [BEEEEEEP]’ing ROCKS!”

Shawn Hooks as "Jeff" in [title of show] - Dayton, Ohio But really, all poor grammar aside, this show really does ROCK!  Just ask Dayton native Susan Blackwell, an original cast member of the Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York Musical Theater Festival productions of the little show that could. Not only was Ms. Blackwell an original cast member…she is also a character in the show.

Angele' Price as "Susan" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioConfused? Don’t be, here’s the premise-[title of show] is a hilarious new musical written by 2 struggling writers about 2 struggling writers writing a hilarious new musical. word.  Essentially, art imitating life imitating art imitating life.  Get the picture? Oh, and Susan was a great pal & agreed to be in their show.

Chris Smyth as "Hunter" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWith a song list that includes such classics as “Untitled Opening Number,” “Monkeys & Playbills,” “I Am Playing Me,” “Nine People’s Favorite Thing,” and  “Die Vampire, Die!” how could you possibly consider missing this opportunity to catch this show?

Nora Coyle as "Heidi" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWell…here’s good news!  You can win Tickets to [tos]! YAY! DaytonMostMetro & Encore Theater Company are giving away three pairs of tickets to [title of show].  All you need to do is give the show’s director a good DRAG QUEEN name! Yes, that’s right, brainstorm a great drag queen name for the director of the show…and suggest it in the comment section below (everyone else in the cast/crew has a DQ name already…you can check them out HERE).

We will announce winners on Wednesday night.  You will have a choice of performances (Thursday, Friday or Saturday at 7:30pm).

Help DOUBLE the number of tickets that we will be giving away!  We will announce three additional winners, if we can help DaytonMostMetro reach 2,000 fans by midnight Wednesday! Go to the DMM Facebook Fan Page, become a fan if you are not already, then share it with all of your friends, family & FB lurkers.

[title of show] will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (July 15-17) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & [tos].

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

[title of show] (July 15-17) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note:  [title of show] contains adult themes and language.

SA

Encore Theater Company welcomes the writers of Next Thing You Know to Dayton, July 23-25

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham - Next Thing You KnowOn the “developing new musical theatre in Dayton, Ohio” front, ETC would like to mention the exciting fact that the writers of NEXT THING YOU KNOW will be traveling from New York to work with the Dayton cast on the show.  Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham (who penned the Off-Broadway hit I LOVE YOU BECAUSE) have been developing NTYK for a potential New York run, and will be utilizing the Encore Theater Company production as an opportunity to test some changes and make some creative decisions in the development process.

In an effort to help cover Josh & Ryan’s expenses, ETC kicked off the 30 for 30 for New Musical Theater campaign last week.  The response was great from the Dayton arts community…making this opportunity a reality!  If you would like to contribute to the fund, and an opportunity to meet the writers, please email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information about how you can participate in the campaign.

While Salzman & Cunningham are in town, they will also conduct a workshop for Dayton actors about auditioning for musical theatre productions.  This workshop will take place on Saturday, July 24th in the Oregon District Arts Collaborative space above the new SideBar (400 East Fifth Street, Suite A).  Email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information.

Next Thing You Know will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (August 12-14) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & NTYK.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Next Thing You Know (August 12-14) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note: NTYK contains adult themes and language.

Update: NEXT THING YOU KNOW by Salzman & Cunningham

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham traveled from New York to Dayton last weekend to work with the ETC cast of NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  The writers continued to mold & shape their show into what they envision it to be.  This was a thrilling experience for everyone at Encore Theater Company.

While Salzman & Cunningham were in town we took some time to sit down with them, and the cast of NTYK to record a MusicalWorld episode.  Look for that episode below.

We also hosted a reception for the writing team at the home of Dr. Michael Ervin, followed by a trip to the new SideBar in the Oregon District.  Much thanks go out to Dr. Ervin, Kevin Moore (artistic director of The Human Race Theatre Co.), the donor’s in the “30 for 30” campaign, the folks at Toxic Brew Company (keep watching DMM for info about this cool Dayton start-up), Bill & Shannon from Dayton Most Metro and representatives from other local organizations & theatre companies.  Look for a video about that reception below.

http://www.mevio.com/episode/241734/mw66-salzman-amp-cunningham-next-thing-you

SA

Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Spitfire Grill - Beavercreek Community TheatreWhile not a brand new piece of musical theater, SPITFIRE GRILL is a rarely performed show.  The last performance in Dayton was the excellent production by The Human Race Theatre a few seasons ago.

Doug Lloyd will helm the Beavercreek Community Theatre production of Spitfire Grill September 17th through the 26th.  He will be joined on staff by Stacey Gear (choreographer) and Dr. James Tipps (music director).  BCT recently held auditions for the show.  The result was what looks to be a terrific cast for this heartwarming show.

Percy Talbott – Sydney Lanier

Shelby Thorpe – Katie Storost

Hannah Ferguson – Pam McGinnis

Effy Krayneck – Teresa Connair

Sheriff Joe Sutter – Max Monnig

Caleb Thorpe – Brad Mattingly

The Visitor – Nick Vanderpool

Synopsis:

A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill

Mark your calendars and plan to attend what will surely be a terrific production of  Spitfire Grill.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Spitfire Grill (September 17-26) Call Beavercreek Community Theatre Box Office at  (937) 429-4737 or visit http://www.bctheatre.org for information and links to the online box office.

SA

FINALLY – be sure to check out the latest MusicalWorld Podcast that features an interview with Susan Blackwell (who was in the original cast of [title of show] on Broadway!

“Chocolate & Charity…How SWEET it is!”

By 1 Comment

The Chocolate Affair is an upscale evening event for professionals of all levels to network, dance and have a good time for a good cause. The proceeds from this very glitzy, yet chocolaty fund raising event will support 1,200 youth in the education programs at the Dayton Urban League.   Held on Sat, July 24th from 7pm – 1am at the Double Tree Hotel in Downtown Dayton.

This evening will feature: the ultimate chocolate experience with two fountains that provide a waterfall of melted chocolate to dip fruit, nuts and marshmallows in, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live DJ and dancing all night long.

Want a more intimate atmosphere? Upgrade to the VIP Lounge. All VIP guest get exclusive access to The Terrace, an elegant space on the upper level that will feature a private bar and a live band. VIP guests will also receive a VIP gift bag and a drink ticket.

Tickets are $40 for nonmembers/$30 for Dayton Urban League members. VIP tickets are $50.

To purchase tickets go online to www.daytonurbanleague.org or call (937) 221 – 7691.

Songwriters Showcase Wednesday at Canal Street

By Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters, you’ll want to be at Canal Street Tavern this Wednesday night. Canal Street is the perfect setting for the evening’s Songwriters Showcase featuring three great Dayton-area natives. Tod Weidner (Shrug, The Floods) and Chris Montgomery will be joined onstage by Meg Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh is a Centerville native now based out of New York. She’s recently been performing in London and has a YouTube cooking show called Vegan Meg (check out the video below).

The Songwriters Showcase begins at 9pm and is $5. You can also hear Meg Cavanaugh perform live on WYSO during Excursions (10am-1pm) on Wednesday.

Dinner for Schmucks – Special Screening and DMM Contest!

By 28 Comments

DaytonMostMetro.com has 25 pairs of free passes for a special screening of Dinner for Schmucks on Tuesday July 27 at 7:30pm @ The Greene (that is three days before the official release).  That’s FIFTY passes – courtesy of DreamWorks SKG Studios and DaytonMostMetro.com!

So how do you get your hands on some of these passes, you ask?  Easy – just leave a comment below that describes the worst/craziest work dinner party you’ve ever gone to, or the worst/craziest thing you’ve ever done for a work promotion.  DMM’s official judges (we keep them locked in a closet and at the ready for these kinds of things) will choose the best 25.  MAKE SURE you use your real email address – this ain’t the DDN comment boards!  We won’t make your email address public but will use it to contact you if you win.  Comment before this Friday July 16 – we’ll announce the winners on that day.

And if you’re not already liking us on Facebook, go do it – we plan to do more of these in the future and our FB page is the best way to find out about them!

Synopsis: The comedy DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS tells the story of Tim (Paul Rudd), an up-and-coming executive who has just received his first invitation to the “dinner for idiots,” a monthly event hosted by his boss that promises bragging rights (and maybe more) to the exec that shows up with the biggest buffoon.  Tim’s fiancée, Julie, finds it distasteful and Tim agrees to skip the dinner, until he bumps into Barry (Steve Carell) – an IRS employee who devotes his spare time to building elaborate taxidermy mouse dioramas – and quickly realizes he’s struck idiot gold. Tim can’t resist, and invites Barry, whose blundering good intentions soon sends Tim’s life into a frenzied downward spiral and a series of comic misadventures, threatening a major business deal, bringing crazy stalker ex-girlfriend, Darla, back into Tim’s life and driving Julie (or so Tim thinks) into the arms of another man.

From Jay Roach, director of “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers” comes an unforgettable feast about two unlikely friends and one very memorable dinner.

Dinner for Schmucks – Trailer 1

Dinner for Schmucks – Trailer 2

Dayton Sports Weekly Update: 7/12/2010

By 1 Comment

Woah, so clearly there is a gap in your brief sports news on DaytonMostMetro.com from last week.  What can I say?  The holidays got to me, and that amount of alcohol and fireworks makes for an uncooperative writing mood.  Besides, unless you wanted to read more about how the Dragons are stinking things up, you didn’t miss much.  This LAST week was the money week here in Dayton so thank God I’m here to tell you!  Unless you read it somewhere else first….  Here we go!

Ok ok don’t get all bent out of shape the Dragons didn’t do so bad over the last TWO weeks…  They managed to even themselves out with a really great run this last week but trust me when I say the week of the 4th was best left forgotten.  Also, I apologize but I’m not going to run down the 14 games I missed, so lets consider this another review on the fly week.  They started out great!  But a win against Fort Wayne was dashed away by dropping the other two games in that series, and what a shocker, both of them were by one run.  They continued the weekend of the 4th with another 3 straight losses to the Great Lakes Loons. That is 5 in a row, even for a team on a destined collision course with rock bottom, that can be hard to swallow.

But all was not lost!  In the ever blackening void that the team was traveling down, they found a light, an illumination, a 2 story glowing neon sign saying “Win a Game, second exit on the left.”  Heeding those wise directions, they slammed on the breaks, did a big U-ie  and hit the road for 6 straight wins, snagging two straight series from West Michigan and Bowling Green.  Ok West Michigan is practically the worst team in the league, but we don’t have much room to talk right now do we?  A win is a win after all, and the fresh air on the open road must have done the boys well because 4 of those games were even won by 2 or more runs.   Ahh, but something about heading back into the balmy Miami Valley must have staggered them, because 2 more losses against the Loons this weekend stopped them short.  (why have they played them the last 3 weeks in a row anyway?)  Oh well, you can’t win them all as they say, but I am pretty sure that now marks the Dragon’s longest win streak this year.

First news on the block for the Gems.  I had mentioned two weeks ago that they had delayed an expected press conference until an undisclosed date.  That date turned out to be last Wednesday.  At this conference the Gems finally announced their new Head Coach and General Manager, Brian Gratz. This is good news!  Sort of.. I mean, as near as I can figure… from what you can tell from the guy….  Let’s say he doesn’t have a huge record to work with.  Yes the Gems have definitely hired some young blood here, and some might consider it a gamble.  The Gems were not exactly the league sensation that I think ownership were perhaps hoping for in their first season back.  Their attendance was worst in the league (as was their record) and no amount of seriously cheap tickets or ridiculously cheap beer could seem to draw the crowds out to Hara.  The solution seems pretty obvious, namely, win more games.

So can this guy win more games?  It sure as hell looks like it on the surface.  His college career with Penn State is fairly distinguished, winning four American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Championships as a goaltender, after which he went up to the minors playing for a variety of teams over the next 5 years, but had pretty limited play time.  He has had two years under his belt as a professional hockey coach.  His stats certainly don’t lie, with two winning seasons, (the second a little worse than the first) but any winning season is better than what the Gems dealt with last year, so he won’t have to soar high, just get this bird off the ground.  If anyone asks where he was last year, I have heard he was coaching JV hockey at Penn State, but don’t quote me on that.

Are the Gems doing the right thing?  I can’t say.  Hiring someone young to take the reigns might be exactly what the team needs, hell what the City of Dayton needs, and there is always a possibility it won’t work out, but give the guy a chance to work  his skills and see what he can do.  He’s never coached at this level before, so hopefully the management up top will give him more than a year to prove his stuff.  Welcome to Dayton Coach Grantz, we’re waiting in anticipation.

On a final note.  The Gems are changing their jerseys next year to reflect a little bit more with their classics from back in the day.  Personally I was a big fan of the new ones… Not sure really how I feel about these, and I would have preferred to see them bust out some real throwback jerseys a few times a year instead of completely changing their look after one season.  Still, you be the judge..  No seriously, you can go vote on which one you like most but only until this Wednesday, so get crackin’.

Ok, so there have been quite a few games for the Dutch Lions as well so instead of going over a game by game, I’ll let you know how they fared and where they stand at the moment.  The Lions played the Michigan Bucks two weeks that brought them a 2-1 victory, and was followed up this last weekend with two losses in Canada, ouch.  First a failed comeback attempt resulted in a 2-1 loss against Forest City and on Sunday, a 2-0 loss left the Dutch Lions with no points for the week, and dropped them down to 3rd place in the league with only two games remaining.  Their last home game is this upcoming Saturday at 1:00pm.  Go watch them if you haven’t yet this year!

Up next is great news for the Lions.  Last week they held a press conference to announce that Dayton has been promoted to the USL Championship League (formerly USL-2).  In addition the Lions announced they will be creating a new women’s team to compete next year in the USL W-League.  This is a pretty amazing jump after only a single year of play, but clearly the Lions administration has a specific goal in mind for their organization and the USL must clearly see them as an asset.  The Lions will no longer be playing regional teams in a separate division of the PDL, but six seasoned teams from in the Northeastern region of the US.  This will be more challenging play for the Lions, but it will help in just about every aspect of the program including exposure, attendance, increased skill level, etc.  The Lions are on their way to create true major league athletes that could end up playing across the globe.

Did I hear rumors of them considering construction of their own stadium?  Ehh, I can’t back that up, but bring it on guys!

On a brief note to the Dutch Lion’s brothers who played in the World Cup Championship yesterday, my condolences.  It was a very hard fought game, with yellow cards flying every where and more flopping players than should respectfully appear on world-wide television.  Both teams were playing pretty….. strongly, and though I lament the loss to Spain for our adopted Netherlands, at least they didn’t win the game off of a dirty free kick call after tripping over their own feet and falling to the ground in the most unconvincing display of pain ever televised…  They set up a good run and made a good shot, end of story.

A quick note here, Cassandra Lloyd has been selected as the Horizon League Outdoor Track & Field Female Co-Athlete of the Year.  The first time for a Wright State athlete as I understand it.

I’ve mentioned the last few weeks about Wright State baseball athletes picked up by professional teams, so I wanted to take the time to note that  Cole Tyrell, a former Flyer who was selected in the 2010 draft by the San Diego Padres, has been promoted to their Single A club, the Eugene Emeralds, congrats, Cole, best of luck out there.

Football season is fast approaching, and Phil Steel’s College Football Preview has recognized seven Flyers to be on it’s pre-season All-Pioneer team.  Since I’m completely uneducated in Flyer’s football, I guess I had better start doing some reading before September gets here shouldn’t I?  Phew, there is going to be a lot to keep up with when college lets back in, isn’t there?

Well, I’m out, we’ll be back next week with more tidbits and updates on your favorite local sports, and until then, go watch a game in Dayton!

Choosing the City Life

By 3 Comments

When my husband and I began to look for our first home almost ten years ago, we never thought of looking anywhere but the city of Dayton.  We lived in an apartment in Grafton Hill, and my parents had a lovely old house in Five Oaks.  We wanted an old house of our own, we wanted character, we wanted more for our money than we could get in the ‘burbs.

Most of our contemporaries thought we were crazy.  But we were thrilled when we found a big fixer-upper on a busy street in Belmont.  We had ourselves a “Belmont Beauty”.  At first we thought we might fix it up and sell it for a profit, but we soon discovered that we really liked living there.

So we’re still here, nine years and two-and-a-half kids later.

And we still really like living here!

We have super-nice neighbors, both with young kids, who have lived in their homes even longer than we have.  We have a double lot, so there is plenty of yard for our kids to play in.  Each spring we do something more to fix it up – this year it was a sweet swing set.  Next year, we’ll be gating off our driveway – the downside of the busy street we live on being that my kiddos can’t run free like I did when I was a child living on a lazy cul-de-sac.

There are other downsides of living in the city, of course: our old, uneven sidewalks and busy street make it difficult for bike riding and wagon-pulling.  But you know what?  Neither of my kids seem to think anything of that at all.  They have a safe, happy home full of fun, a nice big yard and a big front porch to play on.

And on every spring and summer date that even kind of qualifies as a holiday, they also get a free illegal fireworks show. 🙂  What more could a city kid want?

Beating the odds with Boxing

By 9 Comments

“You have the shoulder of an 80 year old woman, but after this surgery, you will be able to hold your future babies.”  Dr. Welker said this as he prepared for surgery to fix my perpetually dislocating shoulder.  It was 2003 and this was the second surgery on that shoulder in as many years.  Sports injuries and a family pre-disposition had left a deep seated – and warranted – fear of dislocating during everyday activities.  I would dislocate while washing my hair, riding a bike, being bumped while walking down narrow steps.  The idea of being able to hold a baby and walk around with confidence seemed like a pretty big leap.

Well, the surgery was successful (thanks to Dr. Welker and lots of PT) but the fear of dislocating or causing additional damage was holding me hostage.  My once active lifestyle had gone sedentary and the effects were obvious on my waistline.  My arm mobility was limited, my upper body was very weak, and my fear of the surgery failing was enough to keep me from pushing any limits.  After the birth of my daughter in 2007, my perspective changed dramatically.  I was able to hold her with confidence – no fear at all.  I wanted to make sure she lived a healthy lifestyle – one that included physical activity and healthy food – void of unnecessary fear – and I realized that my example was the most critical piece of teaching her a healthy and active lifestyle.

So I started to shed the extra 40 pounds with diet.  And I began working out with Wii Fit.  Around the same time, I met John Drake and he urged me to come try a boxing class.  It took a few months to get up the courage, but one Friday afternoon in the summer of 2008 I finally came into the gym.  I was taught how to throw a punch, the boxer’s stance, and how to do a proper squat.  I did my first 20 pushups since high school gym class.  We worked out on the heavy bag and with Mitts.  The people in the class all learned my name and were encouraging me – literally cheering me on – as I learned my first combination.   Nobody had cheered for me since high school.  I felt like a million bucks.  Better than that even.  I was so proud of myself.  What would Dr. Welker say if he could see me now?

After class my muscles were sore but my shoulder did not slip.  I felt like I was checking off a list of things that suddenly I could do if I just tried – greater physical challenges than I had taken on in 10 years.  I did 100 consecutive pushups.  I ran a 5K.  I went to class 3 days a week, increasing my speed and taking on more complex combinations.  I had muscle definition that I never thought possible.  And it happened while I was having fun and making friends.

A year ago, I felt the shoulder ache come back and I thought I felt it slip.  I had recently increased the weight of my gloves and had been lifting a lot of very heavy boxes at work.  I muttered to myself that Dr. Welker gave me release for a free range of activities but probably would have said “You know, except maybe you shouldn’t box” and I would have laughed because… really… that would have been a ridiculous concept at the time.  And there I was, potentially tearing the muscle that was holding my shoulder in socket, for fun.  I felt foolish on one hand and I was devastated on the other – I just couldn’t give up when I had come so far. And hitting a bag was like therapy for me.

So I talked to John about it and he assured me that we could continue boxing – and that strength training is part of PT and that is really what we do for most of the class.  We came up with a new strategy to keep me boxing and ensure I healed.  For many months I lifted 3lb dumbbells instead of 15 pound tires. I picked a softer bag and laid off the hooks.  I adjusted my planks to relieve stress on my shoulder.  And most importantly, I switched to be a left- handed boxer, which meant that I threw fewer punches with my left arm and more jabs with my right.  I felt like it was my first day in class again… my form was poor and my punches were weak.   I was discouraged – but now I had a group of friends cheering me on every time I got in the ring.  And they encouraged me to keep trying and helped me recognize when I was pushing too hard.  Slowly, I built back up to doing all the pushups and lifting the tires.  Last week I got a text from one of my classmates saying that she thought I boxed better as a southpaw.  I felt like a million bucks again.

If I don’t go to the gym, I am difficult to be around.  For me and many others, it is a non-negotiable part of our life that keeps us balanced.  There are so many inspirational members at Drake’s gym – people in their 60s belting out 100 pushups straight, women who have lost over 100 lbs, people with shoulders of 80 year old women, and newbies that are starting the journey and renew the exhilaration for those of us who have been doing it for years.   It is a unique group that is united by an enthusiasm for seeing yourself and your peers excel and learn new skills – and a place where you are expected to encourage and inspire others.  I love to introduce it to new people – they are immediately hooked.

To get a glimpse of the hard work and fun in action, go to Fight Night on July 17th with gates opening at 7:30 and bouts starting at 8:30.  Pre and post parties will be held at The Color of Energy (where the exhibit “Punchers and Painters” has been on display since last month)  in collaboration with neighboring restaurants and bars in the Oregon District. Learn more about the gym at www.jabcityboxing.biz or just come in and see what it is all about.

Dayton in the Thick of the Battle for Baby Vanessa

By 27 Comments

A hotly-contested custody case that has garnered national attention is heading from Orange County, California,  back to where it started – here in Dayton.

Stacey Doss, a single woman from Orange County, adopted daughter Vanessa at birth  in June 2008. Vanessa was born in Dayton and her birth mother had been matched with  Doss through a California adoption agency.  Although the birth mother signed a document under penalty of perjury stating that she did not know who the birth father was, she was lying.  While Stacey took Vanessa back home with her to California, thinking all was well, the child’s birth father Benjamin Mills, Jr., began taking steps to try and get her back.  Because of this, Stacey’s adoption of Vanessa has never been finalized, and now Vanessa is in danger of being taken from the only home she has ever known.

If the facts about Benjamin Mills, Jr. were not the facts, I might be outraged for him.  After all, his biological child was put up for adoption without his knowledge.  But the facts are these: Mr. Mills has four other children, none of whom he has custody of. (His mother has custody of Vanessa’s two full-siblings). Mr. Mills has a felony criminal record, (which if you’re so inclined you can look up on Montg0mery County’s website) including a conviction for domestic violence against the birth mother for which he served eight months in prison.  (It has been reported by several media outlets that in this instance Mr. Mills pulled the birth mother around by the hair so violently that police found clumps of bloody hair strewn about when they arrived.) Mr. Mills has a child endangerment charge on his record.  Mr. Mills has a very long misdemeanor record.  The Dayton Daily News has reported that Montgomery County Children Services currently has an open case involving Mr. Mills’ older children.  With these being the facts about Mr. Mills, it seems clear to me that he never would have received custody of Vanessa at the time she was born – so why should he receive it now?  And why is he fighting to have his daughter taken away from a loving, stable home, when he clearly cannot provide this for her?

On July 2, California courts ruled that this case belongs in Ohio – and so does Vanessa.  Stacey Doss has been told she has until July 16th to surrender her daughter, who will then be taken by Montgomery County officials and placed in foster care here.  This, to me, is the truly mind-boggling element of this case – why traumatize a two-year-old child by putting her in foster care when she has a perfectly happy home to live in while this case is decided?  It is cruel and unusual punishment to take this child from Stacey Doss’ home – temporarily or permanently.

Doss has filed an emergency appeal to keep Vanessa with her in California with hopes that it will be heard before the 16th.  In support of Stacey and Vanessa Doss, some Dayton locals, including myself, will be holding a candlelight vigil on Thursday July 15th (the eve of the deadline for Vanessa to return to Ohio) from 8:30-9:30 at the Deeds Carillon.  I hope that many of you can join us for what is a support rally not only for Vanessa, but for the best interests of the child in cases like these.

Vanessa’s custody case will be heard in Montgomery County courts on July 29th and 30th, and tensions in the community, and between the the parties involved will surely be heating up between now and then.  The question is, who will Montgomery County law and judges protect – the “rights” of an unfit biological parent, or the best interests of an innocent child?  Only time will tell if justice will be done for Vanessa.

I AM LOVE – Don’t Miss This Gem!

By 2 Comments

Hello Everyone.

Tomorrow, THE NEON begins the engagement of my favorite film from last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. I saw 31 films in 9 days, and I AM LOVE – starring Tilda Swinton – took my breath away and came out on top. Don’t miss this film on the big screen.

Perhaps you’ve read one of the stunning reviews from any number of sources. Jay Weissberg of VARIETY gave the film a 100% review. He wrote, “In every sense, I AM LOVE is a stunning achievement.”
Erica Abeel of HUFFINGTON POST has similar feelings to mine about the film – “Is it possible to be addicted to a movie? I’ve watched I AM LOVE three times, and I can feel an urge coming on for a fourth fix. A rapturously beautiful film.”

In addition to a beautiful film, we’ve got a great promotion in place. Foodies are loving the exquisite food offerings in the film…so we have decided to partner with a wonderful restaurant just a few blocks away – Coco’s Bistro on Wayne Avenue. Karen Wick, owner of Coco’s, screened I AM LOVE a couple weeks ago and immediately had menu ideas. While THE NEON is playing I AM LOVE, you can use a NEON ticket stub to receive 15% off your meal at Coco’s. If you go to Coco’s first, you can use your dining receipt to receive a buy 1 get 1 ticket to I AM LOVE at THE NEON. (Offer only valid on the same day.) If you visit Coco’s for dinner, you can try their special feature – Prawnographic Risotto…based on a scene from the film.

Synopsis for I AM LOVE: “I AM LOVE tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. Eduardo Sr., the family patriarch, has decided to name a successor to the reigns of his massive industrial company, surprising everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi, and grandson Edo. But Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a handsome and talented chef. At the heart of the family is Tancredi’s wife Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, her existence is shocked to the core when she falls quickly and deeply in love with Edo’s friend and partner Antonio, and embarks on a passionate love affair that will change her family forever.” (Magnolia Pictures)

Lastly, we’re holding onto both HARRY BROWN and THE SQUARE for one more week. On July 16th, we’ll start what’s looking to be the indie hit of the summer – CYRUS.

We hope to see you very soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for July 9 – July 15:

THE SQUARE (R) 105 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

HARRY BROWN (R) 103 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:30

I AM LOVE (R) 120 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
July 16 CYRUS
July 30 WINTER’S BONE
July 30 THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Aug. 20 THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
Sept. 10 FAREWELL
TBD – JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK
TBD – MICMACS

X-Fest Tickets on Sale Friday!

By 1 Comment

Ticket prices will increase as it gets closer to the event, an interesting pricing concept!  See below for the prices based on purchase date:

$25 – July 10th-31st.
$30 – Aug. 1st-31st
$35 – Sept. 1st-11th
$40 – Day of Show – Sept. 12th

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.com

A Whole New Way To Look At Leftovers

By Leave a Comment

This Centerville bar is owned by Chef Matthew Hayden who spends most of his time catering special events around town. I happened to be having coffee with him this morning when he shared with me a great concept he’s come up with for using up things not used for his catering gigs.  These aren’t leftovers in the sense that it was put out and not eaten- more like when buying commercial quantity’s of food, it’s often packaged for way more than you truly need, so finding creative ways to use it all is a challenge.

So head to the Pour Haus this Friday at 6pm to enjoy this weeks installment of Leftovers And The Chef:

Argentinian Inspired Sliders – provoked by all the South American Futbol on the Tube. This little interpretation of the Argentinian comfort food called simply “choripan” (or chorizo and bread) will include Chicken Chorizo and some fresh Chimichurri sauce on little yeast rolls – who knows, maybe a little slathering of smoked cheddar fundido as well…

The Pour Haus
536 Centerville-Miamisburg Rd.
Centerville, Ohio 45342
(937) 439 – 3688

The Turkish Delights release …Ahem!

By Leave a Comment

This time last year, the Turkish Delights had just finished playing Round One of the Dayton Band Playoffs, which they would go on to win in September.  One year later, they’re celebrating the release of their latest album, …Ahem!  with a show at Blind Bob’s.  They’ll be joined onstage Saturday night by Me & Mountains and Toads and Mice.  This 21+ show is $5.

$5 is also the cost of a copy of …Ahem, and it’s well worth it.  The Turkish Delights recorded the album at home, and it features a great variety from the band’s catalog. After the release, the Turks hope to work on a regional tour and will start work on their next album.  For more on the Turkish Delights, and for a preview of the album, check out the interview I did with the band on this week’s Kaleidoscope (WYSO).

The Spikedrivers bring roots music to Canal Street Tavern

By Leave a Comment

The Spikedrivers are known for their great live shows.  The Columbus band will be bringing roots and Americana music to Canal Street Tavern this Saturday night.  They’ll be joined by another band with a great reputation for live shows: Holy Ghost Tent Revival.  This North Carolina band blends indie rock and roots music and will open for the Spikedrivers at Canal Street Tavern and Skully’s in Columbus.  Tickets to the Canal Street Tavern show are $7 at the door.

Here’s a music video from Holy Ghost Tent Revival:

And a live performance by The Spikedrivers at Comfest: