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Archives for November 2010

So This is Christmas…

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8-Track:8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

The Sounds of the 70’s

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

Grab Your Boogie Shoes!

The Human Race Presents

A Unique Holiday Offering

So this is Christmas and what have you done?

Another year older, a new one just begun.

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year,

Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono – December 6, 1971

Holiday fare at the theatres can often get stale and repetitive.  I love a good Dickens’ tale or Nutcracker ballet like anyone else but wouldn’t it be a great to start a NEW holiday tradition, Recently, we’ve seen local production of fresher holiday fare including classics like Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas (currently playing at La Comedia) to edgier offerings like Eight Reindeer Monlogues. Nationally, TWO new holiday musicals are making the rounds – a new musical adaptation of the classic holiday film A Christmas Story and on Broadway – a musical staging of the more recent film, Elf.

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

This holiday season, amid all of the standards, The Human Race Theatre Company is inviting you back to the age of bellbottoms, flower power, and draft dodging.  Fifty of the greatest hits of the 70’s wrapped into one rock ‘n’ roll evening doesn’t seem like typical holiday fare but The Human Race is betting on 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70’s.

From the creator of the 60’s musical revue Beehive comes this all new retrospective that the Minneapolis Star Tribune has called “an infectious, joyous celebration.”  The show is cleverly split into 8 “tracks” or themes like War and Peace and Disco that give the show a thematic tie to the decade it represents.   Be prepared to hear classic songs from Donna Summer, Helen Reddy, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Carpenters, The Bee Gees among others.

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

The other thing you can be sure of is that these songs will be expertly executed. Under the direction of Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney, the cast of five include TWO locals-made-good including EBONY BLAKE and JJ TIEYMEYER – both Wright State graduates and both now New York based. Neither are strangers to the Loft. Blake was seen in Jitney and the workshop presentation of Nefertiti (Ms. Blake was last seen here in Dayton on the national tour of The Color Purple that played the Schuster Center).  Tiemeyer has been seen  in A Christmas Carol and Man of La Mancha with The Human Race.  The cast is rounded out by JENNIFER WREN (Brigadoon at the Schubert) and JONATHAN BURKE (National Tour of Cats).

So go ahead and indulge in your “ghost of Christmases past” and dancing mice but don’t miss the holiday Disco party at the Loft.

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.Photos by Scott  J. Kimmins

Tickets & Performance Information:

The Human Race Theatre Company - Dayton, Ohio8-Track:  The Sounds of the 70’s  – December 2 through 22 at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.

Various performances days and times, visit  www.humanracetheatre.org or Ticket Center Stage for ticket information.

Tickets also available by calling (937) 228-3630 or toll-free (888) 228-3630

Group tickets for holiday outings (or otherwise) at (937) 461-3823 x 3113

-DB

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S - The Human Race Theatre Co.

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com - Shane Anderson, David Brush, Katherine Nelson & Russell Florence, Jr.Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company.Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, serves as the Literary Intern for ETC.  The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

Choirs, Choruses & Holiday Concerts

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Is Glee getting you “gleeked” out for choral music?  Sure, you can get more with the reality TV show The Sing-Off (featuring local group, Eleventh Hour as the FIRST high school group on the show), but maybe you’re looking for some local opportunities to experience some cool harmonies and hear songs re-vamped for voice.  Luckily, in Dayton you have a variety of outlets specifically for choral fun, so here I highlight a handful of groups with upcoming holiday concerts.

Disclaimer: There’s no way I can highlight them all even as I attempt to stick to adult groups, so if you want to share info on the fantastic college/university and youth choruses in the region – or if I missed an adult group, share in the comments.  But before we dive in, I will let you know that if you want to catch a short concert and take a break from the hustle of your work day, you can enjoy music from some local school groups when you visit downtown for Holiday in the City Noontime Entertainment.

When you hear Dayton Philharmonic, you may think orchestra – but I’m talking about the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus (DPOC).  Having just recently become  members of Chorus America, the DPOC is the official chorus of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  DPOC member Pam Miller Howard shares that their “goal is choral excellence and community involvement.”    It is part of their mission to serve as part of the orchestra during the regular and summer seasons, but they also offer choral-only concerts, workshops, clinics, joint concerts and other educational outreach.

The DPOC has been around for a while.  According to their Web page, it was back in 1935 that the DPOC was founded as an all-volunteer chorus to enhance the Orchestra’s programming.  They’ve grown since then; their October concert boasted a chorus of over 140 members.   And they’ve become a well-travelled and well-versed group, too; they’ve toured Europe and performed recently (2008 & 2010) in New York City.  But even with all those perks, this chorus is driven by quality and the love of the music.  Howard says, “Singing and hearing choral music is good for the soul.”  Wanna know if the DPOC is the kind of music good for your soul before checking them out in person?  You’re in luck – Dayton Public Radio airs concerts featuring the DPOC.

Check out the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Chorus (a select chorus of the DPOC) at the December concert: Messiah with the DPO which will be December 12 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton at 4:00pm.  This year they will be performing the entire work which is a unique opportunity.

The Bach Society of Dayton is our next stop on this tour of choral music.  “Dedicated to bringing the art of the great choral singing to Dayton,” they are 54-singers strong highlighting the history of top-quality choral music.  The focus for the Bach Society is the classics – music that has stood the test of time yet continues to inspire.  Some things are beautiful in any century, and they introduce Dayton to the great works first made famous by Vivaldi, Barber, and (of course) Johann Sebastian Bach.

Collaboration is key to the Bach Society of Dayton as they strive to develop an appreciation for choral music.  Their Web site speaks about collaboration in a powerful way, “when we reach out to our community we share something each of us holds dear.”  They are truly singing for the love of the music.  They are most dedicated to their young person outreach; in recent years they’ve worked with the Muse Machine, many local high schools, the Gem City Ballet, Sinclair Community College, Wittenberg University, Carillon Brass, and players from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sweet Sounds of the Holidays on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The Bach Society, along with the Kettering Children’s Choir Chorale under the direction of Bruce Swank and the Kettering Advent Ringers directed by Joan Ulloth Dorgan, present this seasonal favorite of Christmas and Hanukkah music.

So – you may think of the DPOC or the Bach Society when you think of choral music, but there’s more than traditional choral offerings in our fair city.  The classics are well-represented, but for people who enjoy voices coming together for more contemporary works – there are numerous options for you as well.

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary, Musica!(yes, the exclamation point is included) is a smaller ensemble of singers who explore many different forms of music.  Their Web site shares their home-grown history – Musica! was started by a group of 8 friends who sang for a friend’s party and they decided to keep going and share their voices with the public.

Now they have expanded to offer a subscription series, CDs, and specialized performances.  Local singer, Megan Rehbring, is excited to be a part of Musica!  She says, “We do an interesting mix of music, and not much ‘traditional’ choir music, so the concerts are really fun.”  Rehbring is right that it’s not what is generally considered traditional; selections from this season include songs from musicals, spirituals, seasonal carols, and classic fare.

The Sounds of the Season concert is advertised to “ring in the holidays with several new Christmas arrangements and a festive medley of carols entitled A Baroque Christmas.”  December 18 @ 8:00 PM at Fairhaven Church and December 19 @ 3 PM at Lutheran church of our Savior.

The Schuster Center Celebration Choir was established to sing at the grand opening of the Schuster Center – that’s it, story over.  Except it’s not over – the singers had such a good time doing it, that they wanted to stay together and continue singing.  Dayton Power and Light sponsors this choir that’s by the community / for the community.  According to Dave Brush from the Victoria Theatre Association, the 40-50 members of this group are a demographic microcosm of the city, and they focus on giving back by singing at Urban Nights, the Grande Illumination, the Spring Concert (together with the Children’s Choir), and in partnership with community groups.  They’ve also been selected to sing the National Anthem at the Dragon’s Games a few times.   With a wide-spectrum of singers with different tastes and talents, they’ve been known to sing everything from Broadway to opera and classical to holiday.   But what remains the same is the focus on providing an outlet for community members to sing, grow their skills, and share their talents with the greater community.

The Schuster Center Celebration Choir joins with a collection of choirs from local churches, the  Sinclair Handbell Choir, and the Oakwood Accordion Band to bring full voice to the Dayton Philharmonic’s upcoming SuperPops performance Holiday at Homethis weekend at the Schuster Center.

For even more contemporary fare in this tour of the diverse choral options in town, we come to the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus.  Their mission is two-fold in their attempt to encourage excellence in vocal arts as well as achieving a gay-affirming presence in the region.   Board President, Allen Kimbrough says, “The DGMC promotes the idea of obtaining and sustaining our individual and human rights, celebrating diversity within our culture and community, and the freedom to express our commitment to the value of opening minds and eliminating prejudice by honoring our differences.  Our music is a testament to these core values, which move us ever forward to succeed in reaching these goals.”

The crowds that they are getting at their shows and the partnerships they’re developing regionally and nationally are a testament to their drive and dedication to produce great works that support their mission.  But while they are serious about their goals – I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how FUN this group is.  In addition to great harmonies for exciting and unique musical selections, they include some simple choreography, fun costumes, and various props to keep the audience engaged and enjoying the overall experience of each show.  These boys, inspired by music director Jason Schuler, know how to have a good time and that energy is contagious.

Kimbrough continues, “Our audiences can expect a broad repertoire of music in a variety of visible and accessible venues.”  December shows include  Celebrate! Songs of the Season on December 4th, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in the Cannery District on 3rd Street.  Community outreach performances are scheduled at First Baptist Church on December 5th, Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield on December 10th, the monthly PFLAG December meeting on December 14th, and Barnes and Noble Bookstore on December 19th.

And finally, there’s the phenomenal group from Fairmont High School, Eleventh Hour.  I know, I know – I’m not highlighting youth choirs in this article – but c’mon!  Starting December 6, they’re on national television on The Sing-Off, so they have to get a little love.  Check out their version of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” to get into the spirit and then catch their free concert at Fairmont High School on December 8.   Voices only as this small acapella group makes contemporary songs sound like they don’t need any instruments besides these seven voices.

So there’s a *small* sampling of some of the great choral options in the region and ways to get into the holiday spirit while supporting these local music groups.  How are you fitting music into your winter schedule?

December YP Roundup

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December brings holiday parties galore for people already involved in various YP organizations, and plenty of opportunities for the casual observer to network, get involved, and explore some of the many YP groups in the region.

Kicking off December’s activities, you can join Generation Dayton at their holiday wine/chocolate tasting at Winans Coffee and Chocolates at the Dayton Mall; for $20, you can try 5 wines and 5 chocolates. YUM! Another option to kick-start your December is Karaoke night at Blind Bob’s with the 20-somethings of Dayton. This meetup utilizes events of interest that are already happening around town and gets a group together to make it a party. Then Thursday brings the Young AFCEAns Holiday Party at the Pub (at the Greene). From 5-7 PM, they provide the food, soda, and beer – you come ready to network with other local defence contractors. Don’t know if this group is for you? Contact cweinstein@rhinocorps.com for more info. And the launch of the new group Culture Mash is also on December 2 at Wright State – this is a new organization dedicated to bringing together young leaders to give back to the community.

First Firday conveniently fits in right here – although not an official YP event, local arts group JumpstART has been highlighting a lot of great places to buy local art to finish up your holiday shopping – hit downtown and explore the galleries for some unique shopping. Continue your weekend with the Generation Dayton Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 4. At the Old Courthouse, this semi-formal event is a great time to reflect back on the accomplishments of GenD members, announce the winners of the election, and generally have a lot of fun. Free for members and $25 for nonmembers (RSVP required). If you’re up north of town this Saturday, you’ll want to party it up with HYPE as they try out Cosmic Bowling from 9PM – Midnight; cost is only $13 for shoe rental and all you can bowl.

Second week of December starts slow but then ends with a lot of great activities. Midweek HYPE gets things started with a Wednesday lunch to catch up with your fellow Northern Miami Valley YPs – free to attend, but lunch is at your cost.  Also on December 8, you can learn more about the Dayton Ballet at their monthly meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club. Starting with a happy hour, they discuss business, break into committees, and talk about how to better connect YPs with the ballet scene.  Then, join your friends from Generation Dayton for their Thirsty Thursday starting at 5:30 PM at the Dayton Racquet Club (Kettering Tower) – open to all YPs in the region. Also on December 9, the Dayton Creative Syndicate joins up with the Greater Dayton Ad Association for their Holiday Party and Auction. Learn more about this young professional creative group online and see if this might be the party for you.

Friday kicks off your weekend with the fun brought to you by YP @ Play – The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals provide a creative alternative to the typical club scene! It’s a supercharged ‘play date’ for adults; a nostalgic night of fun including familiar games such as Twister, Uno, Spades, Dominos, Monopoly, along with today’s flyest games such as Wii, XBOX…all with an adult twist! On Saturday, a great collaboration between the Dayton Ballet Barre, JumpstART, and the Young Lawyers Division provides all YPs – regardless of membership affiliation – with a fantastic deal to enjoy a holiday classic. Jump into Ballet with A Night with the Nutcracker. Get 1/2 price tickets (that’s only $30) to this popular holiday show and enjoy an afterparty at the Wine Gallery. (NOTE: Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Kathy at 937-449-5060 for this deal.)

The third week of this month is packed with events as your local YP groups make holiday adjustments. The 20-something meetup has a handful of great events on their calendar – like shopping, shooting, eating and drinking – that you can check-out. Then join HYPE for their regularly scheduled monthly happy hour on the Third Thursday of the month at The Caroline in Troy. Also on the third Thursday, the Dayton Ballet Barre meets for a happy hour with Wine and Ballet at the Wine Gallery at Main and Monument starting at 5:30 PM. Generation Dayton makes a slight adjustment as they move their Fourth Friday lunch to December 17. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to catch up with some friends, pass around a business card or two, and enjoy some seriously delicious food from Rue Dumaine.

Rounding out the list of YP events for December is Generation Dayton’s Business and Breakfast on Tuesday, December 21 at the Brunch Club from 7-8 AM.

Hope you have a great December and get a chance to get out there and explore some of the great groups providing fun events for YPs to mix and mingle.   Don’t forget to add any events I may have missed in the comments section and to the DMM Event Calendar.  Finally, happy holidays whenever and whatever you may be celebrating this month!

Music Video Monday: November 29, 2010

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The Reece Lincoln Band are a trio of local young men who have been getting some national attention for their gospel-infused electric blues. This Friday night, the band will celebrate the release of their debut album, Soul of a Man at Canal Street Tavern.  Full show details are available at the Dayton MostMetro Events Calendar.

This week’s video features the Reece Lincoln Band performing a classic Willie Dixon tune at Gilly’s during one of the Dayton Blues Society showcases.

Film Review – 127 Hours

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127 Hours

I haven’t been forced to look away while watching a movie since the frat boys eating dog semen-filled donuts scene from “Van Wilder” nearly made me vomit in 2002. Like I’m sure most members of the modest afternoon Neon Movies crowd seeing “127 Hours” on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I was familiar with the Aron Ralston story and expected that the inevitable self-amputation scene might force my eyes away from the screen for the first time in eight years of steady movie going.

I was also concerned that a movie about a hiker/rock climber getting stuck in a canyon for five days, only to free himself by hacking off his own right arm, might be mostly dull, then needlessly gruesome. I’d imagine director Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Sunshine”) might have shared those concerns. It turned out that James Franco’s (“Milk,” “General Hospital”) portrayal of Ralston’s five days in the canyon were actually quite entertaining and endearing because Franco does a terrific job conveying Ralston’s humanity, humor, and most importantly, his will to live.

Ultimate Solitude

Ralston is a self-sufficient nature lover and adventurer who was as much in search of solitude as natural beauty. When, while hiking in Utah, Ralston falls down a narrow canyon and gets his right arm pinned between a boulder and the canyon wall, he is forced into solitude for five days, all the while contemplating how his independent, possibly selfish personality may have as much to do with his agonizing predicament as does the rock that keeps him from leaving the canyon.

Because the Ralston story received such attention, the audience knows that he must amputate his right arm in order to free himself and avoid dying in the canyon. Of course, cutting off his own arm was not Ralston’s first attempt at escape and because Franco’s Ralston is so easy to root for, I found myself foolishly hoping that he’d be able to chip away enough of the boulder with his pocketknife to escape, or that the pulley system he fashioned would do the trick, or that the flash flood that loosened the boulder was reality and not just a hallucination brought on by exhaustion and despair.

By the time Ralston is forced to accept the fact that he must cut off his own arm or die, I knew that my eyes would be glued to the screen during the amputation. At that point, the audience is so invested in Ralston’s survival, I’m sure I was not alone in thinking that it’d be insulting to Franco’s performance and Aron Ralston himself to look away. And, while the amputation scene is graphic and difficult to watch, I found it more an emotional display of Ralston’s intense need to survive, rather than shock and awe gore.

The Real Aron Ralston

Like many of the best movies made, “127 Hours” is only showing in Dayton at The Neon. If you’re considering seeing “127 Hours” but are concerned about being able to make it through the amputation scene without fainting, just know that it’s more beautiful than grotesque and that The Neon, as always, has alcoholic beverages available.

Move On…

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Chris Erk - Photo by Kidtee Hello…a conversation with Chris Erk

The Tap Factor

Dayton is a tap town.  There, I said it.  Most people in this city and region probably had no clue, and yet this is  another thing that Dayton should be really proud about.  It’s been a whirlwind of a year for tap dance in Dayton.  First, we come to the painful realization that Sharon Leahy and Rick Good’s RHYTHM IN SHOES was closing up shop after 20-some years…but then we start hearing news of other amazing dance projects in the works.  We hear of South Park resident Kandee Thacker-Mann (who had performed with the legendary Savion Glover) teaching urban kids the art of tap dance through her company SOLE PURPOSE.  Then, out of the blue there’s news of another new tap company in town….THE TAP FACTOR.

THE TAP FACTOR?  Honestly, the first time I saw a flier advertising the studio, I assumed that it was some of the soon-to-be-former R.I.S. members, establishing their next project.  Upon a little bit of investigation, we started to hear about this new guy in town, one Christopher Erk…he’d been in some Broadway tours and all.? ? A Broadway tour that ended in Dayton, Ohio?  How did a star performer in TAP DOGS end up in Dayton?  This Chris Erk guy was kind of elusive at first…until a quick introduction on Fifth Street one day, then the occasional friendly wave across a bar or on the street.  Then SLAM! The Tap Factor started shaking things up in Dayton!  The Tap Factor - photo by Sarah BabcockThe first gig…at Urban Nights; a special guest appearance at R.I.S’s last performance; SOUL’D OUT DAYTON at C{Space; Broadway caliber guest performers flying in from NYC to teach master classes around town; THE DAYTON TAP PROJECT at Stivers.

I contacted Chris…I wanted to find out more about this force that suddenly flew into town less than a year ago.   What did I find out? 1) Besides talented, he’s a really nice guy.  2) He really appreciates our city & the artistic environment here. 3)  He’s on his way out of town.? ?

onStageDayton:  Chris, Dayton is just getting to know you as a performer in our arts scene…but, you came to our city after a pretty interesting career in New York and on the road. For our DMM readers who are just being introduced to you, just who the heck are you?

Chris ErkChris Erk:  I am originally from CT where I grew up dancing extensively and training in musical theater and drama. When I was 15 years old I was hired for the National Tour of Tap Dogs with whom I went on to tour internationally for 5 years. After putting some time in on the road I settled in NYC where I lived and worked as a tap dancer/teacher/choreographer for the next 5 years. Work there was diverse. I spent a lot of time covering the bases of what the dance world could offer. From corporate entertainment, the teaching and convention circuit, to independent and company projects, there was plenty to get mixed up in while living in the city, and many friendships developed along the way. The exposure gained in my first stint of my career has geared me up for round two.

OSD:  It seems that you are quite connected on the national dance scene…what do you find exciting about the future of American dance?

Chris Erk & Janet Schroeder - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  The thing that excites me most about the future of the American dance scene is that there is a lot more going on by a lot more people. I notice the country realizing that it doesn’t take much to get something done. Communities are starting to come alive and more groups are being formed. I find the “flash stardom” shows are showing that there is a shot out there for the average Joe. I also think that globalization and internet sharing are making cross culture exchanges “the norm”. That alone is making for a deeper creative pool which in turn yields a more diverse product for a wider audience to enjoy.

OSD:  We are sorry to hear that your time in Dayton is coming to an end. What personal opportunities did your time here provide for you as an artist and an educator?

The Tap Factor - Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Leaving Dayton is definitely not going to be the easiest thing to do. From the moment I got to town I was given warm reception and the open heart of the town. Good luck and favor kept coming at the rate of disbelief. I couldn’t fathom that the town was really as kind as it seemed. Whenever there was a hand in need there was a hand indeed.

As an educator, I would say that I got to have my cake and eat it too. Whether I was teaching “Broadway Bounders” at WSU, giving the recreational class at Sinclair their first tap steps, enriching the experienced dancers at the local studios, or getting my hands dirty getting the Tap Factor crew comfortable to take their tap to the streets to share with the town, the breadth of what I had to offer as an educator and coordinator was full spectrum here in Dayton. As any teacher can tell you, you learn as much as your students do, and in that, I was spoiled here. I will not take that for granted as I move on.

I found that there are community supported opportunities for everyone who wants to participate in the arts in any capacity. As an artist, the work just flowed out stimulated by the backdrop and resources made available by the city. All of the work that I created in town was a product of good company. I am not set out on a mission to accomplish anything in particular as much as I just like to have a good time tapping with others. If there was no one to work with, there would have been no work produced on my end. In all actuality the demand was steady and therefore in a short time, we got a lot of great work done.

Soul'd Out Dayton - July 2010 @ C{Space - Photo by Sarah BabcockIn Soul’d Out, the show I produced at C{space, I found that I was able to utilize every bit of skill I had under my belt as well as get my feet wet as a producer. In that experience I was able to dance, teach, choreograph, create, delegate, coordinate, share, invite, collaborate, direct, host, design, etc…all in one show. Artistically and beyond, there was no stone unturned.

OSD:  You mentioned what a fantastic working environment Dayton is for artists, what factors make you feel that way?

The Tap Factor - Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Dayton has many hungry people ready for action. They just need to be led and to know, it really isn’t that hard to get something done. There is a venue and audience for all. The theater community itself is thriving which also adds for good stimulation, incubation, and cross pollination. It is nice to have this website, for instance, as a go to for people to get plugged in to what’s happening in town. There is art in everything and Dayton seems to get it. The main factor in all of it is that it costs a fraction of the price you would pay in any major city. If you have goals and a plan, Dayton is the canvass to get ‘er done. I also must attribute the Downtown Dayton Partnership for being a major catalyst and supporter for my work here. The exposure of The Tap Factor would have been dwarfed it it weren’t for frequent supported events that allowed us to get busy.

OSD:  In the past year you have had the opportunity to collaborate with several other arts and community organizations…what are some of the highlights from these experiences?

Rhythm In Shoes members at Soul'd Out Dayton - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  I would have to say that I was honored to have at least one opportunity to dance with Rhythm in Shoes. They joked and announced me in their final show at the Cityfolk festival as it being my first and last gig with the company. I was sad for that to be the case as I had gained much respect for their historical contribution to the town. They gave me their blessing and came out of retirement for a moment to perform with me and my friends in Soul’d Out.  It really was a treat.

Zoot Theatre Co. Puppet at Soul'd Out Dayton - Photo by Kidtee HelloI am also sad to leave with out getting some puppets tapping for Zoot. I may have to make sure I get that taken care of at some point. I was also treated with the task of choreographing Gypsy at the Dayton Playhouse. That was my first community theater experience and a blessed one.

As I had mentioned before, the DDP has been a great resource to lean on, from writing press releases, finding space, to booking gigs, they really are there to be taken advantage of if one wishes to get pugged into the Dayton Circuit. I have also made great friends with some local movers and shakers. Local artist Mike Elsass and Peter Benkendorf of Blue Sky have been readily available for engagements in candid guidance and encouragement. Without their vote of confidence, some of the moves I made may have been handled with less follow through.

My future was headed towards, of course developing The Tap Factor, but also working with Ann Rassmusen to create space and opportunity for people who need a chance and a helping hand in getting their work out to the world. I believe there is a void in that capacity here in town and it will be exciting to see if and what will be created and by whom.

OSD:  November 13th’s “Dayton Tap Project,” was most likely your last gig in the city. What story were you able to tell through your performance? What type of audiences were you hoping to reach & what is the personal message that you wanted them to take away from the show?

The Dayton TAP ProjectCE:  In The Tap Factor segment in the showcase, you pretty much got a point for point account of the works that have come out of my time here. It was a nice recap and a great chance for me to dance with some of the company members that have been around through the whole process. I  also cut up the stage with my best friend, Anthony Russo.  There was tap dancing as you know it and may have never seen before. There were no age or language barriers up.  It’s good clean fire. This was a priceless opportunity…I’m just sayin’…I want audiences to just have fun and let loose with us. No messages to be stated here. Each individual will make of it what they will.

OSD:  What’s next for you?

The Tap Factor 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Next I am going to go back East and throw my self back into the whirlwind of NYC. There is a lot to latch onto. I plan on spending time developing my craft, continuing my college education, and reuniting with my professional peers to see what’s been shaking. I know I will have a wealth of experience from my time here to share.

OSD:  Chris, thanks for taking time to chat with onStageDayton, we wish you well and hope that you will spread the word on the East Coast what a great arts scene Dayton, Ohio has!

Chris Erk - The Tap Factor, Urban Nights, May 2010 - Photo by Sarah BabcockCE:  Trust me, I have been an advocate for Dayton since the moment I landed here. I have already had several friends in to get hands involved the arts scene. There are still stories to unfold about what the future holds for the arts in this town. There is a storm brewing up here and I will continue to let the world know that they are about to find out! I am not one to predict the future. I never would say that my time here had ended. All I can say for now is peace and love to you Dayton, onward. There is magic happening here and in due time it’s going to pop and the secret will be out. Trust I will be back for the party. Thank you! See you soon 🙂

In our conversation, Chris kept discussing how much he has enjoyed his time in Dayton, and the many great people & things to do that he’s heard about but hasn’t yet had the opportunity to meet/experience.  You can tell what an organizational genius he is, because he went ahead made some lists and emailed them to me!

My Top 10 things I need to do before leaving Dayton:

1. Meet an Ervin

2. Box at Drakes Gym

3. Get on one of Dayton’s Bike paths

4. Have a Bad Juan Margarita

5. Go to the Dayton Arts Scene

6. Teach a class at Stivers

7. Dance one more time with the Puzzle of Light

8. See a show at the Loft

9. Go to a UD game

10. See a show at Canal Street Tavern

Top 10 favorite people:

1. Joe Deer (WSU Theatre)

2. Tristan Cupp (Human Race Theatre Co./Zoot Theatre Co.)

3. Ann Rassmusen (C{Space)

4. Mike Elsass (Artist/The Color of Energy Gallery)

5. Peter Benkendorf (Blue Sky Project)

6. Kristen Wicker (Downtown Dayton Partnership)

7. Russel Florence, Jr. (onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com)

8. Brian Sharp and Wade Hamilton (Dayton Playhouse)

9. Gina Nuerer (Sinclair Theatre)

10. Susan Byrnes (Artist/UD’s ArtStreet)

My Top 10 Spots I am taking with me!

1. Lihn’s

2. South Park Pizza Tavern

3. Tanks

4. Oakwood Starbucks

5. Christopher’s

6. Palermo’s

7. Cedarland Bakery

8. 5th Street Deli

9. Boston Stoker (iced tea)

10. Brixx Cafe

Photos by Sarah Babcock & Kidtee Hello

-SA

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com - Shane Anderson, David Brush, Katherine Nelson & Russell Florence, Jr.Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company.Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, serves as the Literary Intern for ETC.  The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

In Memory: Gary Staiger of Omega Music

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Gary Staiger

We’re very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Gary Staiger, the owner of Omega Music yesterday (November 25th) from an apparent heart attack.  Staiger was a former Air Fore medic who served in Vietnam, an activist who spoke out for peace and equality and was much loved by area record shoppers.  Omega Music opened in 1983 in the Santa Clara district just North of downtown.  The store moved to the Oregon District last month and has been getting settled in the new, larger space and adding inventory ever since.  Gary’s excitement for his store’s new location was contagious, and his presence in the community will be missed.

Omega Music is closed today, but will reopen on Saturday, November 27 at noon.  Please feel free to share your memories of Gary in the comments below.

Added on Sunday, November 28th from the Omega Music Facebook page:
There will be a funeral service for Gary Staiger. Monday, November 29th at Shiloh Church, at 7:00 pm; followed by a reception – fittingly in Omega Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family suggests that people honor Gary’s legacy by making their holiday purchases at Omega Music.

127 HOURS & FAIR GAME – A Great Combo at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone.

We’ve cleaned house…and have moved into awards season – hopefully a busy time for us.
We have just opened the region’s premiere engagement of Danny Boyle’s new film starring James Franco – 127 HOURS (which you’ll be hearing more about come Oscar time). This film has been given a 100% review by Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Chicago-Sun Times, and many more.
Don’t miss this incredible, gripping film on the big screen.

In addition, we opened the new thriller FAIR GAME – starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly wrote that this film “gets you riled up all over again at a deeply unpatriotic abuse of power.” J.R. Jones of Chicago Reader wrote that the film is “easily the best fact-based Hollywood political thriller since ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN.”

Synopsis for 127 HOURS: “127 HOURS is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days Ralston examines his life and survives the elements to finally discover he has the courage and the wherewithal to extricate himself by any means necessary, scale a 65 foot wall and hike over eight miles… Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. Will they be the last two people he ever had the chance to meet?” (taken from Fox Searchlight Pictures) Directed by SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE’s Danny Boyle.
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/127hours/


Synopsis for FAIR GAME: “Valerie Plame and her husband face the fallout when her cover is blown as a covert CIA agent. Plame’s status as a CIA agent was revealed by White House officials allegedly out to discredit her husband after he wrote a 2003 New York Times op-ed piece saying that the Bush administration had manipulated intelligence about weapons of mass destruction to justify the invasion of Iraq.” (taken from Fandango)
http://www.fairgame-movie.com/


The Downtown Holiday Festival has announced The Children’s Holiday Film Series for this year! Films are FREE for children 12 and under…and only $2 for adults.
Dec. 4 at Noon – MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (the gorgeous Judy Garland classic which introduced the American standard “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”)
Dec. 11 at Noon – ELF (comedy starring Will Ferrell)
Dec. 18 at Noon – THE GRINCH (the beloved Dr. Seuss tale starring Jim Carrey)

THE RUBI GIRLS have unveiled their 2011 wall calendar, and they’re now available in our lobby. Calendars are just $20 each, and 100% of that amount will go to charities in the Miami Valley. If you still need a 2011 calendar…or you’re looking for a fun, unique gift…check out the calendar next time you’re here. Last year’s edition sold out, and this year’s edition is even more wonderful!

Over the past several years, we’ve built a following of loyal, NEON customers…and we’re very thankful for your support and interest in our programing. Thank You so much!
Being that we’re open 365 days a year, we thought we should spread our thanks to folks who come out on Thanksgiving (this will be my 10th year that I’ll be here on Thanksgiving). If you come to THE NEON to see a movie on Thanksgiving Day, mention this newsletter for a free small popcorn.

We hope to see you very soon.

Take care & Happy Thanksgiving,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for November 24 – December 2:

127 HOURS (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (11/24 & 25): 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Thursday: 3:00, 7:20, 9:30

FAIR GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 48 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (11/24 & 25): 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Thursday:7:30, 9:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.

Dec. 10 THE GIRL WHO KICKED A HORNET’S NEST
Dec. 17 TAMARA DREW
Dec. 22 BLACK SWAN
Dec. 24 MADE IN DAGENHAM
TBD: THE KING’S SPEECH & RABBIT HOLE

Dayton Holiday Home Tours 2010: Grafton Hill

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We continue our look at 2010 Holiday Home Tours of Dayton neighborhoods with Grafton Hill. Dayton’s best kept secret is going to open its doors to the public on Dec. 4 & 5, 2010. What’s on this tour? Seven architecturally significant historic homes including Queen Anne, Craftsman, and American Four-Square styles, in a variety of construction materials and stages of restoration. Expect this guided tour to take two to three hours, including a stop for assorted holiday food and beverages. Tours start at 5pm and 6pm Saturday, 2pm and 3pm Sunday.

From the Grafton Hill Association:

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online by sending an email to [email protected], and following the PayPal links in the reply message. You can also pay by phone with a credit card by calling Saundra Altman at Past Patterns, 937-223-3722. Get your tickets now — they make a great early Christmas present for friends and family, too!

… Additionally, at least two Open Houses will be available just before or after the tour, at nearby homes for sale. More specific information on Open Houses and other homes for sale will be sent to ticket holders, and available in printed form during the tour.

All the homes are within a short distance of each other, so don’t worry, we won’t have you walking great distances. But with all the beautiful homes in our neighborhood decorated for the holidays, you might want to! If you do, you’ll find our map showing all the tour homes plus all those for sale to come in very handy.

…Grafton Hill was designated an historic district by the city of Dayton in 1988 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can friend Grafton Hill Historic District on Facebook!

As a disclosure, I’ll be hosting one of the Open Houses at a listing -please stop by to say Hello!  My personal experience with this district is that meeting the neighbors in the Grafton Hill community has been nothing but positive, and the Holiday Tour should provide a spectacular opportunity for a HouseNerd to enjoy the interiors of these remarkable homes.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 11/25 – 12/08

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Town Hall Theatre; Photo Credit - Mike Long)

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season for many Americans. We take it as an opportunity to spend time with family members, enjoy more food than we’ve eaten in the past week, and get a head start on holiday shopping. Unfortunately, it often becomes stressful as we attempt to ensure everything is ready and perfect and everyone is happy.

I’m grateful for the thriving arts base we have in the greater Miami Valley region, and for the power of theatre. Not only is theatre cathartic, it can be a wonderful experience for family and friends, to bring all of us closer together and remind us of the important things in life. Whether you need a break from slaving over a stove and want to step back in time to the ‘70s, are trying to teach your children important lessons about generosity and the “reason for the season,” or are just in the mood to laugh and enjoy a good show, there’s a great one for you over the next couple of weeks. Put down the TV remote and take a break from the thousands of things you’re trying to get done, gather some friends or family, and spend some time enjoying a show and growing closer together.

And, to all our onStageDayton readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

8-Track: the Sounds of the 70s

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: This new musical revue celebrates “the songs of the ‘70s in all their glory, or lack thereof! Expect plenty offlashy outfits and hairdos as four talented performers rediscover the heart and soul of the forgotten decade, with music made famous by artists from Donna Summer to the Eagles to Debby Boone” (HRTC).

Dates: December 2 – 22, 2010

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage

More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: 8-Track, DMM Event

A Christmas Carol

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE – CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Story: When a young boy struggles to understand why his grandfather would give money to the poor, the grandfather tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and the story of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, where ghosts of past, present, and future persuade the stingy Scrooge to change his life, comes to life as a play-within-a-play in this heartwarming story.

Dates: December 3 – 12, 2010

Tickets: 927-439-4737

More Information: Look for my children’s theatre feature next week, and go to Beavercreek Community Theatre and the DMM Event.

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

TOWN HALL THEATRE: LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

(Photo Credit: Mike Long)

The Story: The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill… that is, until first grader Junie B. Jones draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. And if that’s not enough, their music teacher announces the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!

Dates: December 3 – 19, 2010

Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, DMM Event, and watch for an OSD feature article next week!

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: Featuring an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers, and musicians, in this show, ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season.

Dates: November 26 – 28, 2010

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, DMM Event

SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at [email protected]

~KN

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally basedEncore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

Where to Buy (Not Just Local) Music Locally

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Maybe you’re new to our community and just need to know where to go.  Maybe you’ve lived here all your life and have decided that this is the year you’re going to do your holiday shopping locally.  Maybe you’re participating in Small Business Saturday.  Or maybe the thought of braving the lines at your local big box store makes you just a tad nauseous.  Whatever your reasons, here’s a roundup of local stores where you can music (and at most them, movies, video games and other fun stuff):

Toxic Beauty Record and Music Gallery

220 Xenia Ave
Yellow Springs, OH, 45387

This small Yellow Springs store specializes in new and used vinyl and can special order new titles for you.  They also carry a beautiful array of collectible gig posters (many are very rare) and from time to time has collectible records from Jack White’s Third Man Records.

GameSwap Kettering

2294 E. Dorothy Lane
Kettering, OH, 45420

This Kettering store is fairly new (they opened in April of 2009) and continually expanding their selection.  They carry a variety of formats of used music (CDs, vinyl, cassette and even 8track), movies (DVD, VHS and laserdisc) and video games (everything from Atari to Xbox360) as well as a small selection of books, accessories and the occasional action figure.

Omega Music

318 E 5th St.
Dayton, OH, 45402

This record store is new to the Oregon District, but not new to the business.  They’ve got tons of used vinyl and have been stocking up on tons of new titles on vinyl and CD since their relocation.  There’s a lot to check out at this ever-expanding store.

Second Time Around

1133 Brown Street
Dayton, Ohio 45409

Second Time Around is a staple of Brown St. that always gets big holiday crowds.  They’ve got a wide selection of used CDs, DVDs, and video games and are really constantly re-stocking the shelves with fresh merchandise.

Disc Exchange

121 Springboro Pike
Dayton, OH 45439

This is a small store near the Dayton Mall with a great selection of used CDs, video games, and DVDs.  They tend to consistently get a lot of rare films, foreign films and out of print copies of Criterion Collection DVDs and have a good selection of indie rock artists on CD.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Schuster Center

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Dayton’s Victoria Theatre Association is bringing Cirque Dreams Holidaze to the Schuster Center this holiday weekend (11/26-11/28)!  Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams – Holidaze is an original new musical extravaganza filled with spectacle, imagination and whimsy. Ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season. An international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers and musicians fill the stage, the air and dangle from a gigantic and magical tree. Gingerbread men flip through the air, toy soldiers march along thin wires, snowmen balance, penguins spin, and reindeer soar high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.  A great show to bring the whole family to!

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze has truly earned its name: the vibrant colors and cheerful voices will delight audiences from three to ninety three.” – Third Coast Digest

“I must say that was one of the most awesome shows I have ever seen!  I sat in awe and on the edge of my seat through the whole show.  I was nervous about how my children would react to the makeup and the acts, but they LOVEd  it!  My daughter even asked if it was going to be long because she didn’t want to stop watching.  My four year old loved it, too, and said it all was his favorite when I asked him what his favorite part was!” – My Milwaukee Mommy

Location:
Schuster Center

Showtimes:
November 26 – 8 p.m.
November 27 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
November 28 – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tickets:
On Sale Now!
Adult: $70, $56, $46, $36
Children 12 & Under: 50% Off A & B Section Seats
(Plus Service Fees. Prices Subject to Change.)
BUY TICKETS

10 ?’s with Chef Carrie Walters

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Carrie Walters is the Corporate Chef for Dorothy Lane Market and is responsible for researching and developing new recipes, menus, and programs. She plays a key role in the  annual Food and Wine Show (which always sells out)  and other special events for DLM. As a food stylist, she has designed in-house food shots for the DLM website, and electronic and print publications, in addition to television commercials and other multimedia venues.  Here she shares some tips to make your holiday cooking easier:

Carrie is an accomplished chef who has been the keynote speaker for many groups, ranging from ten to over 300 people. One of the most  popular instructors at the DLM School of Cooking, Carrie teaches a variety of classes, always with her approachable demeanor, contagious enthusiasm, and interactive teaching style. A classically trained chef, Carrie earned her culinary degree in Seattle.

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

I would have to say beef. At DLM we have the best beef in the business. All it needs  is some simple cooking methods and some salt and pepper.

What ingredient do you dread?

Red and Green Bell Peppers. I think they are over used! Yes, their color adds a lot to a dish but their flavor tends to overpower everything else.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

At home with the change of season I like to braise a lot. I make a lot of pot roasts, soups and  anything else with sauce! Another dish I keep coming back to is roast chicken, It makes everyone in my house happy and the leftovers are great!

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Thai and Vietnamese-I love all the fresh clean flavors. I like the combinations of fresh herbs, citrus and chiles. I think I could eat shredded papaya salad everyday and never get sick of it.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

I love Linh’s, Akashi, and House of Thai for my Asian fix. I’ll take Meadowlark for lunch any day of the week!

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Cooking really supposed to be fun and relaxing. Don’t over think or stress about it.  Its all about getting to sit down with people you love and share some food. Make it simple.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

I’d cook for my parents who never got the chance to know me as a grown woman and 2 of my favorites Chef Instructors from my culinary school days. I’d cook some of my Mom’s old favorites with my own twists. All executed, of course,  with the classic skills Chef Hawley and Chef Ruegg taught me.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

I really respect both Norman and Calvin Mayne. They let me do what I am good at!  I love being able to wear lots of hats-creating recipes and programs, writing and teaching. DLM is a company that I am proud to represent .

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

A perfect day would be to take an early hike at either the Gorge or Sugarcreek Reserve  with my family , then maybe do a little shopping at the Greene and then see a movie or a play. Unfortunately the reality of my time off is trying to catching up with all the laundry and running my kids around!

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

We were filming a TV show with Sara Moulton at the School of Cooking  a couple of years ago and one of the dishes were supposed to be a specific type of chicken There was a live audience watching my every move waiting for Sara to show up. Our chickens never made the air flight to Dayton so last minute I had to use solid frozen Cornish hens for the camera. I had to “paint” on some color for the birds to look cooked. I used a concoction of kitchen bouquet, molasses and soy sauce. Even after all that we still had a couple audience members wanting to taste those birds!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/24 – 11/28)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As it is Thanksgiving week, I want to take a minute to say how very thankful I am to all of you for reading Jane’s Best Bets!  And thank you to DaytonMostMetro.com for giving me the opportunity to write on a topic I am so passionate about!  Here’s to another great week in Dayton!

On Wednesday, consider getting a FREE t-shirt by donating blood at the You’re The Ticket To Saving a Life at Community Blood Center! Don’t worry…you’ll be eating plenty of food tomorrow, so I’m guessing your blood supply will be okay.  At PNC 2nd Street Market, do your last minute Thanksgiving shopping as part of their Stock-Up Wednesday event.  And in the evening, be sure to catch the UD Flyers’ next win as they play Florida A&M at the UD Arena.  And if you want to get in the spirit of Thanksgiving and have a good laugh, check out the Thanksgiving Eve Show at Wiley’s.

On Thursday, with it being the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m going to keep it brief.  Consider participating in the The 32nd Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Miamisburg to counteract all the delicious food you’ll be eating later in the day.  And from what I’ve been told, you DON’T have to be a runner…walking is perfectly acceptable!  Over at the Dayton Convention Center, attend Thanksgiving in Dayton ‘A Feast of Giving’, in which several sponsors are helping to continue the Beerman family Thanksgiving dinner tradition.  Regardless of where you go, have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and eat some turkey for me!  Gobble Gobble!

On Black Friday, set your alarm clock early so you can catch some of those fabulous deals.  Just be sure I don’t see you on the news later because you got into a fight over a super deal on the Emerson 32” LCD HDTV they’re selling at Wal-Mart! If you’re not up for fighting the crazy crowds, there are many other ways to officially kick off the Christmas season on Friday so let me fill you in one little secret…Downtown is THE place to be!  If you want to burn off some of those calories from all that turkey you ate the day before, head to the MetroParks Ice Rink Grand Opening Weekend at Riverscape.  Visit Santa and allow your kids to do a little shopping of their own at The Tike’s Shop, as well as see the Wonderland Windows (the old Rike’s holiday displays) at the Schuster Center.  Check out some amazing gingerbread houses as part of the Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest at the Old Courthouse.  Over at Kettering Tower (which is actually in downtown, not Kettering!), bring the kids to the Holiday Village, which will include festive crafts and games.  Also for the kids, The Junior League of Dayton will be sponsoring their 2010 Holiday Hunt.  In addition to all these great events, there will also be a Street Fair on Third with free carnival rides, a McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour, and a Sounds of the Season concert at Fifth Third Center, where Culture Works brings together several local choirs for a free holiday concert!  And finally while you’re downtown, you won’t want to miss the Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights (Dayton Holiday Festival) at Courthouse Square.  Oh…and if your legs are exhausted from doing all that shopping early in the morning, take one of the Horse-drawn Wagon Rides to get from location to location!  Or if you want to kick your feet back and enjoy a show where others are doing all the legwork, head to the Schuster Center to see Cirque Dreams – Holidaze, which is a holiday musical with an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers, and musicians!  Whew, I’m exhausted!  If you don’t remember everything I said about Friday, don’t worry – just remember the word “downtown” and the rest will take care of itself!

On Saturday, head back downtown for one of the many things you may have missed, since after all, how could you possibly fit it all in on one day?!?!  There will be The Tike’s Shop, Wonderland Windows, and Cirque Dreams – Holidaze at the Schuster Center; Carriage Rides and ice skating as part of MetroParks Ice Rink Grand Opening Weekend at Riverscape; the Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display at Kettering Tower; and the McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour.  Also, check out the PNC 2nd Street Market and bring a non-perishable item or two to donate to the Foodbank as part of the Food for Friends event.  At Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, they will have a Holiday Art Fair and Open House.  If you are looking for a Christmas tree, head out to Choose & Cut Christmas Trees at Young’s Jersey Dairy.  Bring your dancing moves to the Dayton Mall and participate in Dance Along Nutcracker…all are welcome!  And finally in the evening, support the AIDS Resource Center by watching The Rubi Girls present ‘The Show Must Go On’ at Club Masque.

On Sunday, to be perfectly honest, I’m probably going to need to rest due to all the hustle and bustle from the previous days!  But if you’re game, there will still be many events going on strong in the wonderful Dayton region!  Have “Some-Fun” at the Schuster Center with crafts, entertainment, and more.  While there, be sure to check out Wonderland Windows and The Tike’s Shop if you didn’t get a chance to see them earlier in the weekend.  Or, check out the Cirque Dreams – Holidaze show.  If you’re no Peggy Fleming, attend Fundamentals of Skating at Riverscape.  And finally, if you’re a beer lover, attend the Tapping Dogfish Head Burton Baton at Chappy’s.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the police arrest the turkey?

They suspected it of fowl play.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Make A Wish Come True

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All around the Miami Valley, it is truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Pine cones wreaths and white lights line the streets of many neighborhoods. Restaurants, retailers and gathering places are bustling with activity in preparation of the crowds that will come for the holiday parties and the early bird promotions.

For the next few weeks fun, laughter, shopping, lots of eating and spending time with loved ones will be the order of the day for most families. It is the joy and happiness that fills the air that truly makes it the most wonderful time of the year.

It is also a time when people, sometimes even a Scrooge or two, believe that wishes can and do come true. This year, you can make a wish come true for a family affected by domestic violence by supporting the YWCA Dayton’s Holiday Wish List.

Every year the YWCA serves as a safe haven for children and their mothers as they struggle to rebuild their lives after enduring months even years of abuse. Unfortunately many leave home with little more than the clothes on their backs.

As more than 100 children are expected to be housed at the shelter during the holidays this year, the YWCA is counting on the generosity of people in the community to make the wishes of these families come true, even during a time in their life when there is little to believe in.

Fulfill a wish today! Click here to view the wish list and others details on how you can make a child’s Christmas bright. For more ways to support the YWCA go to www.ywcadayton.org.

National Day of Listening Encourages Conversation Instead of Shopping on November 26th

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In 2008, oral history project, StoryCorps had an idea to encourage people across the country to use the day after Thanksgiving not for shopping but for conversation.  That idea became the first National Day of Listening.  The tradition has continued and public radio stations around the country, many of whom air StoryCorps during Morning Edition, are getting on board. Here in the Miami Valley, WYSO has set up its own page explaining how you can participate.

It’s pretty simple: sit down with someone you care about: a parent, grandparent, relative or friend and invite them to share their story.  You can record the story on a laptop, iPhone, tape recorder or even with a paper and pen, but just the simple act of listening can be enough.

There are tips on how to get started including a video from StoryCorps on WYSO’s website.  You can also hear some interview between local residents from when the StoryCorps mobile booth was in Dayton this spring.  The national version of StoryCorps airs on WYSO 91.3FM every Friday morning during Morning Edition (5-8am), and Miami Valley StoryCorps (comprised entirely of local interviews) airs Wednesday mornings during Morning Edition.