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Archives for November 2010

Kick Off The Holidays with Local Shopping and a New Ice Rink!

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Thanksgiving is almost here, and your MetroParks are gearing up for their biggest holiday season ever. In addition to the full palette of family-friendly, nature-inspired programming you’ve grown to love, we’ve got a couple special events happening this week in our urban parks that I’d like to share with the DaytonMostMetro.com community.

Did you remember to pre-order your holiday feast?

Tomorrow, November 24, is Stock-Up Wednesday at the PNC 2nd Street Market. The Market is opening a special day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who are hip to this trendy downtown facility have already put in their pre-orders to their favorite vendors that will make their Thanksgiving entertaining a breeze. I’m picking up a few farm-fresh ingredients (plus some of my own backyard herbs) to create a delicious, locally grown feast for my family. Not sure about how to prepare the bird or your designated side dish? Ask a vendor; they’re more than happy to share the secrets to unlocking the flavor of their home-grown produce, meats, cheeses and more. And since I’ll be preparing the meal at my parents, I’m looking forward to a delicious lunch on Stock-Up Wednesday that someone else will cook for me!

Give your out-of-town guests a unique Dayton experience!

I love bringing my out-of-town guests to this venue for Saturday brunch, and I can’t think of a better way to wake up from your tryptophan-induced coma than lunch at the Market on Black Friday. Forget fighting crowds at department stores—I’ll use the free Wifi at the Market to scoop up deals while relaxing with a cup of organic, fair-trade coffee. If you’re not ready for turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey gravy, turkey hash, turkey a la king, or gallons of turkey soup quite yet, stop by the Market the day after your buffet bonanza for a light, healthy lunch and get ready to work off those calories—on ICE!

That’s right, after its construction hiatus, the MetroParks Ice Rink is ready to open! Stop by RiverScape MetroPark this Friday, November 26, for the grand opening festivities. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday and lasts all weekend long. Skate 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be ice sculpture carving, concessions by Skyline, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday music and, of course, ice skating. This rink is about 50 percent larger than its Festival Plaza predecessor and you’ll enjoy a longer skating season, extending to March 13, 2011. If you’re no stranger to this summer’s cultural festivals like Cityfolk or Dayton Celtic festivals, you already know where the hotspot will be this winter—right under the covered pavilion.

Burn off your Thanksgiving feast at the new MetroParks Ice Rink! Learn more at http://www.metroparks.org/Skating

Love to skate? Hit the ice all week long. If you’ve got your own skates, bring them to the rink Monday through Thursday; there’s no admission fee, so you can carve those figure-eights for free. Rentals are still just $3 on these weekdays. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will be action-packed with music and lights. Your $5 admission on these days gets you into the rink and covers the cost of skate rentals. Bring the kids—skate sizes range from preschool size 8 to women’s 11 and men’s 15. Lessons, programs and special events will take place at MetroParks Ice Rink all season long. Grab the current issue of the MetroParks’ quarterly publication, ParkWays, or check the website for details.

Make plans to host not just a local feast but a truly Dayton experience this Thanksgiving!

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving: 3 Great Shows for Wednesday Night

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Whether you’ve just gotten back into town and are ready to kick start a weekend of old friends, family and food with some music or you just need some good old fashioned rock and roll to prepare for Thursday’s feast, there are quite a few great local shows this Wednesday night.  You can check out a full list of Wednesday night happenings on DaytonMostMetro’s Events Calendar, but here are 3 of my best bets for Thanksgiving eve:

  • C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks will be bringing their instrumental guitar-driven boogie to the Tumbleweed Connection in the Oregon District.  They’ll play 3 full sets for only $5 giving you plenty of time to preemptively dance off that turkey and gravy.  Here’s a live track from the band to put you in the mood:

  • Gem City Tattoo Club recently opened on East Third Street, and several local bands will be celebrating by playing a launch party for the new business at South Park Tavern.  The bill includes Me & Mountains, a new collaboration between Kris N and Joe Anderl called Fathers Day and Amusiac.  This show, like all others at South Park Tavern is all-ages.  Here’s a track from Me & Mountains’ debut album for your sampling pleasure:

  • The Psychodots will perform their annual Thanksgiving Eve Concert at Canal Street Tavern beginning at 9pm.  This Cincinnati trio enjoys a healthy fan base here in Dayton, and the Thanksgiving Eve show has become an area tradition.  Here’s a video of one of the band’s earlier performances at Canal Street Tavern:

    • Will you be going out to hear some live music on Wednesday night or staying home to stuff the turkey?  Let us know your plans in the comments!

Culture Mash – Helping Those Who Help

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(submitted by Shana Douglas)

CultureMASH is an organization of young leaders, in all facets of marketing including new media, that are using their talents and skill sets to give something back to the community.  Our mission is to identify groups that represent causes across the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus regions who have had an impact on the community, but are looking to take their efforts to the next level.

Using our talents, we hope to organize communities on and offline, to create, share and amplify both simple and transparent messages that extend far beyond the social network wall. Social media has had a tremendous impact on the success of nonprofits in gaining awareness encouraging involvement and raising funds. Whether in a training capacity or full fledged campaign management, CultureMASH will assist these groups with their marketing efforts and needs.

A large part and additional focus of CultureMASH is making the connect between the younger generation and community outreach initiatives. Through our Social 101 Tour, we will visit elementary schools, high schools both colleges and universities across the region teaching the pros and cons of social networking, safety concerns and how to effectively use these new tools. In doing so, we hope to encourage young adults to use their talents and new knowledge of these resources to do the same as CultureMASH, whether independently or alongside our organization.

Shana Douglas and Carla Hale (photo by Frank Coleman)

We are comprised of remarkable talent, innovative thinking and a diverse spectrum of creative insight. Founders Shana Douglas and Carla Hale have great faith in this social good initiative and excited to get started.

Our official launch is on Dec. 2 and promises to be an emotional and inspiring evening. We would like to invite our young people, business owners, community leaders, marketing professional, nonprofit groups and those who are interested in making a real difference to attend this event. For more details you can visit www.culturemash.org.

New Public Art Project in Dayton: 510project

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Gallery 510 Fine Art and Involvement Advocacy announced 510project, a new public art initiative to take place in the front window of Gallery 510 Fine Art, appropriately located at 510 East Fifth Street in the Oregon Arts District.

Performance. Installation. Art Making… A window looking in… A window looking out… Artists engaging Community… Community engaging Artists… Transformation.

Each month 510project invites an artist and the community to a different kind of conversation about:

• the relevance of art in the society;

• the role of the artist and the audience;

• what it means to be a creator, viewer, participant and collaborator – and what it means to BE Dayton.

The genesis for 510project was a conversation between community catalyst Peter Benkendorf and artist Loretta Puncer. According to Puncer, who owns Gallery 510, “I think we both felt that artists who live in Dayton have much to contribute to addressing the challenges we face in the community. They just need a viable venue to begin the conversation. We are excited to have identified our first three artists, all of whom we agree have something important to say about our collective future.”

Opening Installation

Rodney Veal - "Seen/Unseen"

November 27 – December 3, 2010, Seen/Unseen with artist Rodney Veal

Friday, December 3, 2010, live performances at 7:00 and 8:00 PM, followed by artist/community conversation

Seen/Unseen is a media driven performance art installation that allows the audience to observe and interact with the work from a multiplicity of angles. It challenges patrons to really “see,” taking their participation out of passivity into active participation and engagement. When we can only see through a portal that is no larger than a peephole, what do we become as artists and audience?

Using video/sound collage and performance, independent choreographer/media artist Rodney Veal, hopes to challenge the viewers to “see” the unseen power they posses to impact and change how the performance unfolds, and ultimately how they engage with others. Seen/Unseen, ruminations on life, death and race, will only exist in the ephemeral state in which all performances exist with only the documentation serving as the finished work of art.

Upcoming Artists

December/January: Issa Randall, Dayton

January/February: Leigh Waltz, Miamisburg

About the Collaborators

Founded in 2008, Gallery 510 Fine Art has developed into a showcase for contemporary art and fine crafts with a focus on local emerging and established artists.  The gallery collection features paintings, drawings, linocuts, ceramics, fiber, wood, art glass and jewelry.  We endeavor to attract and include those new to the contemporary art scene, as well as serve knowledgeable collectors.  The gallery is located in the heart of the Historic Oregon District in Dayton, Ohio.

Involvement Advocacy, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, is committed to strengthening the Dayton region by acting as a catalyst for imaginative, entrepreneurial, community-driven solutions to pressing social, economic and civic challenges. These collaborative solutions will include citizen, government, business, institutional, organizational and philanthropic players. Involvement Advocacy’s principle program is Blue Sky Project, (www.blueskydayton.org), a juried, international summer artist residency committed to producing ambitious and meaningful works of contemporary art. It includes a strong youth development component and an emphasis on art making as community-building. The organization was also the originator of the 2009 Ten Living Cities Symposium, a response to the Forbes America’s Ten Fastest Dying Cites list.

McPherson Town Holiday Tour

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Admit it: You sometimes drive out of your way to cruise Dayton’s historic neighborhoods, looking at beautiful homes and gardens, staring in awe at glorious testaments to workmanship the likes of which haven’t been seen in one hundred years. Yeah. Me too. No, we are not a crazy neighborhood creepers, we are HouseNerds and O’ Happy Day! It’s Historic District Holiday Tour time in Dayton and I’m giddy with excitement. Watch this space for the next few weeks as we bring you details of Holiday Tours in several of Dayton’s most beloved historic districts including McPherson Town, Grafton Hill, and the Oregon District. Today, we look at McPherson Town.

McPherson Town is called Dayton’s oldest suburb, located just north of the river, a small community featuring Eastlake and Queen Anne style homes that is tucked just to the west of N. Main St. I spoke with neighborhood resident and Holiday Tour contact person, Rick, about the tour and what he loved about McPherson Town. A resident for two years, Rick said he liked the location “It’s within walking distance to all the cultural venues in Dayton,” but more than that, Rick described the “closeness of the community. We have an active community life with a neighborhood cookout in the summer, monthly dining-out get togethers, and community gardening. It’s really a wonderful place, and I couldn’t ask for more from a neighborhood.”

Curious to find out more about this community and the beautiful homes? The McPherson Town Holiday Tour will be held Thanksgiving weekend on the evenings of Friday November 26th & Saturday November 27th, 2010. This is a guided tour of 10 homes, some have been opened during past tours but Rick told me that there will be a variety of home styles, ages, and sizes, and homes in various stages of repair or disrepair, including an infill house. One of the more interesting homes on the tour is one that was once a complete rehab and made the cover of “Country Living” magazine. After that it was sold, fell into disrepair, and is now being rehabbed again.

Between 500-600 guests are expected, and the tours are guided and scheduled by reservation. Reservations can be paid for in advance for best pricing. Reservations are just $12 in advance and $15 at the door. What a great way to share the beauty of Dayton’s Historic Gems with visiting friends, family, and loved ones who share your HouseNerd passion, contact either Rick or Nelson at 937-938-7176 for details, or sign up online here.

And be sure to share your post (or past) tour thoughts in the comments below.

Photo: Courtesy of McPherson Town Historic District, used with permission.

Music Video Monday: November 22, 2010

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Later this week in the Dayton Music section, we’ll be bringing you a holiday shopping guide featuring local record stores (some of which sell movies and video games too). So I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about local record stores and keep coming back to one of my favorites that’s no longer with us, Renaissance Music. So this week’s music video isn’t exactly a music video, but longtime Daytonians will remember these great commercials for one of our great local record stores starring Mr. G.

Updayton to Hire Executive Director

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A few years back when the Creative Class Task Force called for volunteers to become “catalysts” to help reinvigorate the region through what would become DaytonCREATE, the application said they were signing up for a one-year commitment from March 2008-March 2009.   However, the excitement for the updayton project and the progress made kept many of the catalysts actively engaged in the mission over these past three years.  Although some of the original catalysts moved on, many new volunteers joined the fold.  Updayton continues to grow, advocate for young talent in the region, and produce projects to impact the experience of young talent in the region.

The growth and development of updayton, its projects, and the annual Young Creatives Summit has been due to the efforts of an unpaid steering committee with a team of dedicated volunteers.  To ensure sustainability moving into the future, updayton announces the search for a paid part-time Executive Director to coordinate all aspects of the updayton initiative.  This position has been made possible in-part through collaboration with the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education.

Bringing on an Executive Director provides updayton with the potential to grow in areas relevant to young talent in the region. Updayton has been asked to provide support and input on projects for many local organizations; an Executive Director allows updayton to take on additional tasks and make a greater impact for recent college graduates and young professionals.

Updayton chair, Scott Murphy, believes that this is the logical next step in the growth of updayton.  “We’ve brought young people to the forefront of getting involved and determining the future of the region – both on projects already in existence and by giving them the tools to launch their own ideas.  As these efforts move forward and new initiatives begin in 2011, we also need to take steps towards greater sustainability.  That’s the goal of bringing an Executive Director on board.”

Do you know a person who would be a good fit for updayton’s Part-Time Executive Director?  Is that person YOU?  Check out the job description here.

Big Film Announcements at The Neon – Fair Game, 127 Hours and More!

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Hello Everyone.

Within the next several days, we will open 2 films that have garnered 100% reviews from numerous critics.  First off (only guaranteed to play for 5 days!!) is LEBANON.  This film will open on Friday and has been given a 100% review by Entertainment Weekly, Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and many more!  Hurry down!

Next Wednesday (Nov. 24), we will have 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.

THIS JUST IN!!    I started typing this e-mail on Wednesday evening, but I decided to hold off sending it because we were asked to consider opening another film within the next couple weeks.  As it turns out, it’s coming even sooner…we’ve got another film set to open on November 24 – 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 LEBANON: “A handful of soldiers take a claustrophobic journey into the heart of war in this drama from Israeli writer and director Samuel Maoz.  It’s June 1982, and Israel is launching an invasion of Lebanon. Four men assigned to take part in the first strike are put on the same tank detail…After being given their orders, the men set out toward the Lebanese border, recognizing little of what goes on outside beyond what can be seen through a tiny window; they occasionally stop to help fellow Israelis hurt in battle, but for the most part, they roll relentlessly onward, occasionally arguing amongst themselves, until they arrive at their destination, a town already bombed into rubble by the Israeli Air Force. Few of their allies remain in the city, putting the soldiers in a perilous situation when a band of Syrian resistance fighters lays siege to the tank.”  (Mark Deming, All Movie Guide)
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE


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.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE


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)
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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!
We hope to see you very soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for November 19 – November 23:

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN (PG) 111 minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday & Tuesday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45

INSIDE JOB (PG-13) 108 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday, Tuesday: 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

LEBANON (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday – Tuesday: 3:00

SHOWTIMES for November 24 – November 25:

127 HOURS (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

FAIR GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 48 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.
Dec. 3 or 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

Growing A Mo In Movember For Men’s Health

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Salvador Dalí

Ah, remember those mustaches of yore… Rollie Fingers, Tom Selleck, Charlie Chaplin, Salvador Dali, Yosemite Sam, Ron Jeremy… of course, in many parts of Dayton facial hair never went out of style – but today there is a new group of men sporting the stache, and it is for an excellent cause.

Welcome to Movember – a campaign that challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st  clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month.  The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.  Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.  In 2009, global participation of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas climbed to 255,755, with over one million donors raising $42 Million US equivalent dollars for Movember’s global beneficiary partners.  The funds raised through Movember’s US campaign benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Yes, this post is not exactly the most timely one we’ve done as it is already Movember 18th, but it is definitely not too late to help this good cause.  Our good friend Andy Williamson (Daytonian, Outdoor enthusiast and all-around nice guy) has joined the Movember challenge and needs YOUR help by either joining his team (there are still many good stache-growing days left in Movember) or making a donation to Andy’s team.  Any amount will help – even just $10.

Team MoFRO

I’m joining the growing club of modern gentlemen who believe in the virtues of fine moustachery, immaculate grooming and growing a moustache for Movember. I am looking for like-minded ladies and gentlemen to join my team to change the face of men’s health.Movember is about raising funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically cancer affecting men, because:-    1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime

–    1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime

The more people I can get on board, the more lives we can impact. I am asking you to join my team and either grow a moustache as a Mo Bro, or join as a Mo Sista to help recruit other gentlemen.

To join my Movember team go to http://us.movember.com/register/91322 and follow the steps.

Once registered you’ll be sent all the information you need to raise funds and start growing as part of my Movember team – MoFro.

If you’re interested in learning more about the work that is being carried out as a result of Movember funds, feel free to read the details at http://us.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

I hope you join me to change the face of men’s health.
Andy Williamson

ALSO – the MoFRO group is organizing a “Mustache Ride” on November 30th – bring your bike and a suggested $10 donation to Fifth Third Field at 5:30pm for a short ride around Dayton (bring a light).  Awesome raffle prizes from around the region will be awarded and mustaches will be available for everyone.  The ride ends at Brixx for some Mo-friendly beverages!

The Beatles Invade Dayton

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Classical Mystery Tour with DPO - 11/20 - Schuster Performing Arts Center

No, not the real Beatles of course (that would be a neat trick) – but the Classical Mystery Tour, a four-piece tribute band backed by the always-great Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.  The show is one night only – this Saturday November 20th 8pm at the Schuster Performing Arts Center in Downtown Dayton.  This is the group’s second visit to the Gem City, having played a much-talked about show with DPO in 2006.  For this year, the Classical Mystery Tour is the first of three shows in DPO’s ‘Rockin’ Orchestra Series’ with tributes to The Eagles and Led Zeppelin to follow in 2011.

“The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert.  The full show presents some 30 Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written.  Hear “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hard edged “I Am the Walrus.”  From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them: totally live.” – ClassicalMysteryTour.com

Classical Mystery Tour performing with the Louisville Orchestra

The Courageous Professor Accepts Her Fate

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Wit, by Margaret EdsonIn Margaret Edson’s masterful 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama W;t, Dr. Vivian Bearing, a formidable poetry professor specializing in John Donne’s beautiful metaphysical sonnets, faces the battle of her life: terminal ovarian cancer. As Vivian openly and insightfully addresses the pain, perplexity and torment that stems from her grave diagnosis, a fascinating, meticulously constructed journey of self-awareness and reflection comes into view. The fast-moving story, incorporating a terrific use of flashbacks and overlapping dialogue, fluidly evolves into a touching, powerfully potent portrait of dignity amid despair that particularly manages to explore the sophisticated realms of literature and procedural medicine without leaving you flummoxed.

In the Dayton Playhouse’s commendable yet low-key presentation, which could benefit from more energy in spite of the solemn tone established by director Matthew Smith, Barbara Coriell embodies Vivian’s prickly, language-driven nature with total veracity. She commands attention from her engaging, believably professorial entrance, and astutely proceeds to delicately convey, without overly emotional tendencies, Vivian’s inherent struggle that she must bear as feelings of fear and frustration consume every fiber of her being. Her well-crafted performance never falls short of compelling, whether the focus turns to Vivian’s in-depth dissection of a sonnet or the sudden realization that she has become nothing more than research fodder in the eyes of her impersonal doctors.

Charles Larkowski and Jonathan Berry, silly standouts in the Playhouse’s outstanding production of The Producers three months ago, solidly join forces again in a refreshing dramatic context. Larkowski brings a detached sensibility to his portrayal of the straightforward Dr. Harvey Kelekian. Berry, an absolute chameleon, has the larger role of Dr. Jason Posner, Vivian’s former student who is ultimately derailed by his selfishness.

Admirable featured performances are also offered by Jeri L. Williams as Susie Monahan, Vivian’s compassionate nurse, and Chris Hammond as E.M. Ashford, Vivian’s punctuation-obsessed English professor who made a profound impact on her student.

Gloria Doty, Ellen Ballerene, Marcus Simmons II and Carol Narigon complete the cast.

Unlike Showtime’s new series The Big C, W;t does not tackle cancer lightly. There are moments of levity, but the quietly engrossing material stings with a somber bluntness on the whole. Even so, the payoff is extremely rewarding as Vivian’s courageous example lingers long after the cast has taken their final bows.

W;t continues through Sunday, November 21 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. The play is performed in two hours without intermission. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit online at www.DaytonPlayhouse.org

onStageDaytonRussell Florence, Jr. is a member of The American Theatre Critics Association and The Drama League. In addition to his role as arts and culture editor of Dayton City Paper and theater critic for Dayton City Paper and Impact Weekly, he served as a Dayton Daily News freelance writer and editorial page contributor. He has also written features for such theater publications as Spotlight Ohio and The Sondheim Review.

Local Stores Looking to Sell Local Music

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Image Credit: Flickr user MiND iN R4VE

Sometimes you just don’t have that extra cash to get a copy of a band’s latest album at their show.  Two area record stores just announced that they’ll be making sure that local musicians have a place to sell their CDs.

Omega Music is offering consignment for local releases at their new location on 5th Street in the Oregon District (in the old Gem City Records building).  Over in Kettering, GameSwap (Woodlane Plaza on the corner of Dorthy Lane and Woodman) is also offering consignment to local musicians and local filmmakers.  These two stores will join Toxic Beauty Records in Yellow Springs and Ohio Coffee Company in stocking local music.

Stop into any of these fine, local stores to learn more about their local music selection and stocking policies.

High Drama in the Court of A-Squeals

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The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs - Town Hall Theatre @ The Schuster Center - Nov. 19-21, 2010The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Town Hall Theatre

Last month I received a notice in the mail.  OH, NO!  I had been assigned jury duty!  I have never been required to serve before.  Initially I thought that I did not want this responsibility, but then I kind of got excited about seeing our judicial system in action.  Unfortunately my pool of jurors was dismissed without ever stepping into the courtroom, I was crestfallen…that is until this week!  Starting on Friday, we all get a chance to participate in our great civic duty, but this time the courtroom is the Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center.

Washington Township's Town Hall Theatre 2010-2011 SeasonWashington Township’s Town Hall Theatre will present their hilarious courtroom spoof The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs this weekend on Friday at 7pm and Saturday & Sunday at 3pm.  The family show is recommended for audiences age 4 and up.

Town Hall Theatre presents THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS at the Schuster CenterThe show, a zany musical adaptation of the classic story, takes place in “Piggsylvania’s” highest court during the trial of Alexander T. Wolf.  The proceedings, under the insightful guidance of Judge Prudence Pig, will determine whether Mr. Wolf is truly a “big, bad wolf,” or really just a misunderstood carnivore with a cold!  In this drama, YOU get to be the jury and decide the fate of Alexander!  With songs like It’s a Piggy World and Cheeseburgers Ain’t Cute, audiences won’t stop giggling until the verdict is in!

Town Hall Theatre presents THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS at the Schuster CenterThe show is adapted from the 1989 children’s book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.  It features book and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric and music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush.

The production is presented by the Landmark Children’s Theatre Company, the THT’s premiere series featuring professional and volunteer adult actors performing with young people.  The 20+ member cast includes C.J. Suchyta as Alexander T. Wolf, Tara Murphy as Judge Prudence Pig, and Centerville students Carley Marten & Grace James who will alternate in the role of Magill (the court reporter with a “snout for the truth”).  The production is directed by Colin Thornton who previously staged another Scieszka adaptation (The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Sutpid Tales).

Mr. Thornton states that he especially enjoys working with these titles because he likes the way the author takes classic fairy tales and twists them in unpredictable ways.

Town Hall Theatre presents THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS at the Schuster Center“Scieszka is a master at turning our expectations upside down and scrambling familiar children’s stories into something unique and strange,” Thornton explains.  “The random humor and insightful lessons that can be learned from the quirkiness of his literature are what inspires me as a director.”

The show, which was previously presented at Town Hall Theatre’s own theatre is being taken “on the road” to the Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre as part of a special projects grant the theatre received from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.  As part of this project, the theatre will present a free Friday morning performance of the show for Dayton Public Schools students, through a partnership with the Victoria Theatre Association.

Tickets & Performance Information:

The IMPACT Series at The Schuster Center's Mathile TheatreThe True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 & 21 – 3 p.m. in the Mathile Theatre at The Schuster Center) Show runs 60 minutes, without intermission.

Tickets: Adults $15 / Students & Seniors $13 / Children 12 & Under $12
(Plus Service Fees. Prices Subject to Change.)

Call (937) 228-3630  or by visiting TicketCenterStage.com.

Visit http://www.townhalltheatre.org/ for more information about Town Hall Theatre and their programs.

-SA/THT Press Release

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.

Jane’s Best Bets (11/17 – 11/21)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Saturday’s game was officially a great start to the UD basketball season…Go Flyers!  I’m guessing this week may fly by, as there are many great things to keep you busy!

On Wednesday, instead of going to the gym and sculpting your own body, head to Rosewood Art Center to see others doing the work for their HWD 2010, which is a regional sculpture competition…the art kind!  If you’re looking for free tickets to an event, look no further.  At the Community Blood Center, You’re The Ticket To Saving a Life, so take a minute to donate blood!  You’ll get a FREE “Your Ticket to Saving A Life” t-shirt, plus you’ll be registered to win tickets to the Ohio State vs. Michigan game on November 27th.  If that’s not an incentive, I don’t know what is!  They do say you should eat after donating blood, so consider heading to the yummy DiSalvo’s Deli for their Meal of the Month or to Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg for their All You Can Eat for $19.99 special.  And in the evening, you may want to check out the Old Time Acoustic Jam at the Trolley Stop.

On Thursday, wake up early and help your body de-stress by attending Yin Yoga at Kira’s Oasis.  Create a Holiday Centerpiece for only $10 at 2nd Street Market…which would totally score you some brownie points with your mom (if it could only have given my Brownies a few extra points this past Sunday)!  Thursday is National Philanthropy Day, so consider heading to the Schuster Center for their celebration, in which they will give out several awards.  Stop on by the Dayton Visual Arts Center where artist Paula Willmot Kraus will be giving a Gallery Talk.  The Dayton Art Institute is a key destination for your Thursday, as you will receive free admission to the exhibits 100 Years of African-American Art and Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis. Did you hear that I said FREE??? Thanksgiving is a week away, but you can have your Thanksgiving Dinner now courtesy of the Stockyards Inn as part of their Turkey Thursdays.  Or, if you would like to figure what kind of wine to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner next week, consider allowing the professionals at A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg help you by attending their Holiday Tasting.  Up at The Caroline in Troy, join HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Emerge) as part of their Third Thursday.  And after a day full of fun, attend the Homefull’s Annual Sleep-out Challenge at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week.  You might want to bring out your thermal underwear!

On Friday, if you like to eat, attend the 81st Annual Waffle Shop at Christ Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, which will raise money to support programs that benefit the Dayton community.  In addition to homemade waffles, there will be many other foods from which to choose, as well as a craft bazaar, bake sale, rummage sale, and raffle.  Plus, Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell will serve as a celebrity baker!  Another lunch-time option is joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch at Spinoza’s.  For those of you who don’t trust me and are doing the math, it’s actually the third Friday this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday!  At the Funny Bone, see the stand-up comedy routine of Tony Rock, Chris Rock’s brother.  There will be An Evening of Astronomy at the Boonshoft for all you star gazers.  If you want to feel like you jumped (or flew) straight from the movie Aladdin, attend the Ronald McDonald House Exclusive Lounge Party- Arabian Nights at the Dayton Country Club.  There will be live music from the band Out of the Attic, dancing, games, belly dancing, and more!  Plus, proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, the Max Brod Trio will be performing as part of their Vanguard Concert Series.  And even though your work week might be officially over, check out the musical Working presented by Wilmington College.  

On Saturday, bring your entire family and your Christmas spirit to the amazing Salvation Army Kroc Center for their Christmas at the Kroc, which is a FREE event!  There will be a variety of activities, including crafts, carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and a story time, so this is one event your kids will not want to miss!  For those of you who bleed scarlet and gray, consider watching the OSU Game at The Pour Haus, where they will have drink specials and a Buckeye feast!  You might not be able to buy love, but you will be able to buy tickets to the Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles at the Schuster Center, which will kick off the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Rockin’ Orchestra Series.  Sounds like a great event!  Or “come together” with your friends to see the Beatles’ tribute band Ticket to Ride at Gilly’s.  And over in Wilmington, the musical Working will again be performed at Wilmington College.

Finally on Sunday, start the day off with Sunday Brunch Las Americas Style at Las Americas downtown.  At Carillon Park, attend Ringing in the Holidays, where there will be delicious food and drinks, as well as live entertainment, a raffle, and a silent auction.  And if you like comedy, check out Open-Mic Night at Wiley’s in the Oregon District.

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

What did George Harrison say to his guitar while it gently wept?
Don’t Fret.

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!

Beer Tastings Times Two

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Dayton Liederkranz Turner Presents:
A Celebration of Winter Style Craft Beers

Enjoy the next edition of the Liederkranz’s highly successful beer tasting parties. Sample 10 different Winter Style Craft Beers in our Authentic Rathskeller.

The  Sampling Tour will begin at 7:00 p.m. led by Liederkranz member, Mike Schwartz, beer aficionado, home brewer, …and owner of Belmont Party Supply,Dayton’s leading purveyor of fine beers and brewing supplies. The Bierfest will include free snacks and door prizes.

Food, including brats, a variety of beers, and other drinks will be available for purchase.

The Official Bier List:
Breckenridge Christmas Ale, Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome, Great Divide Hibernation Ale, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, 21st Amendment Fireside Chat, New Holland Cabin Fever, Southern Tier Old Man Winter, Sierra Ne…vada Bigfoot, Bell’s Winter White, Troegs Mad Elf

Preregister for a Discount: $13 Members • $15 Guests
Price @ the door: $18 per person
Admission for Designated Drivers: FREE!

For More Info

South Park Tavern will be having it’s first

Barrel Aged Beer Festival

Saturday, November 20th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.  There will be over 20 Rare Barrel Aged Beers On Tap! We will be raising money for Dayton’s Resident Home Association. Tickets are $40.00 each and will include a souvenir glass, entertainment, pizza, salad, and a pig roast!  This is a limited ticket event!

Here is a list of the the beers that will be on tap for the Barrel Aged Beer Fest

  • New Holland’s Pilgrim’s Dole
  • Founders Backwood Bastard
  • Founders Curmudgeon
  • Bell’s Hell Hath No Fury Oak Aged
  • Bell’s Hell Hath No Fury [Not Oaked]
  • Aecht Schlenkerla Oak Smoke Wooden Cask Firkin
  • Clipper City Below Decks Cabernet Wine Barrel Aged Firkin
  • Rogue John John Hazelnut
  • New Holland Oak Hatter
  • New Holland Envious
  • Southern Tier Cuvee
  • Southern Tier Unearthly Oak Imperial IPA
  • Jolly Pumkin Oro de Calabaza
  • Jolly Pumkin La Parela
  • Flying Dog Barrel Aged Gonzo
  • Weyerbacher Insanity Ale
  • Great Divide 15th Anniversary Ale
  • Goose Island Matilda
  • Goose Island Dominigue
  • Founder’s Newaygo County Cherry
  • Founder’s Nemesis [Not Oaked]

For More Info

Dayton History is Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park!

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Ringing in the Holidays is back!  This enchanting evening will kick off the holiday season with style for a 16th year on November 21, 2010 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Guests will be treated to live music by the Stivers Ringing Tigers Handbell Choir and the Erik Augis Trio, tasty hors d’oeuvres, delicious desserts, and specialty cocktails while giving them an opportunity to bid on auction items and purchase chances to win fabulous raffle prizes. This year’s Winter Get-Away Raffle features trips to Chicago and Hilton Head Island. The event also features the third in a series of hand painted commemorative ornaments, depicting Deeds Barn, by artist Melanie Haislip.

Ringing in the Holidays, presented by Liberty Savings Bank & Rieck Services, is a fundraiser supporting the educational programs, conservation efforts, and daily operations of Dayton History, which operates Carillon Historical Park, Old River Park, Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Patterson Homestead, Memorial Hall, Old Court House and Hawthorn Hill – Orville Wright’s home.  The programming of Dayton History reaches over 160,000 visitors each year.

The highlight of the event is our “Dayton’s Most Delightful Dessert” contest, featuring gourmet desserts from eight of our region’s finest chefs.  Guests will be invited to sample each of the offerings throughout the evening to vote for the People’s Choice award.  Expert judges will award the Critic’s Choice and Best Presentation awards.

See our Event Calendar listing or see more details on DaytonHistory.org.