Archives for May 2011

Jane’s Best Bets (5/11 – 5/15)

May 10, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

My Awesome GenD Day Team at DVAC!

I hope you had a terrific week! Thanks to all who “got out” and “gave back” this past Friday for Generation Dayton Day…it was a huge success! Dayton is fortunate to have many wonderful young professionals! This week, be sure to “get out” again, as there are many great things going on in our community!

On Wednesday, find out how trash can be turned into treasure with the exhibit, ‘Trash? Look Again’ at the Dayton Art Institute. For some great networking, attend Business After Hours at Dayton Convention Center. Afterwards, head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains or to Wiley’s for Dirty Little Secret Sanitarium. If you’ve had a crazy day and need to relax a bit, make your way to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting.

On Thursday, attend the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center, featuring Gina Barreca, a best-selling author who will keep you laughing. Over at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, attend their Gallery Talks, in which artists Maureen Schaffer and Deborah Barr will talk about their art. While you’re there, check out the fantastic spackling/sanding/paint job my GenD Day team did there! Meet fellow Gen D’ers (a.k.a. fantastic young professionals!) at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at The Pub at The Greene. ALL young professionals are welcome! Also at The Greene, if you’re hungry for some delicious food, make your way to McCormick & Schmick’s for their Benziger Wine Dinner. At Oregon Express, you will be able to grab a beer and learn about religion as part of Dayton Theology on Tap. While there, be sure to have some of their amazing pizza! I had some this past weekend and it was delicious! And finally, don’t delay in getting your tickets to watch the Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains at Fifth-Third Field.

On Friday, downtown is THE place to be, even if you call the suburbs home. The main attraction is Urban Nights, which is a free event in which you will be able to see downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, urban living options, and MUCH more. It only happens twice a year, so don’t miss your chance to attend this huge downtown open house! For more info, be sure to become a fan of the “Urban Nights” fan page. Urban Nights truly has something for everyone, so that is really my only best bet for Friday. If you’re not there, you’re missing out…and I’m going to leave it at that!

On Saturday, all you car lovers will want to drive to the Webster Street Market for the British Car Meet (not to be confused with “meat,” although I’m sure they’ll have that too!). Many of our dogs may have gained a few pounds over the cold/snowy winter since they haven’t been able to get out and exercise. So, get them moving at the Furry Skurry 2011 at Miami Valley Hospital South to support the Humane Society. If you don’t have a furry friend, you can still walk as part of the Walk Away From Violence event at RiverScape MetroPark, in which funds raised will benefit the Artemis Center, which helps to raise funds for victims of domestic violence. At The Greene, watch the Hunks in Heels race, all the while supporting Clothes that Work. This should be a super fun event!

Photo Credit: Andy Snow

Support Dayton Children’s Medical Center by attending Cha-Cha: Reasons to Celebrate at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center, which will feature live entertainment, fine dining, and both live and silent auctions! You will be able to contribute to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Dayton by attending the 2nd Annual Sis-Boom-Ball at St Paul’s Episcopal Church. All you “creatives” will want to attend The Sideshow VI at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park. At the Dayton Convention Center, the Come to the Cabaret – DCDC’s Soulstice event will be happening, which will include a wonderful mixture of live music, casino games, dancing, and dance performances by the amazing DCDC (although it says “D.C.” twice, they are actually located in Dayton…and we are so blessed to have them!). If you enjoy watching dance but are on a strict budget, consider attending Order My Steps at Stivers Schoool for the Arts. At the Schuster Center, you will be able to see the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bernstein’s MASS’. In addition, other options for Saturday include Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre, Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.

On Sunday, start the morning off with Sunday Brunch at The Barnsider…I’m hoping the lines won’t be as long since it’s not Mother’s Day! Sunday also has several theater options, including 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, Honk! Jr.at Town Hall Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild. And if you love beer, you won’t want to miss PubFest at The Pub at The Greene!

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

Why did the mouse run under the beer truck? Because he wanted to get smashed.

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!

Music Video Monday: May 9, 2011

May 9, 2011 By Juliet Fromholt 1 Comment

It’s big week in Dayton for music and entertainment. With Urban Nights, Side Show 6, and the Captain of Industry reunion show at Gilly’s to name just a few, there’s going to be a lot to do and to hear. At least one band is giving you multiple chances to check them out this week. You can catch the luchador surf rock stylings of Team Void this Wednesday night during the latest Dirty Little Secret at Wiley’s Comedy Club. If you want to learn more about Dirty Little Secrets, check out J.T. Ryder’s recent article about the series here on Dayton MostMetro.

You can also catch Team Void on Friday Night at Garden Station as part of Side Show 6. Full band lineup and details for that event are available here.

Here’s a video of one of the band’s previous Garden Station performances.

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Silverbacks Saturday at Hara Arena

May 9, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Dayton Silverbacks were off to a banging start with wide receiver Melvin Bryant scoring within the opening minutes of the game for an early 7-0 lead; however, the Indianapolis Enforcers came charging back in an attempt to even the score as both teams put up points early in the first quarter.

In spite of the Enforcers attempts to rally back, it was clear the first half belonged to the Silverbacks. Even after receiving two consecutive penalties that would cost the Silverbacks 30 yards, they were able to tack on six more points off a fumble recovery as Defensive Back Neimiah Simons galloped through the goal line.

The Silverbacks led at the half 39-6

Silverbacks started the second half strong, scoring an early safety by Defensive Lineman, Shawn Stewart. Wide Receiver Marque Jones scored the first touchdown of the half to extend the Silverbacks slaughter 47-6.

Running Back, Ronald Russell, rushed for 39 yards and scored two touchdowns, which was the total number of yards the Silverbacks held the Enforcers to for the evening.

The Enforcers proved to be no match for the Dayton Silverbacks, as they finished with a final score of 75-6.

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Maybe You Understand Me Now

May 9, 2011 By J.T. Ryder 4 Comments

The Philosophy Behind The Dirty Little Secrets Show

May 11, 2011 Show Poster

While, at first glance, this may seem like a very self serving article, insofar as I am the creator of the variety show Dirty Little Secrets and should not write about things I have a vested interest in. I am not, however, using this as a platform to promote the next show (which is on May 11^th!) because that would not only be in bad taste and self aggrandizing , but might also be viewed as potentially unethical (…at 8:00pm!). No… instead, this is an article about the impetus for creating the show, the philosophy behind the show and the hopes of what the show will one day become.

The way in which the idea of the show was formed was of the same fashion in which I do everything: haphazardly. It came to me slowly and was just a jumbled collection of thoughts, most of which was borne out of boredom and irritation. I was getting bored with the desperate attempts that performers and venues alike were going to entertain the masses. It probably hit critical mass when I went to see Trans Siberian Orchestra and, along with 4,263 guitarists and more lasers than the Rebel Alliance, they made it snow inside the arena. While novel in many respects, it was not nearly as useful or needed as it would be, say, in July. The irony was not lost on me as I walked back to my car in the snow, wondering why they didn’t just open up a skylight or something and allow the real snow in for free…and reduce the cost of the tickets. I also was getting bored with the whole “scene” scene.

I was never one for going to a crowded club and having beer spilled on my boots as I witnessed a “Triple Bill Extravaganza Of Epic Proportions” which turned out to be three musical groups from the same genre belting out seemingly the same melodies at a tooth shattering decibel level. The comedy scene consisted of emcee, middle act, headliner and “don’t forget to tip the wait staff!” before being unceremoniously directed to the door. Then there was the entertainment world of the theatres and pavilions and centers, which, to be honest, I would never be able to afford. Even for how high profile their acts are, there is a stringently preformatted, preprocessed feel to them, taking away any sense of danger or wonderment from the event. Straying off topic for the moment…can we please have a moratorium on the obligatory encore? This whole standing up and sitting down thing is too reminiscent of Mass and is also very disingenuous. Like there would be anyone at a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert saying to themselves, “My God! I can’t believe they are going to leave without playing Freebird! Stand up! Stand up and applaud people! They may have forgotten it was on their set list!”

I began to look back in fondness at the entertainment of my youth as, growing up, I watched Shock Theater, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and community theater where there was always a real danger in someone forgetting their lines or the stage possibly collapsing (it happened in Hagerstown, Indiana during The Fiddler On The Roof when I was about eight). There are so many things that I like, that you would never be able to find them all in one place. Where could I find good music, comedy, unusual acts, dancing and other more theatrical arts? Nowhere.

At this point, I started using the Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub Facebook page as a litmus test, posting up videos of various things, gauging people’s reactions by comments and views. I would post up random stuff from the Carol Burnett Show, Carson, the Dean Martin Show, older Catskills comedians and various vaudevillian movie clips. The reaction from the subscribers dwarfed the reactions to more modern fare. Maybe there were others that were bored or didn’t like all the frenzied build up and hype that seems to go into modern entertainment. That is when I started talking to others about the idea that was forming…

Lisa Bunny Foo-Foo and Todd The Fox

This is not to make it seem like I discovered something new, like plutonium or the law of gravity or that pair of Oakley sunglasses that I set down three months ago, which were never to be seen again. The idea that I had was simply to bring all the elements that I find entertaining into one big variety show. To be totally honest, I actually spoke to people that I had hoped would take it upon themselves to bring the show to fruition. I mean, the whole purpose of this was to entertain me, which would be pretty hard to do if I actually had to work at it! Sadly, there were no takers and it came down to a put up or shut up proposition and so I took the plunge.

The date of the first show was set for February 16^th and now all I had to do was find some performers and the rest was gravy. I made a few calls and booked a few acts and thought to myself, “Is that all there is to it?” Well, my subconscious, who has had some sort of vendetta out on me for years, remained silent, allowing me to blissfully walk into the nonstop whirlwind of promotions, preparations, press releases and scheduling that comes with each show. Had I known what was to go into each show…well, read on…

Our Beautiful Waitresses: Kira, Sarah and Kristina

I had booked a phenomenal jazz singer, Patricia Berg, Geborah, a modern jazz and hip-hop dancer, Henrique Couto, a…um…he’s…well, he has a mustache. He is kind of hard to describe. He’s like what would happen if the spirits of Tiny Tim and Sam Kinison possessed the body of Weird Al Yankovic and then coerced him to have sex with Judy Tenuta…Henrique would be the spawn of such a union. I also had a comedy troupe from Cincinnati that was supposed to be there, but they bailed at the last minute. I called Jay Madewell, who is a local musician and who was also playing drums that night for Henrique. Madewell suggested that I call Todd the Fox, who, as luck would have it, was available that evening. One of the other essential facets of the show was the selection of the waitresses. I knew I wanted unique, friendly waitresses and I thought it would be neat for them to be able to dress in retro or pin-up clothing. I wanted the waitresses to be the very beautiful face of the show, and model Sarah Walls, dance instructor Kira LaFave and the very versatile Kristina Savage have gone way beyond my expectations. If anything, they are not only the face of the show; they are the heart of the show.

Our Beautiful Waitresses: Lily, Sarah, Kira and Kristina.

Aside from a few technical glitches (don’t trust me around a CD player) the evening went beautifully…and this is where all of the time I had invested in running around, making phone calls and the ensuing chaos was made worthwhile. When the emcee, Vincent Holiday, said, “Goodnight!” and the lights came up…no one left. No one left and there was this energy…people were excited. The performers wanted to talk to the audience and the audience wanted to talk to the artists and to each other. Some of the musicians were taken aback because they were not used to performing in front of a “listening” audience and they had to scale back the act that they were used to performing in front of a rowdy bar crowd. The audience was exposed to forms of music and dance and comedy that they may never would have experienced before because they were usually performed at venues that they may not frequent. The performers were influenced by other performers that they, in turn, may never have shared a stage with. That is when I knew that this was right.

Over the course of several shows, we have had fantastic rock, ballad, R&B, soul and jazz singers, accomplished guitarists, drummers, saxophonists and other sundry musicians. We have had belly dancing, shadowbox dancing and other various forms of dance as well as sideshow performers, comedians and poets. Each show has unintentionally taken on it’s own hue and flavor, dictating for itself what the other acts should be, how it should be promoted and any other special features. For instance, the last show featured shadow dancers, a spoken word artist, a belly dancer, an R&B singer, an improv comedy troupe and Al Holbrook, who is a phenomenal soul/R&B singer and keyboardist. In contrast, the upcoming show will have legendary musician/comedian Dow Thomas, Kaleb Kane and Reverend Tommy Gunn from Hollywood’s FreakShow Deluxe, the lucha surf band Team Void and, rounding out the weirdness, hosts and emcees, A. Ghastlee Ghoul and Baron Von Porkchop, whose Tales of the Macabre television show has marched on in the footsteps of Dr. Creep. The next show will have…hell, I have no clue what the next show will have. It could have zydeco musicians paired up with juggling baboons for all I know…and that’s really the point.

Shadowbox Dancer and Al Holbrook

In an age of homogenized, prepackaged consumables (entertainment included) I think there should still be a danger there. I think that the audience should be should be able to come in to a theatrical setting and be surprised instead of entering with a head full of preconceived notions. I think that everyone who witnesses one of these shows should have a niggling feeling at the base of their skull telling them that, at any moment, all of this could go horribly wrong as it is all done without a net. I think that, when the show is over, the audience and the artists should be able to walk away with swirling images of the moments of unexpected brilliance that that they had witnessed, like when Todd The Fox and Lisa Bunny Foo-Foo took to the stage with a guitar, a suitcase and a washboard and tore the house down. This is all just proving that there is more out there on the desperate horizons of our everyday life that can still not only entertain and audience, but can make that audience feel as if they are part of the show as well, taking them out of the role of voyeur and allowing them to see through that fourth wall, sharing the symbiotic energy with the artists.

In essence, the overall philosophy of the show is this: to create a community. A community between the artists that grace the stage. A community of audience members that find kindred souls with similar interests and, most of all an all encompassing community of everyone involved. Of course, I would like to have a larger audience (which is slightly difficult since the shows are held on Wednesdays) and this is not so I can line my own pockets with more money. I want to be able to pay the performers what they are more than worth. I’d like to give bonuses to the waitresses and be able to create props and such for the show itself, to make it better for the audience. I would also like a larger audience because I feel that the performers I have had deserve a larger audience, and one that is there to take in the experience, not to pound back brew with background music. Maybe I’m just too naively idealistic, but all of this has opened my eyes to the creativity that exists in Dayton and I would love to draw all that creative energy into one place… then it will be a Dirty Little Secret no more…

Video of the February 16th Show	Video of the March 16th Show
Video of the March 23rd Show	Video of the April 27th Show

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 05/05 – 05/18

May 9, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Thursday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Zombies, the eighties, AND a musical? Today, I started my job as Assistant Stage Manager for a production of Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO in Columbus, and I was reminded of something I love about theatre. One of the most powerful things about the arts is the wide variety of people to which they can appeal. Plays can include things you’d never have imagined… There literally is a show out there for everyone, even zombie lovers! I think that ability to speak to or entertain so many people through the same art form is one of the things I love most about theatre, and also our Dayton theatre in particular. There is often a wide variety of shows up, and these next two weeks are no exception, with selections from hip hop to drama. So, no matter your tastes, go see one of these great shows!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

La Cage aux Folles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: George (a glitzy nightclub owner) and his partner Albin (also the glamorous chanteuse Zaza)’s son is getting married… and in this musical, he brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair. “The bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly [in this] tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Playhouse

A Piece of My Heart

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: “Based on true stories recounted in the book of the same name, A Piece of My Heart
follows six women as they relive their memories of serving in Vietnam during the
1960s. These unsung heroes were among several thousand American women who
volunteered during the Vietnam War, serving as nurses, civilian humanitarian workers
and entertainers under frustrating and harrowing conditions.” (PHS)
Dates: May 13 – 21, 2011
Tickets & More Information: 888-262-3792 or Playhouse South

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE

The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT) The entire family will love this musical adaptation of the classic story of the ugly duckling.
Dates: May 6 – 22, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Town Hall Theatre

Mauritius

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Only together after the death of their mother, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare – and potentially extremely valuable – stamps. One sister embraces the stamp collecting, the other resists – but both are targets of three seedy, high-stakes collectors who are willing to do anything to claim a particularly rare find as their own.
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Illstyle and Peace

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this admission-free performance, the muticultural dance company Illstyle and Peace fuses the moves and spirit of contemporary and old-school hip-hop with an eclectic mix of dance, while spreading unity, peace, love, and respect through dance.

Date: Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 pm

More Information: Springfield Arts Council

Mid-Day Arts Cafe: the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith. Enjoy a preview performance and a great box lunch from CitiLites during this education series.

Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. – Noon; Performance: Noon – 1 p.m.

More Information: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, 2010-2011 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Classical Series

~KN

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

A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith.

Dayton Playhouse Announces FutureFest Finalists

May 7, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Benjamin Norsworthy and Megan Cooper in 2010 FutureFest winner An Uncommon Language

Six original, previously unproduced works, including two with local ties, have been chosen for the Dayton Playhouse’s 21st annual FutureFest of new plays, slated for Friday, July 29-Sunday, July 31 at the Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.

Selected from over 240 submissions and narrowed from a field of 11 semifinalists, the 2011 contenders are:

“A Woman on the Cusp,” a drama concerning mental illness and sibling treachery by two-time FutureFest finalist Carl L. Williams of Houston, Texas (“Under a Cowboy Moon,” 2003; “Coming Back to Jersey,” 2008).

“Allegro Con Brio,” a farce about a musical couple plotting revenge by Dayton resident Nelson Sheeley of Sinclair Community College.

“Drawing Room,” an introspective look at a Supreme Court sketch artist by Mark Elsman of New York City.

“The Haven,” a contemporary comic drama concerning a broken marriage and the possibilities of connection by Richard Etchison of Rockville, Maryland.

“Jinxed,” a 1930s aviatrix-themed account of Amelia Earhart and Jackie Cochran by Stacey Luftig of New York City.

“Roosevelt’s Ghost,” a drama centered on the special assistant to President Franklin D. Roosevelt convicted of perjury and accused of being a member of the Communist Party by Dayton native Michael Feely of Woodland Hills, California. Feely won the 2009 FutureFest for “Night and Fog” and was a 2006 finalist for “Bookends.”

The final playreading committee consisted of Wayne High School English teacher Tay Caplan, Playhouse executive director Wade Hamilton, theater enthusiast Jennifer Lockwood, Oakwood High School English teacher Brian Martin, Terry Morris of the Dayton Daily News, Playhouse board member Brian Sharp, and yours truly. Fran Pesch serves as FutureFest program director.

The finalists will be presented fully staged or as a staged reading judged on criteria including dramatic concept/theme, plot/story development, character development, and dialogue/language. This year’s adjudicators will consist of longtime New York-based judges David Finkle, Helen Sneed and Eleanore Speert along with Robert Koon, resident playwright/dramaturg of the Chicago Dramatists and a 2002 FutureFest finalist for “Vintage Red and the Dust of the Road,” and D. Lynn Meyers, producing artistic director of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati.

Weekend passes to all six shows are $90, a slight increase from last year, and will be available to the general public beginning Wednesday, June 1. Single tickets cost $17, the same as last year, and will go on sale Friday, July 1. A select number of tickets will also be available before each performance. For questions regarding tickets, call the Playhouse at (937) 424-8477. Additional information regarding auditions, directors and performance schedule will be announced at a later date.

Cannes Winner OF GODS AND MEN Now Playing!

May 6, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

New to THE NEON this weekend is a film that has won awards around the world. It has received a grade of 100% from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and many more. Several of you have been asking about OF GODS AND MEN, and it’s finally coming to town. That said, it might not stick around too long…so please hurry down. In addition to the new film, we will hold JANE EYRE and WIN WIN for one more week.

Synopsis for OF GODS AND MEN: “Eight French Christian monks live in harmony with their Muslim brothers in a monastery perched in the mountains of North Africa in the 1990s. When a crew of foreign workers is massacred by an Islamic fundamentalist group, fear sweeps though the region. The army offers them protection, but the monks refuse. Should they leave? Despite the growing menace in their midst, they slowly realize that they have no choice but to stay… come what may. This film is loosely based on the life of the Cistercian monks of Tibhirine in Algeria, from 1993 until their kidnapping in 1996.” (taken from Sony Classics press notes) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

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“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Tickets are now available on at THE NEON box office.

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The FilmDayton Festival is set for May 20-22. Their website is up and running with details about each film, each party, numerous special events and links for tickets. Check it out!

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.

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We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for May 6 – May 12:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 7:30
Thursday: 2:45

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

OF GODS AND MEN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 13 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 I AM
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
July 15 PAGE ONE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

PUSH is searching for SINGLE Men!

May 6, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

“He’s a great guy! I wish I was attracted to him.” Ladies, how many times have you said this about your best single guy friend? Well here’s your chance to do something wonderful for him- nominate him for the 2nd annual Men in the City Charity Bachelor Auction. Hosted by Professionals United for Sexual Health (PUSH), a group of Planned Parenthood Advocates who support the organization through creative fundraisers like the auction.

According to their Facebook page:

We want to hear about your adorable, hard working, passionate, SINGLE, brothers, fathers, ex-boyfriends, friends, neighbors, co-workers, doctors, trainers, bartenders, bosses and/or elected officials!

Or gentlemen you can nominate yourself!

The Miami Valley’s most eligible bachelors will be auctioned off for charity.

WHERE: The Dayton Racquet Club
WHEN: August 19th, 2011
TIME: 7 pm-10pm, after party to follow at 10pm in bar.

Criteria for Nominees:
– Over the age of 21

Please send all nominations to [email protected]

INCLUDE:

-Your Name
-Your Email
-Nominee’s Name
-Nominee’s Age
-City
-Nominee’s Occupation/Industry/Field
-Nominee’s Phone #
-Nominee’s Email Address
-List 3 adjectives that best describe the nominee
-Explain why this person would make a good bachelor.
-2 Pictures or URL for their photo on Facebook, Flickr or another photo site:
-Will this person be willing to promote their event to friends?

Nominations will end on Wednesday, May 31st.

Candidate Selection
Please note that in the past, the number of nominations received has exceeded our capacity for auction participants and therefore, not every nominee may be selected to participate in the auction. A nomination is not a guarantee of participation in the auction; however, we will do our best to include as many nominated candidates as possible.

Another awesome event brought to you by PUSH – Professionals United for Sexual Health

Gluten Free Dayton

May 4, 2011 By Dayton937 7 Comments

Overwhelmed and distressed by the news that they would need to avoid so many familiar foods, a good friend recently emailed me for advice on gluten free dining options after her husband tested positive for Celiac Disease. Dining out with food allergies is a source of stress for many – and one that I am very familiar with. I was diagnosed Celiac in 2008 and my husband and I have a food venue at the 2^nd Street Market, The Chef Case, which is dedicated to allergy conscious food. It seems to me that every Saturday I meet more and more newly diagnosed Celiacs. The good news is that the necessity of taking a closer look at what we are eating causes us to embark on a journey of food education and results in a more healthful, nutrient dense diet.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of gluten in unexpected places. Inexpensive burgers, grill steaks, lamb meat, sausage and similar meat products almost always contain gluten. Imitation crab meat is made with modified starch. Wheat flour may be a hidden ingredient in ice cream, ketchup, mayonnaise and even instant coffee. Gluten is often lurking in low fat versions of products, as it is used to make these items thicker and less watery. Most prepacked grated cheese is coated in flour or modified starch to keep it from sticking together in the package. This may seem easy to avoid but think about all the restaurants that use grated cheese, how many of those do you imagine grate their own cheese? Monosodium glutamate (MSG), often listed in ingredients as ‘flavor enhancer’, is manufactured with gluten as are most soy sauces. Any alcoholic drink made from grain, beer or whiskey for example, is also a source of gluten.

After successfully eliminating gluten from the diet, the antibodies that helped to move gluten through the body are no longer produced. Without these antibodies, consuming even a small amount of gluten creates a much more severe reaction for Celiacs which we refer to as “being glutened”. Those of us with food sensitivities are all advocates for each other, charged with helping to educate food service providers. As gluten intolerance becomes more prevalent and gains exposure, education and menu accommodation continue to increase. From the entire Dayton Area Gluten Free community, thank you to area chefs who have taken the time to understand Celiac Disease and offer gluten free menus, options and substitutions!

Below please find the first installment of the Guide to Gluten Free Dining in Dayton.

Restaurants Specializing in Gluten Free or Offering a Gluten Free Menu

Olive Coming Soon, promises to have a gluten free menu!

Olive Garden

PF Chang One of the first and most extensive gluten free menus.

Ruby Tuesday

Sidebar

Skyline Chili

Spinoza’s Pizza Have a gluten free beer with your gluten free pizza!

The Chef Case Specializing in gluten free food! Gluten free panini sandwiches, bake goods and prepared foods to enjoy at the market or take home by the pint.

Wendy’s

Restaurants Offering Special Gluten Free Alternatives or Options

C’est Tout Chef Fortin will prepare any menu item gluten free!

Black Rooster Pasta Bar

Butter Cafe Gluten Free bread available but, avoid the potoatoes which are dusted in flour.

Coco’s Bistro Gluten Free on request.

Crepe Boheme Offers gluten free and gluten free/soy free Crepes!

Figlio

Lucky’s Taproom

Meadowlark

Rue Dumaine Chef Kearney and her staff are very well educated and happy to accommodate Celiacs!

Thai 9

The Wine Gallery Featuring gluten free crackers and starting next Tuesday 4/10/11, gluten free pizza!

Wellington Grille

Naturally Gluten Free Cuisine

Abuelo’s

Chipotle

El Rancho Grande Always ask… all of ERG sauces are made with flour and the pollo loco has flour dusting the chicken breast. Otherwise, avoid the flour tortillas and dig in!

Jay’s

Linh’s Many dishes feature rice noodles just hold the soy sauce!

Limited Gluten Free Options or Not Gluten Aware Yet

Amber Rose

Franco’s

Bravo A Chef will come out to discuss allergy concerns but they offer no specifically gluten free dishes and no guarantees.

Boulevard Haus

Side Show 6 Lineup Announced, Preview Party Friday Night

May 4, 2011 By Juliet Fromholt 1 Comment

As Urban Nights draws closer, the excitement for Side Show 6 is mounting. The two free evenings of art and music (May 13th and 14th) presented by the Dayton Circus Creative Collective have become a staple of spring in Dayton. One of the many things that makes this event great is the location; each Side Show transforms an unused space downtown into a colorful arena for art, music and community. Side Show 6 will actually take place in two locations: the former Yellow Cab building on 4th and Walnut and across the street, Garden Station, the community garden and arts space maintained by the Dayton Circus.

Visual art will include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, fashion, mixed media and installation pieces all housed in the Yellow Cab building.

Music will mostly alternate between two stages (on in the Yellow Cab building and one at Garden Station) both nights. Here’s a tentative lineup:

Friday, May 13th
6:00 C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks (Yellow Cab)
6:45 Dan Raridan & The Calientes (Garden Station)
7:30 The Al Holbrook Band (YC)
8:15 Team Void (GS)
8:15 Todd the Fox (YC)
9:00 Sleep Fleet (YC)
9:45 Floods (GS)
10:30 The Fair Shakes (YC)
11:15 Wetnight (GS)
11:15 Tranquility Kingdom (YC)
12:00 Skratchmatic (YC)

Saturday May 14th
6:00 Jonathan Hamilton (GS)
6:45 Lurchbox (YC)
7:30 Side Show! (GS)
7:30 Two Suns (YC)
8:15 Heart of the Whore, Mandible, and California Girls (YC)
8:15 A Shade of Red (GS)
9:00 Northwest Ordinance (GS)
9:00 Emevol (YC)
9:45 The White Soots (YC)
10:30 Oxymoronatron (GS)
11:15 The Professors (YC)
12:00 Outside Residential (YC)

If you want to learn more while dancing to some great tunes, the Dayton Circus will be hosting a preview party this week as part of First Friday events at the Yellow Cab building following the free music Garden Station provided by local lucha rockers, Team Void (who will also appear at Side Show 6) and White Powder. ComeSee is both a preview and fundraiser for Side Show 6 and will feature a sneak peak of some of the visual art that will appear in the full show and music and dancing provided by DJ Jay Madewell of Fab Gear. The party gets started at 10pm and admission is $5.

Could Engineers and Artists Hold Key to Dayton’s Future?

May 4, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The following was submitted by Peter Benkendorf – he is the Founder & President of Involvement Advocacy (which operates the Blue Sky Project) and was the co-originator of the TECH-ARTS pilot project.

“There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why, I dream of things that never were and ask why not?” – Robert F. Kennedy

Dayton, with international leadership in a number of technology sectors, its active arts community and a century-old reputation for innovation is well-positioned to advance our community’s interests by applying good old Dayton ingenuity to the intersection of technology and art.

It was with this in mind that we sat down late last year to put together a TECH-ARTS pilot project to test that premise. What could happen when you bring together a group of eight Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) engineers and scientists and seven local artists—a choreographer, a composer, a sculptor, a video artist, a mobile maker, mixed-media artist and a cross-platform installation artist—to take on a problem confronting AFRL researchers?

Our long-term objective is twofold:

How can the mental model and tools that artists use lead to new approaches to addressing current and long-term technology challenges?
How can creating art in Dayton be transformed by giving local, national and international artists access to Dayton-based technology and engineers?

This intense six-week project, facilitated by the IDEA Lab at the Wright Brothers Institute included visits to the Dayton Art Institute and a number of Air Force research labs as a way to start acquainting and absorbing each other’s environments. Begun with some trepidation from both groups, once the brainstorming started, it was quickly discovered that engineers and artists have much to offer and much to gain by collaborating.

If you are in the sciences or tech-sector, an artist, or just interested in the mash-up of art and technology, please join us for a collaborative conversation. This is the first of what we plan to be a monthly gathering, the fourth Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, May 24, 4:30 – 6:00. IDCAST, 711 East Monument Avenue #100. RSVP to [email protected]

For the engineers and scientists, they found the TECH-ARTS exchange went far beyond the tackling of a complex technology concept. As researchers who have sat through hundreds of presentations from thousands of engineers, the insightful and probing questions from the ARTS group was in part a direct challenge to how they approach problems. In the end, they came away with a new and welcome appreciation for the power of vastly different perspectives–palpable value brought to bear on the endless endeavor called the pursuit of understanding and innovation.

The artists were equally enthused by the possibilities coming out of the pilot effort. Artist Rodney Veal took this away, “To see the artists, engineers and scientists breaking into groups and energetically discussing theories and ideas from our individual practices and searching for commonality and ways to embrace this energized and invigorating environment was mind blowing. I can only imagine what comes next.”

A specific example of how the TECH-ARTS brain trust will be working together is to advance long-term understanding of Information Portrayal by looking at how artists and researchers each approach the concept. Information Portrayal is of serious concern to those responsible for providing accurate and timely data to our military personnel.

Through the unusual collaboration of artists with engineers/scientists—producing breakthroughs in science and art—we can lift our region up in unforeseen ways. Using the arts to highlight our technology and research sectors can only lead to more high-tech companies, from start-ups to those well-established, considering a future in the Dayton region. Creating work that attracts the attention of the international art world can only lead to Dayton entering the consideration-set as a viable living/working alternative for the creative class. And what better way to significantly impact our educational sector, business attraction/retention and create a tourism industry than through building an internationally-recognized community of TECH-ARTS innovation.

In the coming months, the Wright Brothers Institute will be initiating a series of TECH-ARTS gatherings to see if we cannot foment more activity in this area. We invite the region’s tech-sector companies and engineering departments, along with leading institutions like the Dayton Development Coalition, the Engineer’s Club, UDRI and WSURI to get behind this effort by joining us in conversation and collaboration with local artists.

Our interest in bringing together the TECH-ARTS group originated with the notion that connecting two primary assets – Dayton’s strong art and technology communities – could impact the development of a renaissance of imagination and innovation in our struggling region. After this initial TECH-ARTS pilot project, we are more convinced than ever that the collaboration of engineers and artists is where the best possible future lies not just for the Dayton area, but for those served by that which is produced here. Let’s not let this opportunity slip through our hands.

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30 Days Positive – In Closing

May 4, 2011 By Shana Lloyd 1 Comment

I thought long and hard about to close this series. I’m not sure that any amount of words could really capture what I have learned over the last month and I don’t think this journey to raise awareness is even near completion. The experience has taught me that letting go of fear sometimes puts you in a remarkable position to help people. Being active in your local community and aware of the issues and causes around the world keeps you in touch with where help is needed…and I never really understood the amount of help truly needed until I let go of my fear in trying to understand the disease.

The goal of this series was to raise awareness through my experiences in learning about the AIDS/HIV virus. I remember growing up and it being a buzz topic, all over the news and media..people were just trying to understand the magnitude of the disease and as I child that couldn’t possibly understand. Time has passed and it’s not something ever really discussed in my circle and by those around me and I started to really wonder, had we forgotten about AIDS?

The stories below capture only some of the stories shared with me. There were many conversations and meetings that I have been asked to leave out of the series due to confidentiality concerns. I respect those wishes and still offer gratitude to all who came forward, it took courage to do so. If ever there is a need or want to reach out again, I encourage that you reach out to me to share your story. In hearing them, I have put to rest a lot of my own misconceptions and in sharing I have done the same for others.

On a personal note, I would like to again thank Lisa Grigsby and her staff at ARC and for the great people sharing things to do in Dayton at Daytonmostmetro.com for allowing me to steer away from my normal column material and work on this series. I will continue to share and connect people to resources on Facebook. Thank you again to all who helped in to spread the word about this series and AIDS.

The Stories

Are We Awake Yet?

This week I had an opportunity to investigate AIDS “now” on more of a global level. An estimated 40,000 children in South Africa are infected with HIV each year reflecting an impoverished region lacking in both awareness and prevention. 40,000 Children…and the number of premature deaths due to HIV/AIDS has risen significantly over the last decade from 39 percent to 75 percent in 2010 in South Africa. It is estimated there are 1.9 million AIDS orphans where one or both parents are deceased in South Africa and that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is responsible for half of the country’s orphans. Read More

A Love Story

Have you ever considered that many contract the HIV virus on accident, through no fault of their own? It is something I personally never really thought about until recently, that there are people out there who are responsible and take precautions but still can be exposed and infected. Both tragic and somewhat scary to think about, I sat down this week with a person who had that very thing happen. Read More

Tested – A Moment of Clarity

With cold, clammy hands and a lump in my throat I dialed from the lobby phone at ARC, Dayton OH – “I’m here to be tested.” I’m 32 years old, why was this my first time here? Getting tested for the HIV virus is something I had thought about many times but actually doing it has been something that frightened me and for one reason alone. Doing so would force me to face the reality of some poor decision making and uncover and bring to light, my internal and self confidence issues that ultimately lead to making those decisions. Read More

A Journey Towards Change

Last week I dropped a hint that I had been working on a story and this week I have a little more to tell. This isn’t about dating, my life of chaos or anything most who know me would expect me to write about. What I am about to embark on will challenge me emotionally and force me to face a fear that I admittedly have had for my entire life and am not proud of. Read More

How You Can Help.

AIDS.gov

Avert

ACT:s

ARC

WE>AIDS

30 Days Positive – Follow the Journey

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Fleurs Et Vin

Hecho en Mexico – The Story of Tequila

May 4, 2011 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Not yet, but the day is young...

Most people have one of two reactions when they think about tequila. The first reaction is “You mean that delicious nectar that is grown and distilled in Mexico? Bring me a shot of it on the rocks, my good man!” The second reaction is a feeling of nausea, a tentative look towards the restroom, and blurry memories of a night on the town. The last thing you remember is someone shouting “Hey, let’s shoot some tequila!”

It is Cinco de Mayo, and we are going to celebrate all things Mexican. And as far as liquors go, it does not get any more Mexican than tequila. Tequila is the first distilled spirit on the North American continent, and we have the Spaniards to thank for that. When the conquistadors invaded Mexico in the 16^th century, they had more pressing problems than making nice with the natives and establishing a place to stay: it is a long trip across the Atlantic, and they needed a stiff drink. The stuff the natives had, called pulque, tasted awful. The Spaniards applied some distilling techniques they used to create brandy and turned the stuff drinkable, developing what we know as mescal.

Mescal is the broader liquor category that tequila falls into. Think sparkling wine and champagne. Tequila, however, has some pretty strict standards that must be adhered to before the liquid inside can be called tequila. First, the agave used to make the tequila must be the Weber’s blue agave, a plant that can get over 6 feet high. Secondly, that plant must be grown in the Jalisco state in Western Mexico. Third, at least 51% of the liquor in the bottle has to come from the agave; the rest can be from other plants. The best tequilas are 100% blue agave, and most will announce that on the label. All of this is regulated and inspected by the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM), which controls whether or not the bottle you buy is full of tequila or mescal. If you do not see NOM on the label, usually with a number near it, you do not have real tequila. These are all standards that are enforced by international law.

And before we move along, let us address the worm. The worm is never, ever, ever in tequila. If you find a worm in your bottle, you have a mescal, and a poor one at that. Some distilleries will add the worm (a larval form of a moth), to the bottle as a gimmick, but generally it is a bad sign if it slips into your bottle unannounced. Fortunately, they do not drink much while they are in there, and if you choose to eat it, you add some protein to your diet.

Decisions, decisions...

What type of tequila do you like to drink? Were you aware there were types? If not, here is a list of the officially recognized types of tequila:

Silver (blanco) – if it is aged at all, it is for two months in steel or neutral oak barrels. Typically, it is bottled right after distillation.
Gold (oro) – sometimes known as joven (young), it is a blend of blanco and reposado tequilas.
Rested (reposado) – aged a minimum of two months, a maximum of one year, in oak barrels.
Aged (anejo) – aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years, in small oak barrels.
Extra Aged (extra anejo) – aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels

Most bars tend to carry blanco, oro, and reposado for your drinking pleasure. The more aged the tequila, the more the agave taste becomes mellowed by the contact with the wood. You will only find anejo and up in better Mexican restaurants and better restaurants in general.

When you mention sipping tequila on the rocks, as I prefer to do, most people will make a horrible face and look at you oddly. Because we all know how to drink tequila: you lick your hand between the thumb and forefinger, put some salt on it, lick the salt, shoot the tequila, and slam a lime wedge (or a lemon wedge, depending on where you are from). This is also known as using training wheels. You read that right, training wheels. And most of us, when we began drinking it, were trying to kill the awful taste of cheap tequila. But over the last few decades tequila has really matured. Brands like Patron, Cabo Wabo, 1800, Don Julio, and Jose Cuervo among many others have brought the reputation of tequila up from a hard party drink to a sophisticated sipping drink. Other lesser known (and well rated) brands include el Espolon, Tezon, Herradura, and Partida. Finding them in restaurants may be more difficult, but well worth the search.

Everyone in Dayton knows where to get the best margarita: Elsa’s Bad Juan rises head and shoulders above all other margaritas around these parts. Pepito’s in Kettering also makes a strong run at the top, at least according to activedayton.com’s latest “Best of” polls. And speaking of Best of be sure and check out some of these great Cinco de Mayo deals around the city. If you are going to stay home and party, here are two tequila drinks you can mix for you and your guests.

The Traditional Margarita

1.5 oz. tequila
1 oz. triple sec
.5 oz. lime juice
Salt
Lime wedge

Using the lime wedge, wet the edge of the margarita glass you will be drinking from. On a plate, spread out a layer of salt, then run the outside of the wetted rim through the salt to create a rim. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with ice and shake well. Strain the shaken ingredients into the glass over ice. Enjoy.

This recipe puts a great deal of emphasis on the flavor of the tequila. If you want something with a little less of that flavor, add 2 to 4 oz. sweet and sour mix, depending on your tastes.

Now, if we are really celebrating Mexico and her heritage, how about trying the most popular tequila based drink south of the border, the Paloma.

The Paloma

2 oz. tequila
.5 oz. lime juice
Grapefruit soda (go with Jarritos for the holiday)

In a tall glass, combine the tequila and lime juice. Add your ice, then top it off with the grapefruit soda. Jarritos is available at Kroger, so finding it should not be difficult. Some recipes call for a pinch of salt as well, or a salt rimmed glass.

Do you know a place that secretly has amazing margaritas? Or has an exceptional selection of tequilas to try? Leave a comment down below and share the wisdom with the rest of us. After all, when Cinco de Mayo is all said and done, this may be the only way we can remember where we ended the evening. Enjoy!

It’s Alive! Downtown Storefronts In Action

May 3, 2011 By Marsha Pippenger 1 Comment

Pictured below is artist Carol Stoops at work on her Activated Space on North Main Street – next to Flying Pizza – one of many original works of art that will “come alive” on Friday May 6th.
Her work, “Celebrating Dayton” is part of the Activated Spaces projects sponsored by the Downtown Dayton Partnership as part of May’s First Friday festivities. Look for more of these lively works all over downtown this Friday. There’s fun in the hunt!
Enjoy Stoop’s contribution at 223 North Main next to Flying Pizza. More of Stoop’s vibrant paintings are available for sale at the Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 East Third Street. Downtown galleries, restaurants and activated spaces will be celebrating First Friday on May 6 from 5-10 pm.

Jane’s Best Bets (5/4 – 5/8)

May 3, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Since it is May, you may be asking the question, “Is there anything fun going on this week in Dayton?” The answer of course is an enormous “YES!” This week, there are so many things from which to choose that you may have some very difficult decisions ahead of you!

On Wednesday, join Dayton Creative Syndicate as they welcome Guest Speaker, Jack Supple at Brixx Ice Company. Taste some wine as part of the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery. Not yet prepared to make your bets for the Kentucky Derby? Be sure to attend the Derby Preview Party at Color of Energy Gallery where John Engelhardt from River Downs and other horse racing experts will give you some great tips…and don’t forget to have a mint julep! Plus, there will be a live horse outside the art gallery AND live music! Afterwards, please carefully walk to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks. And finally, give those vocal folds a workout by heading to Blind Bob’s for Karaoke.

On jueves (Thursday), start the day at the Presidential Banquet Center for the 2nd Annual Voices for Kids Benefit, which helps CHOICES, an organization that provides a support system for youth, their families, and foster parents. Over at Sinclair, attend the 2011 Go Red For Women Luncheon. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at one of these great restaurants: (1) The Caroline, which offers some great Cinco de Mayo specials; (2) El Meson – starting at 3PM, they will have $1 Tequila shots and free tapas until 5:30PM…plus amazing food, music, and dancing; or (3) El Rancho Grande (or the “E.R.” as my friend Lynne calls it) for 1/2 Price Ladies Night. Or Join the Dayton Ballet Barre for their 1st Annual Cinco de Mayo ‘Barre’ Crawl which will take place at a variety of bars in the Oregon District. If Mexican food does not appeal to your taste buds, no problem. You can attend the Beer & Burger Tasting at A Taste of Wine in downtown Miamisburg. Some other possibilities for Thursday evening include listening to the Hal Melia Quartet as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute, Space Night at the Air Force Museum, Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express, or watching the Dragons as they play the South Bend Silver Hawks.

On Friday, ALL young professionals should without a doubt participate in Generation Dayton’s Get Out, & Give Back Dayton! The day will consist of a lunch, followed by a variety of service projects at area non-profits, and finally a wonderful after-party at Oregon Express! Get registered today and bring a friend! Afterwards, attend the First Friday art hop downtown. Also downtown, you can participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, watch the Dragons play the South Bend Silver Hawks, listen to the Paul McKenna Band at the Dayton Art Institute, or attend ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’ (Dayton Philharmonic) at the Schuster Center (click here to find out how you can get discounted tickets, courtesy of jumpstART!). And if you’re brave enough to venture outside of downtown, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for a Free Chick-fil-A Sandwich from 4-7PM, the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz, or the Centerville Performing Arts Center for Hello, Dolly!

Hopefully you spent your Friday night downtown so you can wake up and gallop your way to the Derby Day Dash 5K and Kids Fun Run at RiverScape. Then head to PNC 2^nd Street Market to Make Your Own Crepe. Over at Garden Station Community Garden/Art Park, share your food, art, music, or whatever else you want as part of the Really Really Free Market. Wear your favorite hat (the bigger, the better!) and support women’s wellness by attending the 2nd Annual Crown Jewels Derby Day Brunch at Brio. I hope to see you there! Keep that hat on so that you will be able to attend the Junior League of Dayton Derby Party at The Wine Loft. In order to support a couple other great causes, attend the House of Bread Silent Auction at the Dayton Mall Holiday Inn or the American Red Cross’s Putting on the Glitz event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center. If your doctor wrote you a prescription for laughter, be sure to get your tickets to Cocktails with Larry Miller at Victoria Theatre. Although I’m not an accountant, I don’t think this would qualify as a medical expense under your H.S.A. Listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance – ‘Byron Stripling: Satchmo, Fats & The Duke’, which takes place at the Schuster Center. Other musical options include listening to the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concert at Shiloh Church or the The Primo Trio at the Dayton Art Institute as part of the Vanguard Concert Series. Catch “Saturday Night Football” at Hara Arena as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Indianapolis Enforcers. And finally, if you feel like catching a show, both The Wizard of Oz (Baum Opera House) and Hello, Dolly (Centerville Performing Arts Center) will still be running strong!

On Sunday, if you do nothing else, be sure to honor your mother! If you don’t mind (and if you do mind, sorry, I just don’t care), I’d like to give a quick shout out to mine – Thank you mom for being the best mom ever…and thank you for not just putting up with my dumb jokes, but actually laughing at them! I love you bunches and bunches! Thanks for letting me do that, although you really had no choice. Anyways, whatever you’re doing, I hope you will be able to have the opportunity to spend Sunday with your mother. And don’t worry because you won’t have to cook breakfast or lunch, as many restaurants are offering Mother’s Day Specials! Some places that are offering brunch include The Barnsider, Hilton Garden Inn, Carvers, Blind Bob’s, Boulevard Haus, Dublin Pub, and Fleming’s. Don’t forget to take your wallet…it would be bad news if your mom had to pay! And if your mom likes music, take her to Kettering Fairmont High School for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert. Or take her to see Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre.

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

Why was the racehorse named Bad News? Because Bad News travels fast.

Have a great week Dayton!

Gina Barreca – She’s Not Bitter, But She Is Funny

May 2, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Humorist, Author and Speaker, Gina Barreca, to Wrap 55^th Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series on May 12^th – the following was submitted by Tamera Geesling

When you write a book titled It’s Not That I’m Bitter: How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Visible Panty Lines, there’s a pretty good chance you have a wicked sense of humor! Hailed as “smart and funny” by People magazine, Gina Barreca has been delighting audiences around the world and leaving them exhausted from laughter.

Dedicated to women, laughter and the comic muse, Gina Barreca will entertain attendees with her warm humor and insights into relationships.

“The Junior League of Dayton (JLD) is a volunteer organization comprised of women, so it’s appropriate that Gina will wrap the 55^th Season of the JLD Town Hall Lecture Series,” said Kathy Barenbrugge, JLD President. “JLD members balance work, family and volunteering with dedication and grace. A sense of humor and lots of laughter make that possible.”

Barreca is a Professor of English Literature and feminist theory at the University of Connecticut. In addition, she has written several best-selling books and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs including The Today Show, Oprah, 20/20 and The Joy Behar Show.

The Town Hall Lecture Series is sponsored by its media partners, Think^TV and Times Community Newspaper. To date, the Town Hall Lecture Series has raised over $1.8 million to support local JLD community programs, such as POWER (Program of Wellness Education and Resources), a children’s advocacy program in partnership with The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, and the Holiday Hunt, an annual tradition of the Dayton Holiday Festival.

Tickets are $31 each (plus handling) and can be ordered by calling 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Want free tickets?

Simply fill out the form with your contact info (below) and we’ll randomly select two winners for a pair of free tickets each. Share this story with your friends on FB and Twitter – because afterall, it IS for a good cause! Deadline is Sunday May 8 at midnight. Good luck!

The Junior League of Dayton is an organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information about the JLD and its community programs, visit www.jldayton.org.

For more information about Gina Barreca, please visit her website at www.ginabarreca.com.

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