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Archives for August 2011

Art On The Lawn in Yellow Springs

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What do you think?  Can a dog paint?  You get to decide for yourself this Saturday August 13th at Art On The Lawn.  The featured artist for this 28-year-old Fine Arts and Crafts Fair in Yellow Springs is a Great Dane.  He has been in the show for 2 years now and the artists at Village Artisans (who run Art On The Lawn) decided that this year they would make him their featured artist.  OK, I loved his work, I’ve met him but I still had this little doubt at the back of my mind.  Can a dog realllly make art?

So here is the inside scoop about Mozart Dane.  Straight from Beth Mack of the Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue “Mo is a very temperamental artist.  He prefers to paint in his own room, (he has his own studio in his home,) when it is very quiet with very few people around.   He has to be in the mood to paint, and if he is not, he simply refuses to.

Being a non-profit organization, we are always trying to think of new ways to raise money for the rescue.   A bunch of volunteers were brainstorming one day and someone came up with the idea of selling items with a paw print on them. We tried several Danes and they could not run away fast enough. They did not like the feel of the paint on their paws and wanted nothing to do with it.  Then we tried Mo.

At first we had to coax him with American cheese, but not anymore.  (Good thing because he was gaining too much weight!)  He will not allow any other dogs around and only one or two people- and it has to be people he knows very well.  He has a futon that he lies on.   We pour paint onto paper plates, he chooses what color he wants to use and will simply put his paw into the paint and start patting the canvas.  If he does not want to use a color, he will not use it.  When he is finished painting, he is finished.  No amount of coaxing or American cheese will get him to paint more.  The only human assistance he receives is if he is doing a 24” x 36” canvas  – that’s when we turn it to make sure the entire canvas gets covered.

We often have people ask if they can commission a painting with only certain colors in it.   The problem goes back to the fact that if he doesn’t want to use a certain color, he wont use it! ”

Mozart Dane lives at the Harlequin Haven Great Dane Rescue a no kill shelter that is dedicated to saving and placing abused, abandoned, and neglected Great Danes.

Come this Saturday and make up your own mind about dogs and art.  For me, I’ve decided Mozart Dane is an artist and isn’t life full of wonderful surprises!

Art on the Lawn is a juried Fine Arts and Crafts show taking place this Saturday, August 13, under the green trees, at Mills Lawn, 200 S. Walnut Street from 10 am – 5 p.m.

Come to Yellow Springs and enjoy the art from over 100 artists, including Mozart Dane who happens to be a dog.

See you in the Springs!

By Way of Sunstorm wins Tattooed TV Battle of the Bands

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On Saturday night a massive crowd packed the interior and patio of Blind Bob’s (and a good bit of 5th Street in front of the venue) for the finals of the first ever TattooedTV Battle of the Bands.  Originally designed to be a competition between three bands, previously eliminated Ludlow Falls was invited to come back onto the bill for the finals as a wild card.  Once the show and the voting was over, here’s how things stacked up:

1st Place: By Way of Sunstorm

2nd Place: God Bless and Asher Jones

3rd Place: Ludlow Falls

4th place: Black Cloud Syndrome

Marion’s Offers 47% Discount Today – Thursday

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Since opening in August of 1965, Marion’s Piazza has indeed become a Dayton Tradition! It’s easy to feel the history when you walk in their stores and see walls lined with black and white autographed photo’s of stars from yesteryear.  Many of the celebrities were in town to perform with The Kenley Players, stars like Sally Field, Mickey Rooney, William Shatner, Morgan Fairchild, Tim Conway, Billy Crystal and George Hamilton, who held the cast parties at Marion’s. Celebrating their 47 years of business means you can get a t 47% discount on up to 2 pizza’s this week with the coupon below.  Large lines are anticipated and be sure to bring cash, Marion’s does not accept credit cards!   Special pricing will be offered until closing on Thursday. Marion’s Piazza has been rated “Best Pizza” in 27 local survey’s and achieved national acclaim by being ranked  2nd in the Nationamongst all independent pizza restaurants. A true Dayton Original, between their 7 locations they employee about 275 and made a total of around 1 million pizzas in 2009.

print this coupon to get discount

Find the Marion’s nearest you:

241 North Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
B
711 Shroyer Road, at Patterson Road  – (937) 293-6991‎
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0
C
3443 North Dixie Drive, at Wagoner Ford Road – (937) 277-6553‎
D
8991 Kingsridge Drive, Dayton Mall ‎ – (937) 435-3300‎
Rated 3.3 out of 5.0
E
50 East Stroop Road, Town & Country ‎ – (937) 296-1177‎
F
241 North Main Street,  Centerville – (937) 433-3993‎
404 W. National Road, Englewood (937) 832-0333
1320 North Fairfield Road, Dayton, OH‎ – (937) 429-3393‎
1270 Expieriment Farm Road, Troy (937) 339-2000
and coming soon – Mason

New trail connects Miami, Montgomery counties

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CELEBRATION, GROUP RIDES PLANNED

Photo by Elzora.com Photography

The Miami Valley’s regional bikeway system keeps getting better. Construction has finished on a portion of trail connecting Montgomery and Miami County’s bikeways together. The public is invited to attend grand opening festivities in Kyle Park in Tipp City. Group bike rides leaving from Troy and Vandalia will take place at 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., respectively, and meet in Kyle Park for the 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 12.

The 2.5-mile trail connector is part of a regional plan created to make the region even more bike friendly. Cyclists and others using the trail no longer have to use the road and share their space with cars. “It opens up access to new, exciting rides and to the larger regional bikeways system, giving more people a chance to establish an active lifestyle and have more fun on bikes,” says Outdoor Connections Director Greg Brumitt. “This connector opens a key corridor to connect Miami County, Tipp City and Troy to Montgomery County’s bikeways.”

This initiative—a combined effort of Five Rivers MetroParks, Miami County Park District, Monroe Township, and Tipp City—was funded by a congestion/mitigation air quality grant from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Miami and Montgomery counties are now linked by a continuous bikeway.

Bikeways have demonstrated a positive economic impact on the region, a trend Brumitt says he hopes will continue. “A 2009 economic impact report found our regional bikeways system generated  $13 million of economic activity annually by local and visiting walkers, hikers, runners, skaters and cyclists,” he says. “This trail opening represents continued progress in implementation of the Local/Regional Comprehensive Bikeways Plan adopted by MVRPC board of which Five Rivers MetroParks help fund and was a founding steering committee member. Both connecting trail systems are part of an even larger network of trails—the 1,440-mile Buckeye Trail state-wide loop and the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, which passes through seven states, 10 national forests and more than 150 public lands as it winds from New York to North Dakota. “We are proud to be able to have this trail opening during the North Country Trail Conference, taking place this week right here in the Miami Valley, as trail enthusiasts from across the country get introduced to the great things happening in the Dayton region,” Brumitt says.

On Friday, August 12, the Miami County group bike ride will leave from Troy at the Hobart Arena parking lot near the levee gazebo at 9 a.m. The Montgomery County ride departs from the Tadmor parking lot at Taylorsville MetroPark at 9:30 a.m. Both groups will meet at Kyle Park for the 10 a.m. event. Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Rebecca Benná, Miami County Board of Park Commissioners President John Wannemacher, Monroe Township Trustee Ron Thuma, and Tipp City Mayor Dee Gillis will give a brief presentation before cutting the ribbon, officially opening the new trail connecting Miami and Montgomery counties.

“Where do you think we should go for a Food Adventure?”

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We need your help.  Do you have a favorite restaurant that we need to visit for a Food Adventure?  If so, please tell us, and post a comment below.

 

We look forward to hearing from you.  We are ready to try some new places !!!

We need your help, please post a comment below!

Please visit Food Adventures on Facebook. Check back every Thursday for a new “Food Adventure” article on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM

New Musicals on the Rise

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2011 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

The Human Race Theatre Company

Encore Theater Company

This weekend, the Human Race Theatre Company, in collaboration with Encore Theater Company, will continue its ardent support of new works and emerging composers with a musical theater festival containing multigenerational appeal. Nostalgia is a key element in the Human Race presentations of the 1950s jazz-infused “Play it Cool” and an overdue salute to Grammy, Oscar and Tony nominated lyricist/composer Bob Merrill entitled “Love Makes the World Go ’Round.” Encore, fueling the popular trend of movies-turned-musicals, will let loose with “Pump Up the Volume,” adapted from the 1990 film starring Christian Slater. Each show will be delivered as staged readings at the Loft Theatre.

2011 Festival of New Musicals - Pump Up The Volume - Encore Theater Co.

Pump Up The Volume

“Working with Encore seemed like a no-brainer since (Encore founders) David Brush and Jim Farley were a part of the first Human Race musical theater symposium,” said Kevin Moore, Human Race producing artistic director. “Our festival lineup is very exciting. I’ve known about ‘Love Makes the World Go ‘Round’ for a while, ‘Pump Up the Volume’ is something Encore has had in the works, and ‘Play it Cool’ is really timely and relevant.”

“Play it Cool,” conceived by Larry Dean Harris and accented with a terrific jazz score recalling Cy Coleman and David Zippel’s “City of Angels” and Marvin Hamlisch and Craig Carnelia’s “Sweet Smell of Success,” was among the standouts I particularly admired at New York’s National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival last fall. Featuring music by Mark Winkler, lyrics by Phillip Swann and a book by Harris and Martin Casella, the musical cleverly injects a noir sensibility into its charming, bold tale of five people who fall in and out of love at a secret 1953 Hollywood club called Mary’s Hideaway. The score includes such breezy numbers as “In My Drag,” “Baby’s on Third,” “Future Street,” “Curvy Time Bomb” and the beautifully lush “Jazz is a Special Taste.” Directed by Sharon Rosen, “Play it Cool” will arrive off-Broadway next month with Sally Mayes reprising her amazing performance from the NAMT presentation. Dayton audiences are fortunate to have a chance to see it first, in its re-written form, with a promising cast led by Human Race resident artists Deb Colvin-Tener (“Dirty Blonde,” “Lend Me A Tenor”) and Jamie Cordes (“Play it By Heart,” “right next to me”).

2010 Festival of New Musicals - Tenderly - The Human Race Theatre Co.

2010 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

The songs of Bob Merrill, who famously believed “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world,” fashion “Love Makes the World Go’ Round,” billed as a “revusical” (revue-meets-book musical) by librettist Duane Poole and music arranger Brad Ellis. Directed by Kevin Moore and centered on three women who connect through Merrill’s repertoire at a piano bar, “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round,” featuring Ellis and Human Race resident artist Katie Pees, incorporates 30 numbers including the songwriter’s catchy hits like “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” and “Mambo Italiano” in addition to show tunes from his lilting yet underappreciated “Carnival!” (which he wrote both music and lyrics) and legendary “Funny Girl” (music by Jule Styne). Merrill was also a ghost lyricist for “Hello, Dolly!” (“Elegance” and “Motherhood” in particular) and composed an ill-fated version of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” starring Mary Tyler Moore that closed on Broadway during previews.

Ellis, familiar to fans of “Glee” as the silent choir room accompanist dressed in black, says investigating the Merrill canon to create a balanced tribute was an enjoyably challenging assignment.

2010 Festival of New Musicals - Play It By Heart - The Human Race Theatre Co.

2010 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

“I’ve loved the challenge of rolling up my sleeves, like the old days of off-Broadway, and coming in with strong ideas, then being ready to turn on a dime,” he said. “I’m proud of the arrangements, and I’m also proud that I haven’t lost track of the fact that I’m featuring the songs, not featuring the arranger. Bob Merrill has a surprising range of songs, emotions and musical feels, in part because his work as composer/lyricist inhabits such different worlds than his work as lyricist for composer Jule Styne. I don’t think it’s as much that he’s underrated as it is that people who know the extensive Broadway catalogue don’t know the even-more-extensive pop hits, and vice versa. Here’s hoping our show can bridge that gap, and make him a household name. His song ‘Beautiful Candy’ is in a big national commercial right now, and Seth MacFarland has used his songs for his TV show ‘Family Guy,’ so millions are hearing his music right now, whether they know it or not!”

2010 Festival of New Musicals - Tenderly - The Human Race Theatre Co.

2010 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

Since its 2009 debut on Fox, the Emmy winning “Glee,” created by Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck”), has been a pop culture phenomenon offering a slew of fantastic musical moments (Kristen Chenoweth’s “Home,” Chris Colfer’s “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and Lea Michele’s “Don’t Rain on My Parade” to name a mere few). As the show’s music director, Ellis, who has written vocal arrangements for various episodes, particularly the pilot, has been pleased with his involvement since the beginning.

“I’ve worked with casting agent Robert Ulrich on musical projects for television before, and we enjoyed working together, so Robert brought me in when Ryan Murphy began casting ‘Glee.’ The three of us worked closely on actor’s songs when bringing our final choices to the network brass for approval. I enjoyed watching how Ryan worked with the auditioners. I think he was pleased with my ability to translate his ideas into musical choices for the singers as well as my gentle but demanding approach, which makes less confident singers feel more comfortable, and therefore, show themselves to best advantage, no matter their experience level.”

Ellis ranks Charice, Chenoweth and Carol Burnett among his favorite “Glee” special guests thus far, but views the entire cast and creative process as special. He also anticipates fresh possibilities for the series as Season Three approaches.

2010 Festival of New Musicals - Play It By Heart - The Human Race Theatre Co.

2010 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

“The cast is varied and magical people, who’ve maintained a sense of gratitude in a world where everyone wants a piece of ’em, and everyone else is telling them why they should have large egos, and instead, they stay grounded. A lot of that may be due to Jane Lynch, who is a visibly grateful person herself, and perhaps quietly sets the tone. It helps that Ryan Murphy is the modern equivalent of Jerome Robbins, combining an impish sense of fun with an unerring sense of both culture and craft. For me, Seasons One and Two have been an education in film. ‘Glee’ is shot on film with Panavision cameras, not shot digitally, so it has a lot in common with the way great movies and movie musicals have been shot since the 1930s. I’ve also really enjoyed watching my friends on the show evolve and grow. I’m biased, but I think the Class of ‘William McKinley High’ 2009-2011 (and beyond) will launch a lot of careers, similar to the first few seasons of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘E.R.’ Corey (Monteith), Dianna (Agron), Lea (Michele), Matthew (Morrison), Kevin (McHale), etc., when they break out, will spread out like a billiards shot and light up big segments of the industry. Season Three? I have no predictions. When I read the pilot, I thought, ‘I love this! I am the audience for this, but it’s ‘niche,’ and will probably find a life on FX or USA network.’ I’m an idiot. Don’t go by me. I can say I’m excited about the new writers. Michael Hitchcock, the only one I already know, is one of the funniest, most honest actors I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, so I’m looking forward to some new ideas and surprises.”

2010 Festival of New Musicals - Tenderly - The Human Race Theatre Co.

2010 Human Race Festival of New Musicals

As “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” continues to develop, Ellis remains confident in its prospects. Considering recent news of a Broadway-bound production of “Funny Girl” underway starring Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), the timing, especially if a New York berth is in its future, couldn’t be more perfect.

“I’ve been fortunate to have helped create a number of very successful off-Broadway and regional shows (such as) ‘Forbidden Broadway,’ ‘Plaid Tidings,’ ‘Tin Pan Alley Rag,’ etc., so I know the markets. This show could be good business. It has small casting and tech requirements. Whenever I cast any show, I’m overwhelmed by the talent out there, especially women who would be great for ‘Love Makes the World Go ‘Round’ who are not working as much as they deserve, which means it won’t be hard to find great actor/singers for productions.”

2011 Festival of New Musicals - Pump Up The Volume - Encore Theater Co.

Pump Up The Volume

Based on the film of the same name written and directed by Allan Moyle, “Pump Up the Volume,” featuring music by Jeff Thomson, book and lyrics by Jeremy Desmon and additional lyrics by Jordan Mann, tells the story of a shy teenager who starts a pirate FM station in his parents’ basement. Directed by Joe Beumer, the show will feature Drew Bowen, Corinne Derusha, Renee Franck-Reed, Tommi Harsch, Justin King, Zach King, Matthew Owens, Elizabeth Wellman, Yvette Williams and Ray Zupp. Encore Theater Company will also present “The Consequences,” an indie rock-flavored love story about high school friends who reunite 10 years later. Written by Kyle Jarrow and Nathan Leigh, “The Consequences,” which has been developed at the New York Theatre Workshop and the Williamstown Theatre Festival, will be directed by Shawn Hooks and star J.J. Parkey, Amy Geist and Alex Carmichal.

Encore progressively continues to sprinkle local community theater with current, contemporary musicals. The troupe presented a delightful regional premiere of Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell’s ‘[title of show]’ last season, and will tackle Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony winning “Spring Awakening” in January, which will be staged by Encore artistic director David Brush. In addition, two projects developed by Encore last season successfully advanced. “Next Thing You Know” received an off-Broadway run two months ago, and the hilarious “Hot Mess in Manhattan” will open in Washington, D.C. later this year.

2011 Festival of New Musicals - The Consequences - Encore Theater Co.

The Consequences

“By the end of this season, ETC will have hosted five creative teams here in Dayton working on new material to take back to New York,” Brush said. “The process is working and ETC is thrilled to be a part of it.”

Brush is also ecstatic to have Encore join forces with the Human Race as both organizations strive to supply a productive and entertaining musical theater festival.

“Encore Theater Company is really honored to partner with the Human Race Theatre Company, who has really perfected the musical development process for the region. I personally cannot say enough for Kevin Moore and the entire Race staff for both their forward thinking in this area and recognition of what ETC is working to do.”

Musical Theater Festival Schedule

Thursday, August 4

10 p.m. “The Consequences”

Friday, August 5

7 p.m.   “Play it Cool”

10 p.m. “Pump Up the Volume”

Saturday, August 6

12 p.m.  Meet the Writers (Loft Lobby)

7 p.m.   “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round: The Songs of Bob Merrill”

10 p.m. “The Consequences”

Sunday, August 7

2 p.m.  “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round: The Songs of Bob Merrill”

7 p.m.   “Pump Up the Volume”

-RF

– Human Race Theatre Co.  Photos by Scott J. Kimmins

– Encore Theater Co. Photos by Ray Zupp

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

The Human Race Theatre Company logoPLAY IT COOL

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND

PUMP UP THE VOLUME

at the LOFT THEATRE – 126 N. Main St.– map

For more information, call the Human Race at (937) 461-3823 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org.

Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Beginning August 5, tickets are $20 and will also be available at the Loft Theatre box office two hours before curtain.

Encore Theater Company LogoTHE CONSEQUENCES

performed in the KeyBank building (lower level patio) at Courthouse Square.

For more information, visit www.encoretheatercompany.com

Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

We Challenge You To “Find It Downtown”

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A scavenger hunt team in a totally different city - it is the best stock photo we could find...

Not all projects end with the exact same plan they started with – in fact, most don’t.  However, the hallmark of any good team is the ability to adjust.

When the updayton nightlife team first met at the Young Creatives Summit last April, they rallied around the idea of using artist propelled rickshaws to connect various parts of downtown.  This plan was proposed in response to a challenge from the Downtown Dayton Partnership to add a new aspect to First Friday that would help connect the many offerings from the galleries, restaurants and bars around downtown.

Well… not even a week after the Summit, Tricab was unveiled.   Not wanting to compete with a new business, the nightlife team went back to the drawing board.  This resourceful group of volunteers quickly responded with another popular idea discussed at the Summit: a First Friday Scavenger Hunt.  Says, team lead Duante Beddingfield of the scavenger hunt idea, “The Downtown Dayton Partnership and AAA have a great passport incentive that’s designed to get people around to all the galleries on First Friday, and we wanted to design something similar to move people around through the businesses and special events that are available as well.”

After a couple months of planning, the team’s first hunt is set for this Friday, August 5th.  The evening promises to be jam-packed with fun clue finding at stops at some of downtown’s best restaurants, venues and street art spaces.  Finding businesses to participate hasn’t been hard, says Beddingfield, “We’ve been knocked out by how enthusiastic the response has been from the business owners who want to be involved.”  In fact, a number of businesses are already lined-up for the group’s next hunt this October.

To get started on the Hunt this Friday, pick up your clue sheet from First Friday volunteers at RiverScape immediately following the First Friday After 5 Concert.  After completing the clues, head to the after-party destination: Lucky’s Tap Room and Eatery where complimentary drinks await everyone who completes the Hunt.

If you have questions about the event, contact Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].

Celebrate International #IPADay

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Thursday, August 4th, is the first ever International IPA Day. On Thursday  craft beer drinkers across the social sphere and across the globe will raise pints in a collective toast to one of craft beer’s most iconic styles: the India Pale Ale. This celebrated style represents the pinnacle of brewing innovation with its broad spectrum of diverse brands, subcategories, and regional flavor variations – making it the perfect style to galvanize the craft beer’s social voice.

This is a new kind of event: a social media event.  All around the world (mostly in the USA, and more predominantly on the West Coast) IPA lovers will share their IPA experiences via Twitter, Facebook, Four Square, and other technological means of social communication.

Here’s the deal. Go out and drink some IPA on Thursday, August 4th and share your thoughts about what you’re drinking via social media. On twitter, use and follow the hashtag #IPADay.

This event, which exists in both the cyber realm and at many local pubs around the world, is the brainchild of @TheBeerWench and @RyanARoss. Sure they have real names, but given the nature of the event they created, why use anything but their twitter handles?

According to the event founders, “International #IPADay is a grassroots movement created to unite the voices of craft beer enthusiasts, bloggers, and brewers worldwide, using social media as the common arena for connecting the conversation together.”

“To participate, share your photos, videos, blog posts, tasting notes, recipes, thoughts with the world on Twitter Facebook, YouTube, WordPress, RateBeer, Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp, Untappd or any other social media platforms you may use. Use the hastag #IPADay in all of your posts and then see what others are saying by searching the hashtag on google, twitter or other social media resources.”

Or feel free to leave your IPA endorsements in the comments below.

Aug. 5 First Friday has everything from skatedecks to a scavenger hunt

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Looking for a different way to explore downtown? The Aug. 5 First Friday is rolling in with a night of live music, art shows and entertainment.

Broaden Your Horizons

First Friday will be the continuation of the First Friday Passport Program. Pick up a First Friday Passport at RiverScape and other participating locations (click here for a list) to win prizes from AAA Miami Valley, which each month will award two prizes of one-year classic AAA memberships, with free renewals for existing members. Everyone who enters for the monthly prize now through Dec. 2 also will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of a $1,000 travel gift certificate.

The passport must be stamped by at least four locations, and visitors can get all four stamps during one First Friday or complete it another month. Once completed, they simply fill out their contact information and drop their passports in any of the First Friday Passport boxes that will be at all participating locations.

Get a Clue

The Aug. 5 First Friday is also the premiere of the First Friday Scavenger Hunt, an event hosted by volunteers from the young professional organization updayton. Teams of friends and families are invited to enjoy an evening packed with clues that include stops at some of downtown’s swankiest restaurants, venues and art spaces. Follow the clues to the final destination ― the First Friday After Party, where complimentary beer, wine and light snacks await everyone who completes the hunt. Clue sheets also will be inside First Friday passports.

Skateboards, Sculptures and Still-Life

Another featured event is the “The Art of Skate,” an art exhibit featuring skate decks and paintings celebrating skating culture past and present. Held at the Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St, more than a dozen artists contributed to the project, including Amy Kollar Anderson, Rev. Chad Wells, Mike Guidone and Jason Goad, along with two California artists. The exhibit will be open until midnight, and the skate decks will be raffled later in August.

New to the city’s arts scene, the Dayton Arts Project will present local artists’ work, followed by a performance of choreography, dance and media at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre. Featured artists include Damon Sink, who will create new live music in a collaboration with choreographer Rodney Veal; choreographer Ashley Sass, who will present her work, Momentum; Tom Watson III, presenting his Stem/ReAssemblage series; and Ben Quinn, who will display five new large works in a mixed-media exhibit.

Additional art shows include:

  • The Blue Sky Project’s final exhibit will be showcased at 8 N. Main St. In this eight-week summer artist-in-residence program, five professional artists from throughout the world have worked with area teens in a collaborative art-making process that resulted in the new works of contemporary art that will be on display.
  • The Cannery Art and Design Center, , 434 E. Third St., will host Doug Benedict’s “Found Object Steel Sculpture,” along with live jazz, wine and hors d’œuvres.
  • Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will present an introduction to the Record Gallery, a new store featuring collectible music items, along with new works by Mike Elsass and Bob Rhodes.
  • Color 2 Gallery, 519 E. Fifth St., will host Mike Elsass’ reception for the graduates of Stivers.
  • Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will host its 20th Annual Open Members’ Show in the gallery. A selection of artists from the Members’ Show will give brief gallery talks about their work.
  • Elaine Balsley Fine Art, 523 E. Fifth St., will feature artwork by Stivers School for the Arts graduates.
  • Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will feature new figurative wood carvings by Marvin Olinsky and new still-life paintings by Nancy Hatton.
  • K12 Gallery, 510 E. Third St., will feature the work of TEJAS summer art camp students, as well as work by local painters in an exhibition centered on landscapes and showing films created by students throughout this year in K12’s first Film Fest.

Hitting the Right Note

In the Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., the Dayton Creative Circus Collective will host Free Music First Friday featuring a rare Dayton appearance by The Hiders from Cincinnati. After its 2006 debut, the band was named by NPR’s World Café as an “artist to watch.” Tim Pritchard of the local band Floods will open at 8 p.m.

More live music will be featured throughout the Oregon District. Check out the Trolley Stop, the Oregon Express, the Tumbleweed Connection and the Dublin Pub for a variety of performances all night. Additionally, Practice Yoga will be hosting the WYSO-FM Rev. Cool Around the Fringe Dance Party, and several participating First Friday locations will be playing the long-running radio show.

Rock Out

Local musicians Blind Karma will play the First Friday @ 5 show at RiverScape MetroPark. The concession will be open and beer will be sold during the performance from 5-7 p.m. The concert will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.

…And There’s More!

Celebrating its grand opening will be Clash Consignment Co., 113 E. Third St., which features items for adult women and men, including an eclectic and funky mix of vintage to modern clothing, jewelry, shoes and other accessories. The store also carries original work by local artists, and will be hosting DJs during First Friday. New to First Friday is District Antiques, 122 Van Buren St., which specializes in antiques, collectibles, home furnishings and artwork. Patrons will receive 15 percent off new items and 10 percent off consignment items during First Friday. Martha Mellon Interior Design Studio also will offer free 30-minute in-store design consultations. Visitors are asked to bring their room measurements, photos, fabric samples, and toss pillows and other accessories to help with the design consultation. A variety of roaming performers will provide entertainment (weather permitting). This month, catch The Dropbacks juggling duo, the Circle Nerdz breakdance crew, solo saxophonist Tyrone Martin, and accordion and violin duet Nathan Rogers and Liz Landis.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m., many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for amateur and professional photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city in preparation for this year’s Downtown in Focus photo contest, held in conjunction with the Sept. 16 Urban Nights. Visit DowntownDayton.org for contest details.

Visitors also can get outdoors during First Friday for Courteous Mass, which will meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:15 p.m. for a bike ride through the event action. Gem City Circle Walks will host two historical walking tours led by longtime local history buffs Leon Bey, Nancy Roach and Curt Dalton. An Oregon Arts District walk will begin at 5 p.m. and the “Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton” will begin at 7 p.m. Each walk is $10 and advance reservations are required by contacting Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

In addition, all the restaurants, retail shops, bars and clubs, and other establishments throughout downtown will be open during First Friday. For regular updates about this event, follow First Friday on Facebook or text “FirstFridayDayton” to 90210.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from AAA Miami Valley, the Oregon District Business Association, Clear Channel Dayton, Heidelberg Distributing Co., Five Rivers MetroParks, Culture Works and WYSO-FM 91.3.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Click here for a complete list of events taking place downtown.

Add address – also, check for addresses throughout. Since this doesn’t start with the list, as in the release and brochure, there may be other places the address needs to be included.

First Friday band likes pop, rock, ‘unexpected elements’

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When Greg Bell plays a show with his band, Blind Karma, he goes for impact.

“My first job is to do something that will astound my band mates to break that ice on stage,” he says. “Then we can address the audience as a unit.”

From Bell’s description of the band’s performances, it is clear it set out to entertain, no matter the cost.

“I don’t mind looking foolish if that opens the door to get the audience involved,” he says. “Generally, if I see someone shoe gazing, I will do something so ridiculous they can’t shoe-gaze anymore.”

Audiences can expect this outgoing presentation when Blind Karma performs at the Aug. 5 First Friday @ 5 summer concert at the RiverScape MetroPark pavilion .

Formed in 2008, Blind Karma is a trio of Daytonians who bring crowds to its feet with a variety of cover songs from as early as the 1960s. Bell says the band likes to play rock and pop music, but also tries to include unexpected elements in their concerts.

Although the band has original material, they are currently only playing covers. They pull their material from a variety of decades as to find something that appeals to everyone in the audience.

“I’m always hoping for that little extra something to remind the audience how special that song, that time period was,” Bell says.

Off the long list of songs on Blind Karma’s setlist, Bell declines to list a favorite to play live (“That’s like asking me to choose amongst my children!”) but admits “Time” by Pink Floyd is especially meaningful to him.

“It’s one of the most beautiful, moving songs,” he says. “I want to do it justice and play it with conviction. It has the potential to be an emotionally charged song.”

As far as venues go, Bell looks forward to playing in Dayton for a variety of reasons: playing downtown at RiverScape MetroPark, working with sound engineer Monika Shroyer and participating in a community event, such as First Friday.

Bell recognizes Dayton as a grounded place to perform — each venue has unique strong points and the and want to create the best experience possible for the audience.

“There is a direct connection here in town of people wanting to do the best we can with what they’ve got,” he says.

You can catch Blind Karma when they play the August 5 First Friday @ 5 concert from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. The concession will be open and beer will be sold from 5-7 p.m. The concerts will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.


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‘Jinxed’ Wins FutureFest

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Playwright Stacey Luftig

Ohio, specifically Dayton, is regarded as the birthplace of aviation so it isn’t surprising that “Jinxed,” a 1930s account chronicling pioneering colleagues Amelia Earhart and Jackie Cochran written by Stacey Luftig of New York City, received top honors at the Dayton Playhouse’s 21st annual FutureFest of new works, held July 29-31.

Luftig’s historically engaging if considerably cinematic and conceptually conventional tale – which challenged pre-conceived notions of Earhart’s legacy while shedding intriguing light on the relatively forgotten Cochran – garnered the highest scores based on criteria such as dialogue, plot, dramatic concept/theme and page-to-stage. The play’s enjoyable staged reading presentation, fluidly directed by Richard Brock, was marvelously heightened by a fierce, strikingly full-fledged performance by Kate Smith as the abrasive, tough-talking, determined, troubled and unabashedly self-absorbed Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier and an influential component in Earhart’s celebrated yet shaky career. Brock’s strong cast included Wendi Michael (an appealing Earhart), Michael Taint, Matt Turner, Franklin Johnson, Cynthia Karns and Mike Rousculp.

Longtime adjudicator Helen Sneed praised the material for its “great exposition” and “magnificent language.” “(‘Jinxed’) has elements of Greek tragedy and history combined,” echoed Eleanore Speert, founder and president of Speert Publishing who returned for her 10th FutureFest. “This play is about fame and what happens to the famous,” added David Finkle, senior theater critic for Theatermania.com. “(Luftig) should sell it to Lifetime.” The panel included 2002 FutureFest finalist Robert Koon of Chicago Dramatists as well as Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame member Dr. Robert W. MacClennan, professor emeritus of Sinclair Community College.

“So many things about FutureFest blow me away,” Luftig reflected. “So much generosity from so many people in such a short time. The planning and coordination that go into putting up three staged readings and three productions in one weekend – each for a single performance – it’s staggering. But you know what’s most amazing to me? An inspired director and a group of seven talented actors rehearse my play for six weeks, three nights a week. They read biographies of the real people my characters are based on. They stop rehearsals and debate, 10 or 15 minutes at a time, about this line or that line and what it means to the play. They devote the energy to create real relationships so that I could see my play not only live, but breathe. The designers give me lighting, a simple, elegant set, and sound effects – the sound of airplanes and radio announcers so critical to realizing my story. As if this weren’t enough, smart, sophisticated theater professionals – five of them! – give me constructive criticism, analysis and encouragement. And then the audience challenges me with their questions and their honest reactions. All these people, this fabulous community, do all these things because they love theater and to help me, a playwright they had never heard of, hear and see my work. And instead of getting an award, they give one to me. I am overwhelmed.”

The remaining contenders, selected from over 240 submissions, were: “Drawing Room,” an introspective examination of art and artists by Mark Eisman of New York City; “Roosevelt’s Ghost,” a politically charged drama by Dayton native and 2009 FutureFest winner Michael Feely of Woodland Hills, California; “The Haven,” a wonderfully contemporary, intimate, witty, relationship-driven character study by Richard Etchison of Los Angeles, California that could be a refreshing addition to the Chicago, New York or L.A. theater scene; “Allegro Con Brio,” a farce by Dayton resident Nelson Sheeley of Sinclair Community College; and “A Woman on the Cusp,” a mental illness-themed drama by two-time FutureFest finalist Carl L. Williams of Houston, Texas.

In addition to the cast of “Jinxed,” standout performers in the festival, which remained entertaining despite the lack of air conditioning, included: Mark Jeffers, Annie Pesch and Rachel Wilson of “Drawing Room”; Debra Kent, Charles Larkowski, David Shough and Michael Stockstill of “Roosevelt’s Ghost”; Megan Cooper, Danny Lipps, Deirdre Bray Root and Richard Young of “The Haven”; Cheryl Mellen of “Allegro Con Brio”; and Cher Collins, Lynn Kesson, Scott Knisley and K.L. Storer of “A Woman on the Cusp.” Also, Drawing Room” was terrifically accented by Terry K. Hitt, Patrick Hayes, Wendi Michael and Jacqui Theobald’s illustrations as well as Kirk Sheppard’s photography.

In a rare turn of events, according to FutureFest program director Fran Pesch, determining the audience’s favorite play has become problematic. “With approximately 75 percent of passholders returning ballots, it is impossible to name a definite audience favorite this year,” she said. “Three plays came within four votes of each other: ‘Jinxed,’ “The Haven’ and ‘Roosevelt’s Ghost.’”

My FutureFest rankings:

1. “The Haven”

2. “Roosevelt’s Ghost”

3.  “Jinxed”

4. “Drawing Room”

5. “A Woman on the Cusp”

6. “Allegro Con Brio”

For additional information, call the Dayton Playhouse at (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.com.

Metrosexuals, Hipsters and Missionary Dating – Two Weeks of Dating Adventures!

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You read right.  Though in abundance and for some reason attracted to me, I find myself a little less than enthused about the options of late. Is it the time we live in that have changed men and is what I want even in existence anymore?

Where do I begin this week?

The Metrosexual.

Could I date a diva? In the last year, I’ve met a few guys that are well kept..love shopping…the arts…and enjoy discussing fine cuisine and wine tasting with me. I’ve thought how great to find someone who enjoys the same things as me, how easier could it get?  Then it dawned on me that I have enough gal pals. Coming from the east coast, I’ve been exposed to a breed of man with nicely kept eyebrows and jeans that cost more than most things in my wardrobe.  I’ve grown accustomed to the fact that they exist but I don’t want one on my arm. In previous articles I’d mentioned my tendency to type cast and focus too much on what the ideal guy for me would be, but I think just wanting a “manly” type man isn’t  too much to ask for is it? I’m not quite sure why I attract this breed … but I’m not entirely sure why I attract a lot of what I do.  I couldn’t date a diva this much I know. If someone spends more time in the bathroom getting ready than I, well it’s doomed to fail and I envision cat fights and hurt feelings.  Like I said I have enough gal pals so I am not sure this would really be my thing. Also, if you’re confused about you sexuality and not just a well groomed metrosexual I am not the gal to help you figure that out. Point blank. There’s a fine line between asking  to borrow a pair of heels and asking to put them over your shoulders. (Sorry, Mom if  you’re reading this)..frankly, I think I am still in search of that lumberjack with a beard.

Hipster Dating.

“I date cops and you date hipsters with diagonal parts” a friend uttered to me recently as being the reason why I have no success in dating.  I have a tendency to really be drawn to those I share common interests with, but does that make me a hipster? I’m loud and out there a true extrovert yet I at times attract these awkward socially inept quiet types. Granted they have great taste in music which makes me think, so what if he’s an introvert it could work. I am learning the hard way that no it really can’t. I can’t date a guy who looks better in skinny jeans than I and I’m too much of a social butterfly to really be hanging out at home. So my friend is probably right in her own way. Though I am totally against type casting in dating I still tend to do it. I’m convinced that sometimes common interests don’t really equate to a soul mate, moreso just another few hipster boy besties. Which I can deal with. In fact, it seems in two years of dating I have acquired a great deal of awesome guy friends. No loss there. Some of the best beards I’ve seen though, I will give them that.

Missionary Dating.

The last and final interesting to happen last week was the end of something before it even began because of my spirituality. This was a first for me. I’m pretty public with my bible hugging ways and though some may be offended or turned off by that, it’s not something I’d ever keep silent or pretend not to be.  I’ve never really thought about religion being a serious factor to consider when dating until recently.  I think at this stage of my life I’d have to really be connected with someone on all levels. Physically, mentally and spiritually. I don’t feel it’s out of the ordinary either, to think this way. I had been talking to someone who I saw potential with, character wise. There were a few things however that left me uncomfortable about the situation. Primarily the distance between us and the length of travel it would entail to see one another. Have I mentioned I am not a fan of long distance relationships? I think so.  Since I am a big advocate of being open and honest, I decided to take my own advice this time and be truthful about why I didn’t think it would work.  After mentioning several factors, the last thing that I mentioned in my little “its not you its me” speech was that I really felt it necessary that spiritually I connect with someone because in the future, if there were a future it would matter. If I were on the other end of this conversation I’d have a great deal of respect for such honesty. It didn’t go as I had planned which made me feel confident about my decision to not move forward and pursue dating. While one thing was said to me privately about my reservations being understood, good old Facebook told a different story when this person posted a Facebook status basically attacking my faith and accusing me of being judgmental. Now I’m Judge Judy, whatever.

It’s all good.

In the midst of all this however, I did realize one thing. Being single is really a joyous adventure in self awareness. Everyday I learn something new about myself that just makes me feel better about the future. You have to really get out there and meet all kinds when you’re dating to really understand what it is you want. So what if I still have no damn clue, eventually something will stick. I see a lot of people who are so focused on finding someone that they start to lose themselves in the search. It isn’t healthy and finding someone should be more of a benefit to life rather than a need.

So, I say focus on what’s good and what’s happening right now rather than worry about whether or not you’ll ever meet Mr. or Mrs. Right. For me, there’s been some great “Mr. In the Moments” that have made it interesting and entertaining enough to hold me over. I know I’m closer then ever.