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Archives for October 2011

Film Review – The Ides of March (A-)

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(L-R) George Clooney as Governer Mike Morris, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Ehle as Mrs. Morris and Talia Akiva as Beth Morris in ``The Ides of March.''

It’s official. Brooklyn playwright Beau Willimon, one of the finest contemporary voices of his generation who took top honors at the 2005 Dayton Playhouse FutureFest of new works for his incredibly engrossing political drama “Farragut North,” will likely become the nationally recognized festival’s first champion to receive an Academy Award nomination.

“Farragut North,” which premiered off-Broadway in 2008 and takes its name from a Washington D.C. subway station near lobbyist-friendly K Street, has been excellently adapted by Willimon, George Clooney and Grant Heslov as “The Ides of March,” a powerful, intimate, fast-paced look at the schemes and pitfalls of a heated Democratic presidential primary in must-win Ohio. Sleekly directed by Clooney and primarily shot on location in Cincinnati, “The Ides of March,” a surefire Oscar contender for Best Picture and Best Director, centers on hotshot press secretary Stephen Meyers (a terrifically cool, suave and cunning Ryan Gosling) whose world is turned upside down when he begins to question his staunch allegiance to liberal Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris (a charismatic, dynamically assertive Clooney). Especially attractive to younger voters, Morris, firmly against the death penalty and America’s dependence on foreign oil, appears to be an ideal, formidable Obama-esque candidate, but Stephen stumbles upon an intriguing indiscretion that places his savior in an extremely damaging light. As betrayal and blackmail surface with impactful twists and turns, Stephen’s compelling tug-of-war with Morris, his fellow staffers, his chief adversary and an inquisitive journalist becomes a gripping thrill ride of secrets and lies. The story doesn’t break new ground, but still addresses its core themes of hubris and loyalty with thought-provoking insight.

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With keen attention to detail, Clooney, spearheading his best cinematic outing since 2008’s “Good Night, and Good Luck,” expertly showcases the grueling yet flavorful pulse of the campaign trail from the hustle and bustle of headquarters to private conversations spoken in the shadows. He also crafts top notch performances from one of the strongest ensembles you’ll find on screen this year. Gosling, a recent knockout in the fantastic indie “Drive” and underrated “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” conveys an appealing inner fire throughout as well as an engaging sensitivity in his magnetic scenes with the luminous Evan Rachel Wood as Molly, a dutiful intern. The always commanding and entertaining Philip Seymour Hoffman, expressing a hint of campaign fatigue in his eyes, is superbly disconcerted as Paul Zara, Morris’ campaign manager whose particularly testy confrontation with Stephen set against the backdrop of the American flag is nothing short of fantastic. Paul Giamatti, in one of his juiciest roles, is splendidly shrewd as rival campaign manager Tom Duffy. Marisa Tomei brings great color and personality to her portrayal of Ida, a skeptical New York Times reporter. Tony Award winner Jeffrey Wright (“Angels in America”) shines in his brief role as an opportunistic senator. The Oscar race for Best Supporting Actor is bound to include Clooney, Giamatti or Hoffman.

Willimon, who assisted Howard Dean during his 2004 presidential campaign, certainly could have adapted the screenplay on his own, which would have provided a more accurate reflection of the conceptual strengths within “Farragut North,” specifically the testosterone-fueled dialogue’s rapid fire zing that feels slightly less vigorous and snappy on screen. Even so, in expanding Willimon’s original framework, Clooney and Heslov’s contributions do not diminish its potency or relevance. In addition to inevitably and astutely reshaping Morris as a major character (he is unseen in “Farragut North”), an emotionally charged subplot involving Molly and a striking new ending that heightens Stephen’s clout and fortitude are very effective. Side comments about an unenthusiastic field of Republican candidates and Democrats proclaiming themselves as underdogs also help the film remain topical while remaining neutral on the whole.

“The Ides of March” is a testament to Dayton’s ability to be a viable launching pad for emerging artists across the country. The Dayton Playhouse recognized, encouraged and rewarded Willimon’s immense talent long before Hollywood took notice. In January, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will surely follow suit.

 

The Ides of March

Rated: R

Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

Screenings: Rave Motion Pictures The Greene 14, Rave Motion Pictures Huber Heights 16, Rave Motion Pictures Dayton South 16, Regal Hollywood 20 at Fairfield Commons

Speak your mind…

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I’m only one person….

My vote doesn’t matter….

I don’t really know the issues that well….

I don’t live in the city limits….

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Everyone is fed up. Between ‘tea-partiers’ upset at government and ‘occupiers’ upset at corporations – everyone has an opinion. Now it’s time to hear how opinions manifest into action for the City of Dayton. What can the City of Dayton Commission do to make our region a place for young professionals to live, work and play? How will you vote on Issue Two: is it asking everyone to pay their fair share or is it a violation of rights? Learn more – be informed – come to the updayton election forum.

Regardless of where you live, what happens in the City of Dayton affects your neighborhood
and everyone in Ohio votes on State Issue 2!

You are one person and your vote does matter.

Participants at updayton election forum

On Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, updayton will host their third annual Election Forum. The Election Forum provides young creative professionals the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them about State Issue 2 and to question City Commission candidates on their plans for Dayton. The forum will take place at Harmon Business Center (530 N. Main Street). In partnership with updayton, the forum will be co-moderated by Monica Schultz and Gary Leppla of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area.

As part of their mission of attracting and retaining young talent to spur economic growth, updayton advocates to local, state and national leaders. The Election Forum has become a mainstay of updayton programming. This yearly event provides this younger demographic a chance to ask tough questions to area candidates and learn about important issues.

Scott Murphy, updayton chair, welcomes young creatives to election forum

Updayton advocacy chair, Shanon Potts, stated, “Updayton is relentlessly devoted to collecting data on young talent attraction and retention, but we can’t stop there. We must use this data to advocate for our future in this community. Updayton’s Election Forum is the exclusive pre-election event dedicated to accepting questions on behalf of young, creative professionals and then connecting them with candidates and issues of importance to them.”

All are welcome to attend, whether you are a City of Dayton resident or “young” professional or not. Questions and important issues may be submitted in advance for consideration online at http://updayton.com.

Potts would like to see the forum encourage young people long after the final question is asked. She says, “We hope that our dynamic Election Forum may even serve to motivate and inspire more young leaders to run for office!”

Confirmed speakers include:

How to attend:

Where: Harmon Business Center, 530 N. Main Street, Dayton

When: Wednesday, October 26, 2011; 5:30 Registration/Networking,
6-8:00 PM Forum

How: Free to attend, but please RSVP to [email protected]

Occupy Dayton, Wall Street… and The World

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Photo Credit: Marc A. Pitman

In a time of economic upheaval, the Occupy Wall Street movement has created national and international buzz that has become hard to ignore.

The movement is described as a “leaderless” movement by its organizers and participants. Even the OccupyWallSt.org website is labeled as “unofficial.” The website states the people involved with the movement have horizontally structured themselves. Basically this means everyone is a leader and organizer. As such they all have the same responsibilities and – most importantly – no one person is above another.

In recent weeks the movement has gained incredible momentum and taken root in many cities across the United States. The demonstrations have breathed new life into the debates over multiple issues, but largely focus on wealth inequality and corporate influence over government. Occupy Wall Street is a grassroots movement but it is clearly a potent one.

In fact, the occupy movement has become so strong that it has landed in our backyard: Dayton.

Like the Wall Street movement, Occupy Dayton emphasizes that they are a non-violent protest movement welcoming people from all walks of life to join with them. It’s even become something of a community that gathers and distributes supplies like blankets or food for fellow “Occupiers” within the crowd. They accept supplies like these as donations. Occupy Dayton also holds general assembly meetings to make decisions democratically where every protester who attends votes and has a say in decisions.

Photo Credit: Brooke A. Medlin

“Everyone that is a part of the movement is behind it,” said Shawn Cassiman, an organizer of the Occupy Dayton movement. “People are volunteering their skills and expertise in order to build the movement.”

Fellow organizer Christina Hull pointed out local issues that helped to spark the Dayton movement. “Dayton has been hit hard by corporations such as NCR, Mead, and GM leaving with our jobs and leaving a lot of Daytonians without an income or health insurance,” she said.

“We do not have millions of dollars to buy lobbyists to make sure our agenda’s are pushed or our voices heard,” said Hull. “This is the people’s movement. We all stand together as the 99% of American’s who want their voices heard.” She and Cassiman stated the Dayton group is not funded or run by any particular outside organization or political party. The support they receive comes from within their ranks.

Photo Credit: Brooke A. Medlin

Occupy Dayton held its first civil protest on the October 5th in Courthouse Square. Since then, the localized movement has begun to grow and has reached over 1,600 followers to date on its Facebook page. The organizers are moving quickly to utilize social media in the same manner as the overall Occupy movement.

Taking inspiration from the Arab Spring, “Occupiers” are tweeting, Facebooking, Flikring, tumblring, texting, and emailing their way into the forefront of the public’s awareness. This is no exception for our own Occupy Dayton movement. The Facebook group has successfully arranged and held three official gatherings with plans for three more listed for this week. Currently, they are working on setting up a blog and a permanent website to help their exposure and information accessibility.

Photo Credit: Marc A. Pitman

“We believe that Dayton is a great city with wonderful people and we want to bring awareness to them about corporate greed and it’s hand in our legislation,” said Hull. “This is America, the richest country in the world and our citizens are struggling for their lives on a daily basis.”

“This movement is for the long haul. It has to be. We haven’t even been around for a week, so we have some work to do,” said Cassiman. “Real change takes time, and can be messy.”

For more information on the Occupy Dayton movement, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/occupydayton and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/#!/OccupyDayton.

Film Review – Senna (B+)

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“It was pure driving, pure racing, there wasn’t any politics, no money involved either. It was real racing”. These introductory words spoken by Brazilian Formula 1 race car driver,

Ayrton Senna’s sets an apt tone for a story of an athlete whose spirit remained pure in the midst of an increasingly commercialized and impure sport.

The documentary, Senna opens with Ayrton Senna as a rookie driver at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1984. Shuttling his way from 13th to 2nd place, bested only by his eventual arch rival, French driver, Alain Prost on the account of a technicality, Senna makes it clear that he will become a force to be reckoned with at an alarming rate.

Senna’s story is told through a series of confessionals by his friends, family, and former colleagues. The film refreshingly, (and contrary to an earlier cut of the film) avoids resorting to a series of talking heads, instead maintaining a captivatingly cinematic feel with the use of exhilarating archival footage of Senna’s races complemented with narration. Plenty of the footage, especially the first person recordings taking place inside of Senna’s car have been previously unreleased. There isn’t a single race depicted in the film that doesn’t induce the nail-biting fear that these racers, Senna included may not cross the finish line unscathed. Feasting on the striking images of Formula 1 cars soaring across the race track in a hail of flurries, no amount of CGI NOS fuel injections will ever equate to the level of intensity felt in these scenes. The film does an expertly restrained job at molding Ayrton Senna into a martyr leading up to his final race at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. Following the untimely death of the Brazilian driver at the age of 34, previously unpracticed safety measures were implemented before all Formula 1 races. As a result, not a single fatality has occurred at a Formula 1 race since.

Widely considered a national hero in his birthplace of Brazil, director Asif Kapadia respectfully acknowledges the iconic display of talent and courage that Ayrton Senna embodied
throughout the duration of his far too abbreviated life and career. In addition to having keenly acute driving skills, Senna also acquired an uncanny ability to persevere in the unlikeliest of
situations. At one point, Senna manages to win a race with a stalling engine. On another occasion he wins a race on water logged tracks while steering a car stuck in 6th gear, earning the moniker ”genius in the rain”. Even as Senna’s career catches steam, Kapadia is conscious to resist bombast and maintains a quaint mood to the narrative of the documentary.

Ayrton Senna is as an eloquently well spoken man, concerned more with the well being of his home country, Brazil, than the spoils of fame. Even at his most philosophical, Senna never exudes a sense of self indulgence that would often result from the astonishing number of accolades he garnered throughout his short lived career. Marked by his words, “I’m as scared as anyone of getting hurt”, his humble yet truthful demeanor makes his final moments all the more tragic. The documentary is culminated in a scene of his funeral proceedings that’s as heart wrenching as any piece of fictional cinema that’s been depicted this year.

In hindsight, much of the film carries a sense of foreboding tragedy. Early on, Senna makes a New Year’s Eve themed appearance on a personal favorite 80’s relic of mine, Xuxa in 1989. She eerily gives him a New Year’s kiss for each year leading up to 1993, which happened to be the final New Year’s he would experience before his death. Other red flags such as fellow driver, Roland Ratzenberger being killed in San Marino during the race the day before Senna’s fatal accident stacks the deck of dread that permeates the third act of the documentary. Wisely, the film doesn’t revel in the potential horror of the situation and presents the unfolding of events as evenly as possible.

Senna succeeds at depicting Ayrton’s talent and a specific time in the media notoriety of Formula 1 racing however, it paints noticeably broad strokes concerning the politically questionable nature of Formula 1 Corporation. His personal relationships with his family and significant others are also devoted fleeting attention at best. What the documentary lacks in gravitas, it makes up for in the visceral portrayal of racing. Each high octane scene of racing is accompanied by a hauntingly kinetic score that never overwhelms or manipulates the narrative.

As satisfying as Senna is, don’t expect a sports documentary that’s nearly as dense or comprehensive as Hoop Dreams. However, on its own terms, Senna is by no means a puff piece and serves to be an exhilarating documentary about an athlete who’s far past receiving his due respect among mainstream audiences.

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Tea’s On for Dayton!

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Dayton’s own hidden pearls of culture and class, the tearooms of Basically British and Twin Creek offer relaxing sophistication, delightful fares, and ornate gift shops for those seeking a mini-vacation away from the usual city scene. Either British or Victorian-themed, both of these endearing tearooms offer fresh luncheons, steaming pots of tea and delectable desserts served in the most traditional of fashions and the most comforting of settings.

Nixing the need to head “across the pond”, Basically British Tearoom and Shop serves up three-tier tea luncheons in Dayton’s own downtown. Terry Ronald, a native Englander from the town of Wallasey and Vicki Morris, Dayton-raised “Brit-at-heart”, own the British-influenced establishment. Originally opening in 1994 as a British Import Gift Shop that offered imported British candies, foods, teas and gifts, the shop has expanded to include a traditional British tearoom for anyone willing to make a reservation. Together the pair has charmed Daytonians by enticing visitors with imported tea, homemade cooking, and unrushed tranquility.

Basically British is located in the old building known as “The Cannery” at 502 East Third Street. High ceilings, deep hardwood floors, brick-laid walls, and elegant woodwork invites guests into a stylish yet invitingly “male-friendly” ambiance where, although roomy, reservations are a must. The tearoom of Basically British sets visitors up for a three-tier afternoon tea where each individual is granted a four-cup pot of freshly brewed tea from the 85 varieties offered on the in-house loose-leaf tea menu. The exotic tea varieties have not only been given international awards but each of the teas are available for by-the-ounce-purchase in order for your favorites to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

To keep things interestingly unpredictable, the folks at Basically British change their lunch menu monthly in order to offer seasonal surprises that seem to never bore regulars. A few of October’s special offerings include a Woodland Fairy Acres spice island rose scone, an artichoke and mushroom-stuffed tomato and a maple cranberry cup.

Food is baked fresh everyday at Basically British and although a bit pricey for the typical “quick lunch” (at $22.95 plus tax per individual), the tearoom is meant to be an unhurried, peaceful and enjoyable experience. The goal of Basically British is to “to offer a tranquil setting for our adult patrons to enjoy” and thus, they do not allow infants or children under age ten among the tea patrons. Basically British serves tea Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 am until 3 am. Their exotic Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.

A tad further down the streets at 19 East Dayton Street of West Alexandria, those seeking a more old-fashioned, Victorian style experience should try Twin Creek Tea Room and Ivy Parlor Gift Shop. Upon its original opening in 1993 by Melodie Dill and Pam Morneault as Twin Creek Town House Tea Room and Catering Company, visitors have eaten and sipped on the lower level tearoom and shopped at the upper level’s Ivy Parlor Gift Shop. The Ivy Parlor Gift Shop has now expanded to the entire upper level and since June of 2000, the initial owners of 19 East Dayton Street, Mark and Carolyn Ulrich, have run the tearoom and Ivy Parlor Gift Shop.

Twin Creek Tea Room is located in a restored Victorian era home where an enchanting atmosphere created by gracefully decorated tables, teapot candles, elaborate wicker chairs and romantic ambiance attracts visitors into a comfortablely elegant luncheon. The pleasant staff seems to genuinely care about the experience of the customers, offering friendly service, helpful suggestions and warm concern about the overall experience.

The menu of Twin Creek Tea Room is more extensive than that of Basically British’s and seems to offer larger portions for less expense. Twin Creek offers a variety of different menus, including the Summer Strawberry Sensations Menu, Weekly Lunch Specials, Panini Menu, Luncheon Menu, Children’s Menu, Specialty Coffee and Teas, Box Lunches, and Carry-Out Luncheon Combinations and Take-Out Items; all for under ten dollars.  A few of many menu selections include a ham pimento cheese panini, fresh layered vegetable sandwich, petite sandwich sampler, daily quiches, chilled layered carrot cake and warm apple dumplings, just to name a few. In the less elaborate realm of beverage choice of the Twin Creek Tea Room, they offer rooibo teas, chai tea lattes, espresso and a variety of cappuccinos and sipping chocolates.

All are welcome at the Twin Creek Tea Room and although reservations are welcome, they are not required. Lunch is served Wednesdays through Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm but they offer private parties and catering upon request. Six times a year the tearoom takes reservations for Candlelight Dinners where dinner entrees change depending upon the occasion. The upcoming Sweetest Day Candlelight Dinner will be held on the 15th of October and the tearoom is currently taking reservations.

In terms of Dayton tearooms, Basically British and Twin Creek Tea Room each offer quite unique menu options, cultural ambiance and out-of-the-box lunch experiences for individuals, couples, and private parties alike. I would recommend both tearooms to the college student, curious adult and special occasion venue. As a wise lady by the name of Catherine Douzel once said, “Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.” Go ahead, embark!

Transylvania Mania

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A.J. Holmes and Rory Donovan, Young Frankenstein Touring Company. Photo: Paul Kolnik

“The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein,” presented in its local premiere at the Schuster Center by the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series, lacks the comedic ingenuity and melodic strength of Brooks’ historic, lucrative 2001 adaptation of “The Producers,” but it’s still a highly entertaining, impressively designed show that remains faithful to the classic 1974 film.

Adapted in 2007 by Brooks and Thomas Meehan based on Brooks’ Oscar-nominated screenplay co-written by Gene Wilder, “Young Frankenstein” tells the funny if slight story of New York brain surgeon Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronkensteen”) who travels to spooky Transylvania to claim his inheritance. Along the way, with able support from his trusty sidekick Igor, sexy assistant Inga and his legendary grandfather’s ex-lover Frau Blucher, Frederick heeds his ancestors’ advice and creates a monster. Naturally, his monstrous handiwork wreaks havoc across the countryside, eventually kidnapping and falling in love with Frederick’s glamorous fiancée Elizabeth.

The nostalgic appeal that stems from being reunited with the film’s clever jokes and sight gags (such as the gigantic door knockers, revolving bookcase and horse whinnies at the sheer utterance of Blucher’s name) is a huge plus because Brooks and Meehan have difficulty expanding and sustaining the plot’s momentum over two and a half hours. They particularly opted not to spoof musical theater conventions a la “The Producers” or provide a deeper backstory for the characters. In fact, there really isn’t anything fresh that revitalizes this tale besides its original songs, solely composed by Brooks, which are merely serviceable rather than sensational. In turn, as in the film, the finest moment belongs to Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” brilliantly conceived by director/choreographer Susan Stroman and sharply recreated by choreographer James Gray. The imaginatively show-stopping number, worth the price of admission and just as good here as it was on Broadway thanks to a razzle dazzle ensemble, nearly rivals Stroman’s exuberant staging of “Springtime for Hitler” from “The Producers.”

Young Frankenstein Touring Company Photo: Paul Kolnik

Director Jeff Whiting, working with Stroman’s fantastic original design team consisting of scenic artist Robin Wagner, costumer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Peter Kaczorowski and sound designer Jonathan Deans, dutifully recreates her witty, vaudevillian vision and coaxes first-rate performances across the board. A.J. Holmes is a perfectly high strung Frederick with an appropriately astute Gene Wilder sensibility. The scene-stealing Christopher Timson portrays Igor with terrifically impish enthusiasm. The lovely Elizabeth Pawlowski is an adorably sweet Inga. Pat Sibley, an effortless comedienne with great timing, is a delightfully authentic Frau Blucher. The imposing Rory Donovan effectively juggles the Monster’s humorous and threatening characteristics. Lexie Dorsett, suitably swanky and divalicious as Elizabeth, hilariously emphasizes the innuendo within “Deep Love.” Britt Hancock shines in the dual roles of Inspector Kemp and the Hermit. As Victor, Frederick’s grandfather, Wright State University alumnus Jerome Doerger notably leads the jubilant “Join the Family Business.”

Front to back. ElizabethPawlowski, A.J. Holmes and Christopher Timson Photo: Paul Kolnik

“Young Frankenstein” isn’t on par with “The Producers,” but it’s a naughty roll in the hay intended to tickle your funny bone as only Brooks can.

The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein continues through Oct. 9 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $37-$92. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Is Your Chili Worth $500?

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On Sat, Oct 22,  the Kroc Center is hosting a Chili Cook Off from 10am – 2pm.  Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 chili cooks, as well as a people’s choice and best decorated booth.  First place wins $500, 2nd will win $200 and 3rd place is $100.  Entrants must apply with a $25 booth fee by Oct 14th.  There are 12 spots available and all chili must be prepared and cooked on site.  Participants must prepare at least 2 gallons of chili for judging and public tasting.   Chili must contain 95% lean ground beef. See complete rules here.

Guest are invited to stroll the Kroc campus, sample chili and enjoy live music and their will be a costume contest and inflatables for the kids.  The Ohio Beef Council will be on hand doing live food demos and there will  even be a pumpkin patch.  $5 admission. The Kroc Center is located at 1000 N. Keowee Street, however the parking lot entrance is off Webster Street.



The Hairy Art Palace in Yellow Springs

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Welcome to the Hairy Art Palace where women with hairy arm pits create art with yarn, floss, felt, paint and laughter.  Meet Hairy Mary, play I Spy with the art (win a prize) or try the other goofy art games and puzzles, enjoy wine and the black and white food table (that’s black and white food not the table.  Well actually the table’s black too.) and of course view Awesome Art.   The Jafagirls have created a funhouse of interactive art.  If you’re willing to crawl along the floor you can even see the “The Dog Gallery.” Then listen to a radio interview with Bitty the dog.

OK that’s my opening,  Corrine and I have been working like dogs (not Bitty, he’s lazy) getting this show together.  We are psyched and getting into the sweaty armpit part of the process.  Will we have the gazillion details done before the Friday the 14th opening?  Yes!  And “Yes” we will take baths before the reception.

Speaking of hairy armpits, we will have Portable Hairy Armpits for you to try on.  A Photo op if you dare.

The Jafagirls, Corrine Bayraktaroglu and moi, Nancy Mellon do street art in Yellow Springs.  Since I have to go back to work, details, details, what follows is “the details about who, where, why, when”  from the delightful Deb Housh, the extroardinare Gallery Coordinator for the Yellow Springs Arts Council:

The Yellow Springs Arts Council presents “Hairy Art Palace”, an exhibit of mixed media works by local “infamous” artists, Nancy Mellon and Corrine Bayraktaroglu, aka the JafaGirls. A Third Friday Fling Opening Reception will be held on Friday, October 14, 6-9 p.m. at the YSAC Gallery, 309 Xenia Avenue.


The show will present a mixture of works in media ranging from traditional to contemporary, as well as photography that showcases recent street art projects. The JafaGirls are best known for their Knit Knot Tree of 2008, which picked up international press and was written about in the Washington Post, NY Times, Boston Globe, International Herald Tribune, among other news sources. That project sparked a flurry of other knit bombing, felt flowering and guerilla art acts and displays by the JafaGirls in Yellow Springs.

They use processes and forms of art often considered too ladylike, too old fashioned or irrelevant for “high” art, and they blow those preconceived notions out of the water. Nancy and Corrine craft for a purpose—to bring community together, to encourage questioning of one’s surroundings, to make people smile, and sometimes to convey strong messages about politics and culture.

Works by the JafaGirls are highlighted in a newly released book entitled Craft Activism: People, Ideas, and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join In, which will be available at their show.

For more information about the JafaGirls or a private viewing go to http://jafagirls.wordpress.com or email [email protected]. For more info about Yellow Springs Arts Council, visit www.ysartscouncil.org


The Hairy Art Palace  will be open during the Friday 14, Art Stroll 6-9 p.m. and Artist Studio Tour Saturday, October 15, noon-6pm and Sunday October 16, noon-4pm. Additional extended hours will be Saturdays from 10am-1pm October 22 and 29th. A YSAC special event, “Experience Saturday”, will close out the show on November 5 from 7:30-10pm.

Bring quarters for the Art Ball Vending Machine! P.S. I’m back.  Friday the 14th starts off a grand art weekend in Yellow Springs, Art Stroll Friday night and Saturday and Sunday are the Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tours. The Scarecrow Festival will also be going on in town.  I saw a spooky, Steam Punk, headless lady being created by an artist for Wavelength Salon.  They are going to be all over downtown Yellow Springs.  See you in the Springs!

SENNA and LIFE, ABOVE ALL at The Neon

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Hello Everyone,

We’re opening two new films this weekend.  First is a documentary for which we have received numerous requests – perhaps as many as we received for BUCK.  This time, instead of a horse trainer, the subject is regarded as “the best driver who ever lived” – SENNA.  We will also open a small African film which will only play for one week.  If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, I’m almost certain you’ve seen a trailer for LIFE, ABOVE ALL – a film for which Robert Ebert gave a 100% review.

Synopsis for SENNA:  “Senna’s remarkable story, charting his physical and spiritual achievements on the track and off, his quest for perfection, and the mythical status he has since attained, is the subject of SENNA, a documentary feature that spans the racing legend’s years as an F1 driver, from his opening season in 1984 to his final, tragic race a decade later. Far more than a film for F1 fans, SENNA unfolds a remarkable story in a remarkable manner, eschewing many standard documentary techniques in favour of a more cinematic approach that makes full use of astounding footage, much of which is drawn from F1 archives and is previously unseen.” (Working Title Films)  Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for LIFE, ABOVE ALL: “Just after the death of her newly-born sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and the truth.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Living City is gearing up for their VAMPIRE retrospective.  The series will include 5 Films over the course of 5 Mondays at 7:30 – beginning October 17.  Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each.  A festival pass – good for all 5 screnings – will be available this weekend for just $30  (members of FilmDayton will receive $5 off the festival pass price).   Here are the dates and films:

October 17 – THE HUNGER

October 24 – DRACULA (1931, starring Bela Lugosi)

October 31 – THE LOST BOYS

November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

November 14 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992).

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 7 – October 13:

SENNA (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:20, 7:50

LIFE, ABOVE ALL (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:30, 5:00

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

HIGHER GROUND (R) 1 Hr 49 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 14  RESTLESS

Oct. 14  THE FUTURE

Oct. 21   THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Nov. ?   MARGIN CALL

Dec. 2   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKEND

Food Adventures Spice Things Up at Amar India

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Indian food.. some people love it,  some people cringe, others have never had it.  Being Food Adventurers means we try and experience many culinary things in life, some out of our comfort zone.  Enter Amar India, one of the fancier Indian restaurants in Dayton, located across from the Dayton Mall.

The Big Ragu and Crew have developed a taste for Indian food over the years, and for us it started with Amar India.  If you have never tried Indian cuisine, let us recommend this restaurant for your American pallet.

A great way to experience some Indian food and see what you like, is to go to their buffet lunch, where you can sample a number of dishes (usually appetizers and chicken and vegetarian entrees).  The buffet lunches are fairly cheap and again it is a great way to get a variety of items.  Dinner at Amar India is ordered off the menu only.  Amar India’s menu is fairly extensive, but to sort it out, the dishes are basically four types: vegetarian, chicken, lamb, and fish.  Each dish may be ordered on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the spiciest.

Our latest visit to Amar India started with our incredibly friendly and passionate waiter, Regendier.  He welcomed us and recommended a few menu items and was happy to be a part of our Food Adventure article and photos.  In our conversations with him, he shared his love for food, Indian culture, and Pro-Wrestling.  After some fun conversation, your humble F decided to order.

Vegetable Pakora is served with 3 tasty sauces

We started out with an appetizer, ood AdventurersVegetable Pakora.  For all intents and purposes it is a vegetable fritter or hushpuppy.  The Big Ragu was ecstatic because the item was deep fried.  We explored the accompanying sauces.  This appetizer was served with a tray with 3 cups of sauces.  The sauces were a green mint sauce, a spicy chunky sauce, and a sweet bbq-like sauce.  We thought the mint sauce was the best.

Then we saw a sight for sore eyes.  Our waiter was bringing out an order of our favorite side item, Garlic Nan Bread.  Amar India offers different types of Nan bread, which are homemade pita breads with different flavored ingredients cooked right into the bread.  We cannot stress enough, that an order of Garlic Nan bread is a MUST.  When coming to Amar India, we can’t function without it.

The Garlic Nan Bread Appetizer is Addicting

We have always had a love for an Indian dish called Saag Paneer.  It is a funny sounding dish, with a big taste.  It is fresh homemade cheese cubes cooked in spinach & light cream.  It was a perfect storm of spice and flavor.

The Big Ragu ordered Fish Masala.  This dish is marinated fish,  pan fried with tomatoes, curry and cream.  Ragu ordered spice level 4 and was sweating the whole meal.  The dishes are all served in oval metal bowls that look small, but the food is filling.  They serve the meals with a white rice that has some Indian flavor.  We were both stuffed after dinner.

Top to Bottom: Fish Masala, White Rice, Saag Paneer

Our check arrived with a candy treat, small little fennel pellets.  They taste like licorice, or as Ragu said “mini good-n-plenty.”  We asked our waiter if he would take a photo with us after the dinner.  He told us his heritage was Punjabi, and he primped his moustache before the picture by curling it with his hands.  He smiled, flexed and helped us cap off a great night with a few laughs.

Whether you have acquired a taste for Indian food or not, you really need to give Amar India a chance.  The dinners are reasonable at $13-$16 on average for the unique dining experience.  If you have not been there, it will be an experience your tastebuds won’t soon forget.

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Hot Talent Cool Gems Fundraiser Returns to Dayton

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The seedling Foundation has announced the return of the Hot Talent Cool Gems fundraising auction to support Stivers School for the Arts. The event is back by popular demand and is sure to be an evening to remember.

The seedling Foundation fundraiser is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 5th at Dayton’s Packard Museum with a 30’s-inspired theme. The event will hold a silent and live jewelry auction, have catered food, and feature artistic performances. So far, some of the high-interest items slated for auction are items gifted from celebrities like Martin Sheen, PBS celebrity chef Ming Tsai, Hope and former governor Bob Taft and others. The event took a break after it’s last appearance in 2008, but according to the foundation many supporters of Stivers have requested its return. Bill Pflaum, the president and trustee of the seedling Foundation, said in an interview that there will be a total of 100 pieces for the silent auction.

The Hot Talent Cool Gems will be catered by Coco’s Bistro, offering a wealth of gourmet hors d’oeuvres with a signature drink and dessert. The entertainment provided for the evening will feature student performances from all magnet areas of study at Stivers. Some of the night’s headliners will be the nationally recognized Stivers Jazz Orchestra and the dance program performance.

Stivers’ students, who often work elbow to elbow with professionals, are heavily involved in fundraising for their school and programs. Often, they raise money used to replenish art supplies and fund programs with their own art or performances. Pflaum gave a proud nod to the student fundraising efforts.

“The kids get very engaged,” he said with a smile. “They recognize that they have to put in if they’re going to get out, and they do. That’s a very strong ethic here.” He added that the seedling Foundation matches student fundraiser totals. The foundation is largely made up of Stivers student parents but also host community members on the board as well. Pflaum believes each person brings their own unique perspective and experience to the foundation.

The foundation hopes to bring in $50,000 worth of funding from Hot Talent Cool Gems. Pflaum believes reaching that amount is critical due to severe 2011-2012 school budget cuts. Like many other schools and organizations, Stivers has been hit by the downturn of the economy.

“It’s imperative that we get that community support to be able to sustain the kind of things that are happening for the kids right now,” said Pflaum.

For ticket prices and more information on the event or donations, visit the seedling Foundation’s website at www.theseedlings.org.

Stivers School for the Arts is a grade 7 through 12 public magnet school for the arts in Dayton with a national reputation for leaderships in arts education. Students audition to attend the school and once accepted are able to pick from eight areas of artistic studies (band, choir, creative writing, dance, piano, orchestra, theatre, and visual arts) to include in their education curriculum. The school is among the highest performing schools in the Dayton area.

Below is a television ad students at Stivers created with help and direction from their teachers.

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Seventeen Years in the Making – “Redemption” by Laughing Cattle

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In the world of music, time moves fast. Bands come and go within a couple of years, genres grow and then wither, and what’s popular today can be looked upon with disdain by tomorrow. In my short three years in the Dayton area, I have seen a number of bands form and then break up. Things just move fast in this scene, and it’s something one gets used to. It’s impressive when a national act lasts for more than a decade. When a local band can outlast them and still continue to put out gems, you know you have something impressive.

Laughing Cattle

Case in point is the band Laughing Cattle, hailing from Sidney, just a bit north of Dayton. According to their personal biography, these guys have been together since 1994. They started out as a two-piece with Mikey Brown and Jamey Deeter on vocals and guitars, respectively. Since then, they have added drummer Larry Donahue and bassist Scott Hoffman. Over the years, they have released five full-length albums, with the most recent one having been released only two months ago.

Redemption, the newest release from Laughing Cattle, could be summed up in one word: “headbanging”. Most of the album keeps a slow, methodical pace led by a strong rhythm section, to the point where one just can’t help but bang their head along with the beat. Most of the tracks on this album fall into a hard rock/punk style, keeping a similar style throughout the album.

The first track, “The Confrontation”, sets the tone with a few strong chords from the guitar before handing it over to the bass to get things going. The track continues into a low-chord jam, with Brown’s distinctive vocals layered over-top, mid-range and rough. “What Have I Done?” runs a different style from the rest of the album, with an almost punk feel. This track leads directly into the next, “Circles”, which brings the sound back to driving chords with a basic rhythm back up.

The drums get to break out in “Crucified”, with some interesting bass drum work leading a crunchy guitar style in the verses. “This Judgement” picks up the pace a bit again, but still sticks firmly in the rock side of things. Deeter’s first real solo of the album is featured here – nothing too complicated, but standout nonetheless.

The rhythm section takes over in “Bound”, with a strong showing bass-drum-wise from Donahue and all-around from Hoffman. The guitar mostly follows the vocals in this track, complimenting and reinforcing them. “Sanity’s End” features a groovier rhythm and some standout vocals reaching a bit outside of Brown’s typical range on the album.

“Awaken” is the chance for every instrument to shine. As the track builds from beginning to end, each member gets a chance to solo for a few seconds, giving a pure glimpse at the band’s talent. The following track, “Pain Becomes My Friend”, doesn’t really showcase any unique performances, blending into the rest of the album. The final track, though, is definitely one to check out. “Climb The Mountain” opens with a catchy bassline and drum rhythm, building up to some of the best guitar-work and most catchy moments on the album.

Overall, Redemption showcases a specific sound, but it’s a sound that the band creates well. After seventeen years, Laughing Cattle knows its style and how to use it, and Redemption showcases it at their best. Despite a few lulls and some repetition here and there, I would definitely recommend checking out the album in its entirety. Redemption can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody.

Recommended Tracks

-What Have I Done?

-Awaken

-Climb The Mountain


EPK

Jane’s Best Bets (10/5 – 10/9)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It is going to be another great fall week in Dayton with plenty of things to do!

On Wednesday, it’s all about social justice, with a little theater and beer brewed in the mix.  At lunch time, attend the Awareness Luncheon at the Dayton Racquet Club to learn more about human trafficking or the Domestic Violence Vigil at Courthouse Square to remember the victims of domestic violence and to honor those survivors.  At the Schuster Center, you will be able to attend Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’.  And I didn’t forget the beer – there is a Beer Tasting at Trolley Stop, as well as a Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine.

On Thursday, don’t miss your chance to get fresh produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  You may have to wait another year for both Dayton’s and Minster’s Oktoberfests, but you will still have the opportunity to participate in Rue Dumaine’s Oktoberfest, with a special menu and beer selection!  One of the other great things about this time of year is pumpkin beer…and you will be able to have some with the Pumpkin Beer Tap Takeover at Spinoza’s or Pumpkin Beer Night at Thai 9.  And if you feel guilty about drinking beer, then pair it with religion with Theology on Tap at Oregon Express.  Wishing to jazz things up a bit?  Listen to Ed Clay and The Patrol as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute.  If you want to get involved in your community, join Generation Dayton for the event, Better Boards 101.  And at the Fraze in Kettering, participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk.

On Friday, if you enjoy discussing economic issues, then be sure to attend the Economic Summit on the Revitalization of Manufacturing at the Dayton Convention Center.  Friday is also First Friday downtown, so be sure to check out all the galleries, live music, demonstrations, the First Friday Scavenger Hunt, the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s Steamroller Prints: Flat-Out Fun, and much more!  At Victoria Theatre, “catch” The Flying Karamazov Brothers, whose show will involve music, comedy, dance, theater, and juggling.  Plus, there is a Buckeye Vodka Tasting prior to the show!  If you enjoy being spooked, then make your way to the Land Of Illusion Haunted Scream Park in Middletown.  At the Schuster Center, Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’ will still be showing.  And over at Sinclair, check out A Vintage Affair, in which you will be able to sample wines and unique beers, have a few hors d’oeuvres and desserts, take part in a silent auction, and enjoy jazz music.

On Saturday, kick-off your day with me at the Kickin’ It for Breast Cancer Fall Kickball Classic.  They have gone country at the 2nd Street Market with Saturday Live Music by The Johnsons.  Make a trip up to Yellow Springs for the Yellow Springs Street Fair.  Or make your “way” to Waynesville for the very popular Sauerkraut Festival – just be sure to get there early as it will be very “krauted”.  Oktoberfest celebrations are not over yet!  Head to the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club for their Oktoberfest Celebration.  There will also be beer at the Big Beers & Barley Wines Beer Fest 2011 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  At Stivers, watch the amazing Dayton Contemporary Dance Company during their Fall Concert – Director’s Cut.  Attend Haunting Harmony at Centerville High School to listen to the Gem City Chorus, with some great guest artists including contestants from NBC’s The Sing Off. Or catch Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’ if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to do so.

On Sunday, kick it into gear by participating in the 35th Dayton River Corridor Classic Half-Marathon & 5k Run/Walk.  Head to Stivers to see the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Director’s Cut.  Purchase some local goods at Garden Station Sunday Market.  In addition, you will be able to check out the Ohio Renaissance Festival, the Sauerkraut Festival, or Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’.

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

What do you call a clever monster?  Frank Einstein

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!

Forever Loving Your Crazy Self

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This photo, taken during that infamous home-ec class at Centerville High School, is perhaps my favorite of us.

Dedicated to Jason Braman.

Things I want to remember: Hissing “yesssss” at each other through the phone. Listening to “Arnold Layne” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” at full blast in your room with the strobe light flashing. Drawings created with ball-point pens and colored pencils ― your doodles. Hippie beads, scarves and that cape I made you from a red velvet bedspread we bought at the Goodwill in the Oregon District. The way you carried one of those ’70s flowered suitcases as a book bag at Centerville High School, circa 1988. Songs you wrote and played for me on the guitar. Trudging along in the snow-covered golf course behind my parents’ house admiring the sun’s glint in the ice-covered trees. You, an almost constant passenger in my red Chevette.

Remember how we could read each other’s minds? People thought it was something we, the wacky and iconic couple, made up. But we knew it was true. I wonder if you’ve been reading my mind in the weeks since you’ve been gone.

I’ve been wearing that silver and opal ring you gave me, on a chain around my neck. My body has spread a bit since that day in high school when you got down on one knee in home-ec class and proposed to me. It doesn’t quite fit my ring finger, but on the chain it lays right on my heart. Back then, we had read books about soul mates, astrology and numerology checked out from Woodbourne Library and we knew we’d be connected forever. Back then, forever was a philosophical concept we also discussed for hours while hanging out at Denny’s or in David’s Cemetery. I’ve been wearing this ring to remind me I once had that kind of connection with another human. Even though it has been years since I last saw you, I miss you so much now. Like crazy. You left me way too soon.

Homecoming 1988.

Things I want to forget: Visiting you in the psych ward at Grandview Hospital and Twin Valley Medical Center. Having to tell you I can’t see you anymore because you stole beer and over-the-counter medication from my house. The vague sense of relief I felt when you canceled plans for us to get together because you were “sick,” although I was sure it was because you’d had too much to drink.

All these memories I want to crumple up. After all, you are my coming of age story. We were inseparable for nearly three years during that time when we lurched through poems and art and music and books, grabbing pieces of who we would become. Pieces of me are swimming with your ashes in that Wisconsin lake, and I feel pieces of you in me like lumps under my skin.

You are the person who convinced me I could write, even though you, too, could cook words into a gourmet meal. I remember reading you a piece on the phone that began with a letter to you. At the end, you were crying. I doubt I’ll ever publish that piece. It’s about such a dark time in my life ― geesh, it’s titled “100 Days of Winter” ― but I reprint the letter to you here:

A piece of your artwork, titled "The Fear and the Struggle," from 1991-1992.

Dear Jason,

Sorry I’ve been out of touch this past year, but I’ve been really busy going crazy. Burying my I-can-hold-a-day-job self in a morass of self-loathing has taken a lot of my time.

I know I’m not supposed to say I’m “crazy.” Or “nuts.” I know those aren’t politically correct terms. They offend someone. But I am crazy now. Here’s how I know: Sitting in my doctor’s office, in the windowless basement of some rectangular brick building, I started to cry because some soft-serve song about “remembering people” played on Lite 99.9 FM. It’s supposed to be nothing more than the background noise in the office, dimming the buzz of the florescent lights, but this song was on a DVD played at Kier’s sixth-grade graduation featuring smiling portraits of all the kids who were moving on to junior high and lives of teenage malaise. I started sobbing ― guttural cries that made me double over and start choking. I freaked the receptionist, who took me right back to an exam room. My blood pressure was something nearly unheard of, like 100 over 200, and she told me to breathe, panic spreading across her face like a wine stain on carpet.

I also know I’m crazy because of what happens to me at night. The hand of a ghost reaches into my brain and turns up the volume to 10. Boosts the bass, too. I’ll think it’s time for bed, and all of a sudden the cells in my body are humming a catchy show tune and tap dancing. Some nights, my head is an engine running full speed with no oil, metal scraping metal, a pain so intense I am almost paralyzed with fear that I’m dying, for real this time. Still other nights, I’m sent scampering to my journal, freestyling verse like some hot shot hip hop from the big city.

At our perpetual high school hangout, Denny's.

At our perpetual high school hangout, Denny's.

The moments when I can’t breathe remind me I’m crazy, too. It’s always something trite that gigs me out. Like thinking about a meeting and I haven’t written my stupid weekly activity report. Or because of a kitchen cabinet, like when someone goes on a search for hot chocolate mix and then puts everything back in the cabinet pell mell. I have to pull out everything, check for sticky spots on boxes and crumbs, wipe down everything, and put it neatly back in the cabinet the way nature intended.

Now, you know normal people don’t do these things. So I say I am crazy.

But enough about me. What was it like when you went crazy? Did you know it in one flash, like the Three Kings seeing the Star of Bethlehem? Or did it creep up on you? Was it like the feeling you have when a wispy Daddy Long Legs crawls up your leg?

Remember when you wanted so badly to be Syd Barrett, the madcap laughs, be crazy just like him? We used to make fun of you and call you “Syd the hairclip,” remember? So it was kind of funny at first when you really did go crazy. We thought you’d snap out of it, that it was one more of your eccentric experiments in living. But as time passed, it seemed a trap set in your brain was clutching you tighter and tighter. We would sit around my dining room table with somber faces, clutching glasses of wine as we discussed your latest antic or despair. “What happened to Jason?,” we’d ask, shrugging. Not everyone believed you were crazy, but I did. I believe it about myself now.

One of your poems, this one published in our high school literary magazine.

One of your poems, this one published in our high school literary magazine.

I should have gotten in touch with you sooner. I know you understand me. You always have, and you have never judged me no matter what. I can’t say the same about anyone else. Please write back soon.

Love you,

Kristen

I wrote that so long ago, but it’s still tinged with truth, at least from my version of this story that was your life. In my version, your life seemed utterly tragic at times ― so tragic that one of the most intelligent, thoughtful and creative people I will ever know was smudged with medication and booze and schizophrenia and pancreatitis. Really, though, you lived through a bullhorn, lived on your own terms. In moments, it may have felt a bit pathetic that you hadn’t quite found your niche when the rest of us “adapted” ― I wear high heels and blazers to work sometimes for chrissakes ― but I wonder now who is pathetic and who is true and free. If you were here, we would talk for half a day about this alone.

I have rewritten this piece 276 times. Waited a month to publish it. Only tonight, during a discussion at my book club about a memoir that reminded me so much of the terror and raw beauty that was you, did I realize it’s a dishonor to not put it out there. And so I do, even though I feel as if nothing I could ever write will serve your memory justice.

One of perhaps a million "artsy" photos I took of you in high school.

I hear you were truly in love when you collapsed on your couch. This makes me happy, because that is what you deserved. And regardless the pieces we remember, regardless of the way we choose to fit them together, those of us who knew you will never forget Jason Braman.

I promise to remember you as the tortured genius, the effervescent teenager I so deeply loved, with that laugh and skip and wry humor.

See you on the dark side of the moon.

Zig Zag Gallery To Host Soup Fundraiser

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Kim Megginson and her partner Brad Abbey at the Centerville gift shop are both potters, so it’s no surprise that they are celebrating American Craft Week.  As a part of the festivities, they will host their annual Soup for CERF fundraiser.  On Thurs Oct 6th and Fri Oct 7th from 5 – 8pm the Cross Pointe Gallery will be serving up soup.  The annual benefit for the Craft Emergency Relief Fund is part of a 15 year national relief effort that supports professional crafters when personal or natural disasters strike

Zig Zag Gallery will have a selection of pottery bowls donated by both local and national potters. Guests will choose their bowl  and fill it with a soup dinner provided byFlavors Eatery, Meadowlark Restaurant, Ashley’s Pastry Shop, Dorothy Lane Market and more!

For a $10 donation guests go home with a bowl and ZIG ZAG sends the money to the national fund that helps artists through direct financial and educational assistance to crafters,  including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance.

Of course while you’re there, you might want to check out the displays by local artists, shop the unique gift selections or pick up the latest charms for your Pandora bracelet.

Cross Pointe Centre 101 E. Alex Bell Rd. #172 Dayton, Ohio 45459 | Directions
Phone: 937.434.3565 | Fax: 937.434.2244 | [email protected]

Hours:  Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm | Saturday 10 am – 6pm | Sunday 12 noon – 5pm

Music Video Monday: October 3, 2011

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This week’s video comes to us courtesy of DaytonMostMetro’s own, Gladgirl.  It features Kelley Deal (The Breeders, Kelley Deal 6000 and R.Ring), Paige Beller (Jasper the Colossal) and Christine Hunt covering the Black Swans’  “Slide on Down.”  It’s a great intimate reminder that great musical collaborations are happening all the time in our fair city.  Enjoy!

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