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Archives for March 2012

Care and Feeding of Your Bartender

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My inspiration

I have been in the restaurant and service industry for quite a while. And over that time, I have seen a ton of things. I have seen a short Hispanic man in a frog thong dancing on stage. I have seen Chris Rock tear apart a room. I have been told I was the worst server my customer had ever had, and I have been told I was the best server they ever had. From the delightful to the horrible, you see a great deal things while you are helping people have a relaxing evening out. During my day job, if I have clients or managers roughing me up a bit, they never seem to do it with the vigor of someone who is missing their martini that they ordered “a half hour ago”. It is always a fascinating exercise in human nature to see how we are treated as bartenders.

Majority of the people in the service industry want you to have a great time while they are serving you. It is rare among the staff that I have worked with that they did not like people. Even after nights that we have run all over creation and walked out with little more than we started with, we still come back the next day to do it all over, with a certain undulled enthusiasm about making a killer tip. Or having a great night. It is fun to the point it is almost addicting. Steve Dublanica in his outstanding book Waiter Rant compared it to an addicted gambler; we always feel we are one day, one shift, one table away from a huge tip. And that comes back to why we are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure you have a great night.

I want to build a great relationship with you for that evening. Hopefully the next evening you go out as well. If you want to get the best experience you can with me (and other bartenders), here are some tips to help make this relationship work.

1. Get the bartender’s attention in a polite way. Eye contact and a smile works great. Maybe even a little wave if I seem incredibly busy. Under no circumstances should you snap or whistle at us. I am not a pet, and will come when I am called. In fact, I can find a cleaning project or two after being snapped at. Another good way to be ignored is to make sarcastic comments about how long the wait is. And calling me “Buddy” works wonders as well.

2. Be patient. I guarantee I am getting to you as soon as I am able. I will at least acknowledge your presence with a nod or a comment. On a busy night, I have dozens of drinks, customer orders, and server drinks to take care of, as well as making sure I am not running out of supplies by the time I get to your rounds. And I am hustling. While you are waiting, you can do this…

3. Figure out what you want. Do NOT, under any circumstances, start deciding what you want when I get to you, especially after a wait. You have had ample opportunity to choose. If you have a question on particular liquor, I would love to answer it. If you do not like the answer, have a back up drink. Hemming and hawing at this point is going to irritate us to no end. And maybe the rest of your party. And the people who are after your party.

Okay, I have this. All at the same time.

4. Order all of your drinks at once. You have my attention. I have a damn good memory. You do not have to order a drink, wait for me to finish it, and then order the next drink. I can combine steps and make drinks faster if I know all the drinks I need to make at once. Most bartenders have been around for a while, and can hold a few thoughts at the same time.

5. Put your cell phone away. With the explosion of the cocktail culture, there are millions of drinks out there. Not only that, there can be variations on those drinks. So while the Mixologist app might lead you to a tasty sounding drink like the 40 Volume Lemonade, you may want to wait until you are the only person at the bar so you can show me the phone, and we have a chance to look it over. If you can see I am incredibly busy on a Friday night, order a classic, or something that the house specializes in. Not something we have to learn to make on the fly. I want to make you a drink you are going to remember for how good it is and not one that tastes like I just dumped my spill mat into a glass (which is known as an L.A. Freeway).

6. Your drink has enough liquor. The standard drink in any recipe book or restaurant is between 1.5 and 2 ounces, depending on the drink. That is what I am pouring. Like food, cocktail recipes are designed to create a specific taste. If you want to taste the liquor, you can order a double. If you do not want that much liquor, ask for your drink short or with just a splash of mixer. That will bring the flavor of the liquor forward. And by no means expect a heavy liquor taste in mixed drinks like Long Island Ice Teas or Mai Tais. Cocktails of that nature were created to smooth out the roughness of the alcohol, not ramp it up. Trust us; you will feel it, even if you do not taste it. That being said…

7. Tell us if there is something wrong. It annoys me to no end if you tell me after the fact that the drink was wrong. It was too sour, did not taste right, maybe even something as small as looking like the wrong color can turn you off. If there is a legitimate issue, no matter how busy I am, I want to fix it. Many times the fix is fairly simple. I am human(ish). I make mistakes. Again, I want you to have a good night. Bad drinks do not make a good night. Or repeat business.

8. Tip. Early and often. Even if it just pop or water, leave a little something for the person who brought it for you. We remember, and it will ensure when there is a crowd of people clamoring for a drink, your drinks may get out a little quicker. Maybe a little stronger. It is also part of the cost of doing business. Going out in this country calls for tipping the people who take care of you. Budget that into your night. And never say something like “I would tip you, but the drinks are too expensive.” We hear that you would tip us, but you are too cheap.

9. We are servERS, not servANTS. The best way to make the night enjoyable for everyone is to realize that we are human. I have worked as hard becoming a good bartender as you did at becoming good at your current career. Studied and everything. Please be courteous and treat me as another person working hard for a living, not some sort of inferior. If I ask you “How are you doing?”, please answer it with a decent response. “I’ll have a Captain and Coke” is not a proper response. Not even in the right ball park of decent responses. See point four about memory…

I am just as invested as you are in having a good night out, getting your drinks to quickly and made correctly. I look forward to seeing you out this weekend and making you something tasty to drink. I would love for this to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Cheers!

Doors of Compassion Open for 2012!

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Helping our community

What would you do to get a chef to cook you a private meal? Not just any chef, but the likes of Chef Jen DiSanto from Fresco? Perhaps Chef Wiley and Chef Liz from the Meadowlark? Maybe Chef Dominique Fortin from C’est Tout? Or any of the other delightful culinary experiences we have in Dayton? Not only do you get an exquisite meal, you get to eat with friends and some of the top community leaders in Dayton. You do not have to think that hard about it, because the Ronald McDonald House has made it easy for you! They are once again presenting the Doors of Compassion on April 21st, an incredibly unique event where all proceeds will go to guest families who have children in the hospital with critically ill or injured.

You will get your notification of where you will be dining on April 21st about a week before hand. The evening begins at someone’s home with a dinner prepared by one of the top chefs in the area. They will all be given the same ingredients, add a little of their own flair, and create a one of a kind dinner for you and the other guests at your location. That is just where the night begins. After you have enjoyed fine food and company, you will be invited to attend the After Party Twenty Twelve, the location of which will be revealed at dinner.

The After Party will have a whole new round of delights for you! While you are enjoying an array of sumptuous desserts, coffees, and refreshing cocktails, you can enjoy music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s provided “Rodney the Band”. Make sure you take a look through all of the items and packages at the live auction being run by Bobbie Roland. One lucky guest that evening will also win the raffle to go home with a gorgeous James Free Jewelers’ piece, created by Charles Krypell. You will also be able to chat with all of the other attendees who enjoyed a dinner that night, and trade stories about the evening. All of this will be emceed by community icon Kim Farris from 94.5!

Dinner, desserts, dancing and donations to a great cause that strengthens our community. The window to make reservations closes on April 6th, so gather your friends and call 937-535-CARE or visit www.RMHCdayton.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

19 Beers and The Perfect Burger: One Eyed Jacks

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The University Shopping Center across from Wright State’s Nutter Center is a unique place to eat. You have the normal options of Subway, McDonalds, Bob Evans, etc… but in the mix of the mediocre there are a few places like Jeet, The Flying Pizza, and Tiks Thai Express dishing out some really good food. But, my favorite is One Eyed Jacks. Founded April 14thof 2008, Jacks has been serving up cold beer and hot burgers straight to the mouths of Wright State Students for years.

Busy behind the bar shot at One Eyed Jacks.

Friday night crowd keeping the bar busy on a Friday.

The brilliance of One Eyed Jacks lies in its mix of quality atmosphere, food, and drinks. During the day, Jacks is perfect for winding down with a cold beer and a burger, but on a weekend night the mood changes. As people roll in, the band sets up, and the group conversations all merge into a wall of sound and you find yourself in a pure party setting.
There is no musical prejudice at Jacks.  The Rumpke Mountain Boys had several people trying their hand at a jig with others bumping, grinding, and yes hula-hooping to their wonderful bluegrass twang. Upcoming acts like Cappadonna from the Wu Tang Clan (Mach 30th) will undoubtedly have a lot of people bouncing around the stage trying some new moves that maybe they shouldn’t.  With smiles everywhere, band playing, the bar hostesses hard at work, and the kitchen buzzing, it is impossible to have a bad time at Jacks.

The 2am Burger at One Eyed Jacks

Egg, Burger, Bacon, Hashbrowns... That is all you need to know.

With all of that atmosphere, it would be a shame if there wasn’t substance to back it up. Jacks does not disappoint. The Veggie Zaffer (my regular choice) is the most amazing piece of late night satisfaction in Dayton. Two house sauces, siracha-kraut (a creative twist on kim-chi) and tatonka   (a mildly spicy cream sauce) sit on a huge spicy black bean burger with cheese, onion, and swiss. It is spicy, rich, and if you think you need meat to have a good burger, this will prove you wrong. While the Zaffer is fantastic on its own, it is served with a mound of hot, perfectly greasy, seasoned, and battered french fries. There are few words outside of addictive that I would use to describe these flawless fries. While I am prone to ramble on about the $7.99 Zaffer basket and how every order should be placed with extra tatonka and blue cheese on the side their other options are something too.

Like the “2am” burger. For $7.99 you get a large beef patty sitting atop a hash brown and covered with cheddar, ketchup, bacon, and an egg. Or, if you’re just a little peckish share some pizza nuggets ($7.99) stuffed with cheese and pepperoni served up with marinara for dipping. The whole menu from pizza to wings, from burgers to salads is consistently good, packed with flavor, and reasonably priced all under $10.

An appitizer platter at One Eyed Jacks

The pickle spears are fantastically crunchy.

Open 11am-2:30am Monday through Saturday and 12pm-2:30am on Sunday, One Eyed Jacks is a fantastically assembled bar with great service, 19 beers on tap, fantastic food, and a variety of music that few rival. (Not to mention $3 shots of Jameson on the 14th of every month.) Head to Jacks if you are down for a fun night with good people.

 

 

THE NEON – Everything Must Go!

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Hello Everyone,

Everything playing this week at THE NEON is heading out. THE HEDGEHOG is gone already, and today is your last chance to catch THIN ICE and FRIENDS WITH KIDS. Tomorrow (Mar. 30)  we start two new films – SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN and IN DARKNESS – and they’ll both be playing exclusively at THE NEON!
For today’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN: “From the beloved director of CHOCOLAT and the Oscar-winning screenwriter of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE comes the inspirational comedy SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN. A visionary sheik (Amr Waked) believes his passion for the peaceful pastime of salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people, and he dreams of bringing the sport to the not so fish-friendly desert. Willing to spare no expense, he instructs his representative (Emily Blunt) to turn the dream into reality, an extraordinary feat that will require the involvement of Britain’s leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) who happens to think the project both absurd and unachievable. That is, until the Prime Minister’s overzealous press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas) latches on to it as a ‘good will’ story. Now, this unlikely team will put it all on the line and embark on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible, possible.” (taken from CBS Films)
Visit the official site.

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Synopsis for IN DARKNESS: “In Darkness is based on a true story. Leopold Socha, a sewer worker and petty thief in Lvov, a Nazi occupied city in Poland, one day encounters a group of Jews trying to escape the liquidation of the ghetto. He hides them for money in the labyrinth of the town’s sewers beneath the bustling activity of the city above. What starts out as a straightforward and cynical business arrangement turns into something very unexpected, the unlikely alliance between Socha and the Jews as the enterprise seeps deeper into Socha’s conscience. The film is also an extraordinary story of survival as these men, women and children all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of ever increasing and intense danger.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics)
Visit the official site.

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The 4th Annual LUNAFEST in Dayton will be held this Sunday at 3:00. “Nine Short Films By/For/About Women, including a funny view of a Persian woman at her younger sister’s engagement party and a serious look at treating obstetric fistulas in Africa. Also: PARK, by WSU film grad Liz Cambron, about a teenaged girl coming of age during summer in a Dayton-area trailer park (selected for this year’s SlamdDance Film Festival). Filmmaker will be do Q&A.
Tickets: $10 (suggested), $5 (minimum), $3 (students w/ ID).
Proceeds to National Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio.
Sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance.” (synopsis provided by Kathy Ellison)

On Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30, we have a special treat for lovers of documentaries and vintage aircraft. “Each year the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raiders from WWII have a reunion to remember their mission, their comrades, and their heroic leader Gen. James Doolittle. In 2010, an extraordinary event took place – seventeen B-25 bomber crews volunteered to gather in honor of the Raiders, and over 70,000 people turned up to witness it. THE RESTORERS – THEY WERE ALL VOLUNTEERS follows the journey of a Minnesota B-25 named Miss Mitchell. Join this restored bomber as she travels to Dayton, Ohio to attend the largest B-25 gathering since WWII. Help us commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic Doolittle mission. The filmmakers and participants will be on-hand for discussion and questions. Cost: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children and veterans.” (synopsis provided by Adam White)

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by following this LINK.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 30 – Thur. April 5:

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 5:40, 7:45, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

IN DARKNESS (R) 2 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:15

LUNAFEST (NR) Films + Q&A
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 6 JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME
TBD PARIAH
April 13 THE RAID
April 20 WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
April 27 FOOTNOTE
mid-May DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
mid/late-May DARLIN COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

Cityfolk: Culture Builds Community – Soul Rhythms

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Collaboration is an amazing gift! When you experience it, those moments of joined efforts and creative kinship are downright life changing. This is true in both cultural arts and community building. Collaboration means working together, engaging in common goals and welcoming folks from all traditions to share a common journey. That is Culture Builds Community!

Cityfolk engages in this process throughout the year, through the concert series, the summer festival and CBC. As Dayton’s traditional arts organization, we are grounded in the traditional arts – this generation’s “original,” knowing that it all trickles down to the next citizens/family members/artists to translate anew. Relationship patterns are horizontal and vertical; they thrive at a multitude of levels. Carried at each level are tangible takeaways: dance, cooking, music, poems, jewelry, quilts, paintings, puppets and more. We create it and hand it down. There’s a ladder of love in the abstract, a full life of expression in the real stories. That is Culture Builds Community!

When Cityfolk works in the schools, the effort is in sharing those art forms that represent an aspect of tradition that elementary aged children in 2012 may or may not know from family or educational experience. In some cases, families nourish their ethnic heritage through yearly celebrations or cherished belongings. Plenty of other folks may not know their ancestry, where their people came from. Many of us see ourselves as a fusion of cultures, a mix of many, and we bond with various traditions that move us or bring us joy. Whatever the case, Culture Builds Community celebrates the knowns and the unknowns. Every human being has a back story, a history with connections. CBC helps to both bring unique identity and common experience to the fore. The Welcome Dayton initiative celebrates the immigrant-friendly nature of the city. This inclusive approach fits beautifully with Cityfolk’s mission and CBC’s action.

For the past seven years, Culture Builds Community has lived into its identity by sharing arts-based cultural activities in Dayton’s urban neighborhoods. We’ve been building relationships with neighbors and area youth, through community events and the summer festival activities. Our signature piece is a residency project, bringing Visiting Artists together with Local Artists, Site Coordinators,Neighborhood School Centers and students to collaborate on a theme, through music and dance. This year is the most expansive program yet, involving all five NSC schools, five nationally acclaimed artists and a bevy of local talents and organizers to bring five cultural strands through an educational migration to a dynamic destination, the culminating performance. This year, Cityfolk presents CBC 2012 – Soul Rhythms: Traveling land and heart Through Music and Dance.

Soul Rhythms is engaged with the following schools:Fairview, Ruskin,Edison,Cleveland and Kiser. Each school is hosting a particular cultural expression, blending a team of intergenerational, multicultural folks together to make dances. These dances will be combined with works by visiting artists, local artists and collaborations between them, culminating in a dynamic performance!! While this project is one large collaborative effort, aspects of the whole are being realized in smaller pieces, to afford the most productive use of time and talent. Artists are working together, developing big ideas and sounds, swapping ideas with students; site coordinators are keeping the logistics tight, the attendance strong. It’s a well-oiled machine. Soul Rhythms is unfolding over seven weeks, taking us March through April. During week 1, the following artistic teams came together.

LaFrae Sci

LaFrae Sci

Fairview PreK-8 School welcomed percussionist and composer LaFrae Sci, nationally known artist, actively involved in Jazz atLincolnCenter, international teaching tours and her band, The Thirteenth Amendment. Ms. Sci is a native Daytonian! She is thrilled to be teaching in her hometown. She is working actively with Stivers Jazz band members, Renee McClendon (McClendon Institute) and Sierra Leone (Oral Funk Poetry), creating performance art with a group of 5th – 8th  graders.

Hasan Isakkut

Hasan Isakkut

Ruskin PreK-8, together with East End Community Services, is hosting Turkish kanun player, Hasan Isakkut, who is working closely with community dancers from theTwinTowers neighborhood. These young dancers from the Ahiska tradition will share their folk dance tradition with students from Ruskin. Mr. Isakkut will bring his beautiful music to the dancers, collaborating with LaFrae Sci to include the signature folk dance rhythms for the group.

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Step Afrika

Step Africa

Edison PreK-8 welcomed Step Afrika, nationally acclaimed dance troupe, specializing in the African American fraternity step tradition. They have partnered withCentral State’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, to teach advanced step routines to the young people of the Wright Dunbar neighborhood. CSU worked with young people atEdison in February as part of Black History Month.

Hammerstep

Hammerstep

Cleveland PreK-8 is proud to showcase the innovative work of Hammerstep, a dance company blending Irish step and Hip Hop, among other forms, bringing a whole new genre of dance to Daytonians. Founding member Garrett Coleman graduated from U.D, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him. Hammerstep is working closely with Beth Wright, formerly of Rhythm in Shoes, and The Corndrinkers, a long-established, local band, playing old time traditional country music.

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Sones de Mexico

Sones de Mexico

Kiser PreK-8 hosts Sones de Mexico from Chicago, bringing Mexican traditional music and dance to Old North Dayton. They are collaborating with local artist, Imelda Ayala and her local dancers, Orgullo Mexicano, along with Kiser students. The two artist teams bring dance from two different parts of Mexico!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOMq4c15X3A&list=UUg5fynqGJhGq4_-HiK4lsVw&index=4&feature=plcp’]

Artistic Director, Rodney Veal is pulling together the dances and collaborations into a beautiful dynamic sequence, a performance that will keep the audience riveted for an hour and fifteen minutes, packed with the pride of homelands, including our collective home,Dayton Ohio! The dances reflect a rich collaboration on the theme of migration. The performance features the live music of each tradition, film work to augment the various expressions and a masterful sense of the journey. All artists and participants will perform!

The big day is April 22nd, 2012!!! You won’t want to miss this performance!!! There is only one!! Tickets are on sale now – $12 per seat -through the Cityfolk website or in our office,126 N. Main St,. Suite 220. Follow the project on Facebook. Check out videos of CBC artists and previous CBC projects on our YouTube channel. Next year’s plans are already cookin’! CBC will be more places, with more folks involved! We would like YOU to be among them!!! Call 223-3655×3008 for more information.

Food Adventures visits Local Personality: Henrique Couto

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“Uncle Henny’s” Homemade Ginger Ale

Sometimes when we go on a Food Adventure, we meet someone that makes a big impression.  It is fair to say local talent Henrique Couto did just that.   About a year ago,  the Big Ragu randomly saw Henrique at a Chinese Buffet.  He was dressed in his trademark colorful pajama pants and a unique Hawaiian shirt.  His handlebar moustache was perfectly curled and he had rubber bands holding his beard tight.  Immediately, we knew we had to meet this interesting character.  After a couple of photos at the buffet, we went on our merry way, not even knowing his name.  Then, a few months later, we saw Henrique’s music CD’s at a local store and got in touch with him.

But who is Henrique Couto?  He is a filmmaker, musician and self described “raconteur” who finds any and all ways to express himself.  How does he fit into our Food Adventures? Well, he also makes some “Softened Drinks” which are available at unclehennys.com .  Being curious. we decided to check out these beverages.

We met Henrique at his home where he brews these special batches.  Couto shared with us how he got started in the beverage making business.  He told us that he had tried some incredible Ginger Ales from all over the country, yet there was nothing like this available in Dayton, Ohio.  Henrique decided to develop his own tasty sodas by cooking them himself in his kitchen, and people quickly took notice.  Henrique says, “I hope people to enjoy it, I hope they love the way it tastes, and I hope they buy lots more.  I like that level of validation!”

We each decided to buy a 6 pack of soda from Henrique.  We chose regular Ginger Ale, and the diet version.  The ginger ales are unique.  You have never tasted something quite like this.  They are made with pure cane sugar and real grated ginger root.  He shies away from using peppercorns and cayenne pepper, and instead adds habanero for a subtle heat.  Definitely a very individual taste.  Not for everyone, but we know he is going after the eclectic and adventurous soda seekers.

But, Couto does not only make beverages.  Henrique is a man of many talents.  He records music and has some of those videos online.  He plays an electric ukulele.  How cool is that?  He even has a website called UkeOrDie.com.  He also hosts a local game show on Wednesday nights at Milano’s Restaurant near University of Dayton called “Drink n Think.”   He is of Portuguese decent, and shares our love for food, like a good Pad Thai.

After swapping foodie stories, Henrique asked us if we would like to see his mausoleum.  That’s right, this horror film buff had set up a mini studio in his garage using his experience from his days in the film industry.  We also love horror movies, growing up with Dr. Creep and Shock Theater.  The 3 of us shared some laughs about our favorite creepy movie actors, then ended the visit with a few photos.

What is next for Henrique Couto?  He is currently developing a fruity root beer beverage that he intends to call “Froot Beer.”  We can’t wait to taste this, but it will not be available for a few weeks.

Henrique was very kind to take the time to invite The Big Ragu into his home for our Food Adventure.  We found out there is much more to him than the unforgettable outfits.   He is very witty with a great sense of humor. We will be seeing him around town and wish him much success in his “Softened Drink” endeavors, which you can check out HERE.  Whether being Dayton’s favorite electric ukulele player, game show hosting, or brewing his own beverages, we think Henrique Couto is an example of when nice guys finish first.

Have you met Henrique?  Have you tried one of  Uncle Henny’s Softened Drinks?  Have you seen his game show or been to one of his ukulele shows?  Then post you comment below !

Also, please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE and “like” us to become an official fan!!

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Facebook Timeline – it’s coming and here’s what to do about it

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March 30 marks the official launch of Facebook Timeline for businesses and pages.  Why does this matter to you? Well, for starters, if you’re a business owner, you’ll need to revisit your page design and make any changes necessary.  And if you’re just a person, this means Facebook is one step closer to launching timeline to your personal profile page.

If you haven’t yet launched timeline or want to know a little bit more about what it offers you – check out my blog post from the beta launch.

The biggest design change is the cover photo.  This is a photo that you can upload into Facebook or you can use an existing photo from your Facebook albums.  The cover photo can be about 720 pixels wide by 265 pixels high.  Your profile photo is now 180 pixels square.   One rule you must follow is there should never be a “call-to-action” in the cover photo – that means no “like this page!” or “enter this contest”.  Facebook will find you and call you out and may even shut your page down.  What this top area is great for is as a place to showcase YOU (whether that’s you or your business).  (the upper left image is an example of what my company, Teradata, has done)

Business owners – one of the new features I love about the new timeline for pages is that it allows you to contact your fans as the page.  This is great because it protects your privacy as the administrator and doesn’t require you to use your personal account to interact with the page.

Of course, with any Facebook changes, it’s a good idea to always take a time-out and check your privacy options.   I would check:

1) the default privacy settings dropdown in the upper right corner and

2) the privacy settings in the profile edit screen.   These areas give you pretty much full control over who sees what.


To double-check that you aren’t showing the world your most intimate details, I would advise to use the “View As” feature on your profile page (under your cover photo in the gear dropdown).  This allows you to see how a friend, non-friend, certain friends view your profile.
Please comment below and let me know of any other questions/concerns you may have and I will be do my best to answer!

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: March 29-April 1

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…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Mason Community Players

The Story: A farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Bronx, NY, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home; and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein a german guy that is is a Nazi to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff.
The Dates: March 29-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mason Community Players | BTC listing

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: DRALION

Bank of Kentucky Center

The Story: Fusing the 3000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.
The Dates: March 28-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cirque Du Soleil | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Story: It’s every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up.
The Dates: March 27-April 8, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC listing

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON uses the story of America’s controversial seventh president, “the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Acts that started the Trail of Tears,” to investigate the attraction and terrors of American populism, using a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious rock n’ roll soundtrack.
The Dates: March 31-May 12, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: Frank Galati’s Tony Award-winning adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath tells a timeless tale of endurance and hope in a time of hardship. Having survived the drought of the 1930s only to see their home repossessed, the Joad family embarks on a harrowing journey from the Dust Bowl fields of Oklahoma to the fertile orchards of California. But the “promised land” isn’t exactly what they imagined. Can the Joads overcome the injustices that plague a nation in crisis?
The Dates: March 28-April 29, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

THE STAR SPANGLED GIRL

Cedarville University

The Story: In this uproarious comedy, we are introduced to Andy and Norman, producers of a protest magazine. Sophie, an Olympic swimmer and all-American girl who just moved into the apartment next door, pays the young men a good-neighbor visit. From that moment on, Norman is hopelessly smitten. His love for Sophie becomes an obsession, and he literally drives her crazy by ignoring her rejection and constantly interfering in her life. Meanwhile, Andy is preoccupied with fending off creditors and charming the landlady to avoid being evicted for not paying the rent. The situation is eventually resolved through a series of hilarious happenings set forth with the masterly skill and inventiveness that are the hallmarks of Neil Simon.
The Dates: March 29-April 15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cedarville Universtiy | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

TIGERS BE STILL

Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: “This is the story of how I stopped being a total disaster,” announces the heroine of this darkly funny and moving new comedy. Having recently earned her master’s degree, Sherry Wickman finds herself still living at home with a mother who won’t come downstairs and a depressed but smart-alecky sister. Follow Sherry’s quirky misadventures as she lands her first job and tackles her two biggest challenges … getting her mother out of bed and her sister off the couch.
The Dates: March 17-April 15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing | BTC Review

…ENDING THIS WEEK

CRYSTAL CLEAR DEATH

P.L.O.T.T. Performers

The Story: Be forewarned, if you are not a psychic, the visions you see may cause more than sugar plums to dance in your head. Welcome to Madame Simone’s parlor where strange things happen and the vibes are pulsating. There is a ghost of a chance that not all things are as they appear. Interactive dinner theater.
The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: P.L.O.T.T. Performers | BTC listing

The cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s remarkable Broadway fable of friendship and the high price of success opens in the present and moves backward in time. The triumphs and failures of a jaded composer and his two closest friends are traced from their estranged ending to their idealistic beginning. Directed by John Doyle, who led Playhouse’s Tony Award-winning production of COMPANY, the performers in this highly anticipated revival will play all of the instruments as they act and sing in one of Sondheim’s most melodic scores. Ages 13 and up.
The Dates: March 3-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC Listing

Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD

Northern Kentucky Univeristy

The Story: Australia is the perfect dumping ground for the worst British convicts in the 1780’s, but with only a few guards to keep the unruly inmates in line the Governor suggests a simple but bizarre solution to create order — have the inmates put on a play. Much to the dismay of both the prison workers and the prisoners themselves, the plan takes to the stage.
The Dates: March 22-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

Brieabi Productions

The Story: On Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, stands a gas station. Across the blacktop is a roadside eatery called the Double Cupp Diner. The three guys at the station, Jim, Jackson, and L.M., have been known to do some auto repairs, but only when aided by quantities of time and beer. The Cupp sisters, Prudie and Rhetta, celebrate their home cooking with the same zeal they bring to being neighborly with the boys. This feel good, toe-tapping musical is a tribute to life by the roadside!
The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Brieabi Productions | BTC listing

Emily Kissela as Rapunzel.

RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: The classic fairy tale of Rapunzel comes to life in an exciting new musical featuring that beautiful princess with the long, long, long hair trapped in the tower, a handsome young suitor who doesn’t quite know what he’s searching for – of course, an evil witch who has her eye on what should be Rapunzel’s kingdom, and a tired, yet philosophical, old dragon who tries to make sense of it all!
The Dates: March 23-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

Burgess Byrd as Clairee Belcher & Christine Dye as Ouiser Boudreaux in CCPA's STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: Welcome to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few revealing verbal collisions, the play invokes knowing laughter and certain tears when the spunky Shelby risks her life for a child of her own. The realization of mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love – in these uniquely American women.
The Dates: March 8-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Landmark Productions | BTC listing

Jen Johansen* as Sarah Goodwin. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

TIME STANDS STILL

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: This explosive new drama examines the relationship between headstrong Sarah, a star photojournalist, and James, a foreign correspondent, who were once addicted to the adrenaline of documenting the realities of war and are now grounded in their Brooklyn loft. Now, James writes online movie reviews while Sarah recovers from being injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, itching to get back behind the camera. But, when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life…and everything changes-in a flash.
The Dates: March 14-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing | BTC Review

…COMING SOON

KARARAY WITH A ‘K’

Miami University Hamilton Theatre

The Dates: April 5-14, 2012
Tickets and More Information: 513.785.3022 | BTC listing

OUR TOWN

Miami University

The Dates: April 5-15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC listing

Regional Theatre Review Roundup – 3/29/2012

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GOING TO ST. IVES

Lee Blessing’s thought-provoking 2000 two-hander “Going to St. Ives” receives a compelling local premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild.
Delicately directed by Greg Smith, “Ives” centers on the dueling agendas of two strong women, particularly the life-changing decision to rid the world of evil. At the titular England home of renowned eye surgeon Dr. Cora Gage, May N’Kame, the distinguished mother of a murderous African dictator, shockingly requests a deadly souvenir that thrusts Cora into a considerable moral dilemma, personally and professionally. As situations swell six months later in an African garden, the consequences of their actions speak volumes. May and Cora are cultural opposites (which fuels most of the play’s humor) but each is effectively bruised by the past yet connected through loss and the bond of motherhood. With great potency, they boldly address the individual’s responsibility toward humanity.

In less capable hands, Blessing’s low-key, intellectual, conversation-driven script, a female counterpart to his 1988 Tony Award-nominated international relations drama “A Walk in the Woods,” could easily dissipate in a boring fog of sluggish pacing and implausible characterizations. Thankfully, Smith keeps the action engrossing with a smooth ebb and flow that his first-rate leading ladies consistently uphold. Marianna Harris, attractively costumed in African attire, impressively embodies May’s complex persona, a huge feat considering she joined the production during its opening weekend. Mastering an African dialect and appearing appropriately regal, Harris radiates with inquisitiveness while being an acute source of unexpected levity. She also has the genuine power to break your heart and bring you to tears, especially as May shares more insight about her son as well as her inherent guilt in the gripping Act 2. Katrina Kittle, in a welcomed return to dramatic fare, is equally striking as the conflicted Cora. She particularly soars in Act 2 as Cora’s emotional scars become more prevalent and her frustrated attempt to remedy a dire situation spirals beyond her control.

“Going to St. Ives” continues through April 1 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10-$18. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Marianna Harris freely uses her script. For tickets, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org. In related news, the Guild’s 2012-2013 season, dubbed “’Til Death Do Us Part,” will consist of Michael Hollinger’s “Opus” (Aug. 24-Sept. 9, directed by Greg Smith), Paul Zindel’s “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” (Oct. 5-21, directed by Debra Kent), Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “Ghosts” (Jan. 11-27, directed by Matthew Smith), Kate Fodor’s “100 Saints You Should Know” (Feb. 22-March 10, directed by Ellen Finch), Tim Clue and Spike Manton’s “Leaving Iowa” (April 5-21, directed by Rob Willoughby) and Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman” (May 17-June 2, directed by Natasha Randall).

URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL

Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman’s deliciously satirical 2002 Tony Award-winning “Urinetown: The Musical” greatly entertains at the University of Dayton.  This smart, wacky and marvelously melodic tale of corporate greed and environmental disaster, filled with superb Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill influences and efficiently designed by Darrell Anderson, concerns a drought-stricken city and its ban on private toilets. Despite tough economic times and the sheer reality of paying to urinate, budding romance and a cyclone of revolt propels the cause of the downtrodden against the privileged (shades of the Occupy Movement) with a hilariously tongue-in-cheek sensibility.

In a sharp contrast to previous “Urinetown” productions in our area, director Gina Kleesattel and choreographer John Ueber surprisingly dial down the clever musical theater parodies within the material, especially the “Fiddler on the Roof”-inspired “What Is Urinetown?” Even so, both work in tandem to create an atmosphere playfully grounded without blatantly or excessively going over-the-top.

Kleesattel’s vocally strong cast (“Run, Freedom, Run” is a highpoint) particularly features firm contributions from its principals. Brennan Paulin’s crowd-pleasing portrayal of tightly-wound Officer Lockstock is uniquely crafted in a delightfully quirky, mildly flamboyant fashion with a glimmer of mystery underneath. Kate Hunt, the epitome of goofy authoritativeness, is outstanding as public amenity supervisor Penelope Pennywise, specifically delivering a knockout rendition of “It’s a Privilege to Pee.” Tim Gorman supplies a cool demeanor as Caldwell B. Cladwell, the CEO of Urine Good Company. Stephen Kallenberg and Stephanie Jabre are tenderly intertwined as the rebellious Bobby Strong and winsome Hope Cladwell. Emily Smith endearingly shines as the wiser-than-her-years Little Sally. Natalie Adler as Josephine Strong, Patrick Lillis as Hot Blades Harry, Alexandra Cole as Little Becky Two Shoes and Bryan Bryk as Officer Barrel are notable among the lively ensemble. Musical director Susan Carlock conducts a fine orchestra.

“Urinetown: The Musical” continues through March 31 in the Kennedy Union Boll Theatre at the University of Dayton, 300 College Park. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $7-$10. For tickets or more information, call (937) 229-2545 or visit www.udayton.edu/artssciences/theatre

BUS STOP

The Dayton Playhouse adequately tackled William Inge’s classic 1955 comedy “Bus Stop,” presented March 16-25 under the direction of Matthew Smith.  Inge’s engaging, folksy account of strangers connecting at a Kansas diner during a snowstorm looked great (Josh Hollister’s inviting, detailed set was the most eye-catching thus far this season at the Playhouse) but was specifically hindered by an unbalanced cast with colliding interpretations. In fact, a few featured roles surpassed the leads, a problematic concern that stifled the play’s impact.

Ellen Ballerene as ditzy singer Cherie and Scott Knisley as rugged cowboy Bo Decker were supposed to be squabbling lovebirds igniting emotional fireworks. However, issues of age-appropriateness and chemistry in addition to a frequent desire to rush the dialogue halted their momentum. Ballerene, unwisely emphasizing personality above all, was particularly unable to transform Cherie into a three-dimensional woman. Interestingly, she was stronger opposite the authentically understated performances of Margaret Foley as waitress Elma Duckworth and Mike Rousculp as Bo’s guitarist cohort Virgil Blessing.

The most richly satisfying portrayal stemmed from the delightfully earthy Lorrie Sparrow as proprietor Grace Hoylard. Sparrow wonderfully revealed the vulnerability of a woman satisfied with her independence yet craving for more. Her final scene, transpiring at closing time and excellently shared with Rousculp, was infused with a brutal honesty that made Inge’s relatable slice of life briefly resonate with aplomb. After all, in search of one’s purpose it is very easy to be left behind without a clear path in sight. This production certainly could have used more convincing, reflective moments on par with its memorable conclusion.

Craig Smith as amiable sheriff Will Masters, Rick Flynn as the self-absorbed Dr. Gerald Lyman and Mark Hassel as bus driver Carl completed the cast.

AUGUST WILSON SYMPOSIUM

In conjunction with its local premiere of August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean,” which opens Friday, March 30, the Human Race Theatre Company will present an August Wilson Symposium Saturday, March 31 at 1 p.m. at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.  The panel, moderated by local attorney/musician David Greer, will feature Mark Clayton Southers, the director of “Gem of the Ocean,” Sala Udin, an actress and childhood friend of Wilson, Christopher Rawson, senior theater critic for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Charles Holmond, an Earlham College professor. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on Saturday. For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Red Hot Rebellion Takes the Party to Cinci on St. Patrick’s Day

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Red Hot Rebellion (photo by MK Lapole)

There was an unusual calm as I stepped into the Mainstay Rock Bar in downtown Cincinnati on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day. Expecting a loud and rowdy crowd, I was greeted with relatively quiet groups of people hanging around the bar, with bands slowly moving their equipment up to the stage. If I may use a rather cliché phrase, it was the calm before the storm. I did arrive an hour early after all.  Within the next hour or so the bar was filled with college students and twenty-somethings, all clad in green and full of energy.

What brought me down to Cincinnati that evening wasn’t the bar (which is a blasphemy to some on this holiday), but the music. A trio of bands were to be putting on a show for the soon-to-be arriving crowd.  One of these bands came out from Dayton to help that crowd release their pent-up holiday energy: Red Hot Rebellion.

Taking the stage in kilts, Red Hot Rebellion played the music that bassist and lead vocalist Jim Tramontana described to me as “the soundtrack to a bar fight.” Thankfully none of those broke out, but it’s easy to see where they’re coming from with that description. The band’s whole style and persona is loud, crazy, and fun, which is just perfect for a night like that. A hard-edged, driving rock sound with numerous guitar solos, three-way vocals, and lyrics that cover such topics as drinking and fighting (which Tramontana said are popular subjects with the college crowd). If I had to put these guys into a genre, I would say that this is what the phrase “party rock” should refer to, rather than that electronic hip-hop LMFAO music that comes to most people’s minds with that phrase.

Another key with Red Hot Rebellion’s performance was humor and crowd interaction, which is something that I do not see often with local acts for some reason. These guys weren’t just here to play
their music; they wanted to have a good time and make sure the crowd was as well. Starting with jokes between sets and ending with guitarist Doug Spencer playing in his underwear, the band definitely accomplished that goal.

The band’s hour-long set finished a bit after midnight or so, leaving everyone’s ears ringing from the sound assault. The night wasn’t quite over yet, as Red Hot Rebellion was second on the bill of three.  Also playing on that evening were Rumble Club, a rockabilly band out of Covington, Kentucky, and Switchblade Syndicate, a rock/punk act right out of Cincinnati. All together, the bands created a diverse lineup perfect for the party atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day. Red Hot Rebellion brought the party down from Dayton, though, and showed that even outside the big city, we know how to have a good time.

You can catch Red Hot Rebellion on Saturday, March 31st at One Eyed Jacks in Fairborn along with C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks.

Military Mondays at Young’s Golden Jersey Inn

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The Golden Jersey Inn specializes in  country home cooked meals.  And on Monday’s from 11am -3pm military families can enjoy their meals for 15% off.  Just show your military ID on any Monday and receive 15% off your lunch – meal, beverage and dessert included! Not valid with any other offer. Offer good for current and retired military and their families.

Featuring  meatloaf, homemade chicken and dumpling’s, country fried chicken, burgers, soups and salads, the lunch menu offers plenty of options for everyone.  Of course you’ll want to order up a milkshake and save room for some Young’s homemade ice cream, too.

Young’s Jersey Dairy is located on Route 68, one mile north of Yellow Springs, Ohio, or eight miles south of Springfield, Ohio.

6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
(937) 325-0629

New Artist Gallery coming to Troy Square- Artists Wanted

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Local Troy business woman Patty Rose is ready to bring art to the Square in Troy.  The 1908 building was originally the First National Bank of Troy, and most recently was a cabinet shop.        In her first attempt as a fine art gallery owner she is offering local artists booth rental space for With up to 32 spaces/booths artists can  rent for as little as $25/month for a 3 ft x 9ft space u up to 150 square feet for $300 month.  The vignettes from the building previous tennat help divide the space into rooms. Rent will cover all utilities and expenses, but artists will be asked to volunteer up to 4 hours per month.  Artists will be asked to make a 6 month commitment and there will be no commission to pay.  Rose says “some of the larger spaces have large picture windows and great light and this building just screams to be a gallery.”
There will be a party on April 5th from 6-8pm at the site to

Patty Rose as Grand Marshal for the 2011 Hometown Holiday Parade

view the gallery and by April 10th Rose will know whether their are enough tenants to make The Art Vault Gallery venture a go. While not an artist herself, Rose says she keeps hearing about the need for a space from artists and she’s willing to make this happen.

If the success of her Allstate insurance business, her other commercial properties and the Leaf & Vine  she and her husband own in Troy are any indication, I’d say if it can be done, Patty will make it happen.

Interested artists are welcome to contact Patty by email or at 524-6443.

 

 

Playhouse Announces “Let Us Play with Your Mind” Season

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The Dayton Playhouse has announced a season of classics and favorites that will take your mind and emotions through a theatrical journey during their 2012-13 season.

Opening the season and running October 12-21, will be “Dracula” by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. This enormously successful revival opened on Broadway in 1977 and is one of the great mystery thrillers of our time.

Next will be the nostalgic holiday favorite, “Scrooge,” written by Leslie Bricusse, which will run November 30 – December 16. This hopeful, family favorite earned sell-out crowds in 2011, with patrons requesting that it to be offered as a regular holiday tradition. “Scrooge” will be directed by Craig Smith.

Oscar Wilde’s, “The Importance of Being Earnest” will run January 25 – February 3. This delightful comedy of manners is widely considered Wilde’s most perfect work. Audiences have continued to be delighted by revivals of this charming and witty play. “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be directed by Jennifer Lockwood.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” with book by Richard Morris & Dick Scanlan, new music by Jeanine Tesori and Lyrics by Dick Scanlan, will fill the Playhouse stage with rousing song and dance from March 1-17. Taking us back to 1922 with the sensation of flappers, the thrill of a budding mystery and the bliss of falling in love, this musical will warm the winter chill. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be directed by Richard Croskey.

The Playhouse season turns to heavy drama with “The Retreat from Moscow,” by William Nicholson, from April 12 – 21. With coiled intensity and embracing empathy this celebrated author of “Shadowlands,” shines a breathtakingly natural light on the fallout of a shattered marriage. “The Retreat from Moscow” will be directed by visiting director Bill Brewer from Oxford, Ohio.

Last, but certainly not least, the hilarious and bawdy musical “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, will run from May 31 – June 16. Farce, satire, crazy love story and more are all wrapped up in the 1962 Tony Award winning Best Musical. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” will be directed by Jim Lockwood.

Current and new season subscribers may purchase 2012-2013 subscriptions at last season’s prices until July 1, 2012. Past season prices: 6-show subscription adult $75, senior/student $70; or 4-show subscription adult $55, senior/student $50. Current subscribers must renew by May 31, 2012, to insure seating preferences. Pricing will increase on July 1, 2012.

Season subscriptions can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or through the box office, 937-424-8477, which is staffed Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2:00 -5:00 p.m. Messages may be left for the box office at any time. The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

(Submitted by The Dayton Playhouse)

View the entire Dayton Playhouse 2012-2012 Season Calendar

 

 

Dayton Fashion Week Lands Major Endorsements

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The Gucci Fiat will be arriving in Dayton just in time for Dayton Fashion Week

Things just keep getting bigger AND better for Dayton Fashion Week so much so that I don’t even know where to start!! Wait–Scratch that– I do know where to start! I am VERY EXCITED to announce that luxury car brand Bob Ross Fiat has come on board as the Presenting Sponsor! “We welcome the Fiat Brand into the Dayton fashion world. As an elegant, sophisticated brand, it is the perfect fit with Dayton Fashion Week in terms of leveraging the profile of Dayton designer’s internationally.” says Junda Morris-Kennedy the founder of Dayton Fashion Week. The Fiat brand is regarded as the pre-eminent brand associated with international fashion events – including New York and Milan Fashion Weeks and the attendees of Dayton Fashion Week will have the opportunity to preview the most fashionable style of the Fiat Brand the 500C by Italian Fashion Label Gucci which is currently being endorsed by Jennifer Lopez! Special thanks to Janelle Ross of Bob Ross Fiat of Centerville for all of her hard work and dedication to the Miami Valley area and her support of Dayton Fashion Week.

Though Dayton Fashion Week isn’t taking place until July, we are officially kicking off our celebration on March 31 with a Pre-Launch Party and Soiree taking place at the Twin Base Golf Club at Wright Patterson Air Force Base located at Bldg 893 Area A Wright Patterson Afb, OH 45433. This event will be hosted by journalist, 2011 CW Star Contestant, business woman, and Queen of Dayton’s Social Scene Maha Kashani and 2011 CW Star Contestant, singer/song writer, and celebrity party host Donald Stamper. The Pre-Launch Party will also feature DJ Adam Spangler and performances by Spoken Word Artist Miss Purity and singer Erin Manderchied. Those in attendance will have the exclusive opportunity to meet the models of Dayton Fashion Week! Along with some great door prizes from our sponsors Milani Cosmetics and Coins 4 Me, there will be light hors d’oeuvres served, and a cash prize for the person wearing the most Fashionable outfit! Buy your tickets today.

Of course we already know that Inside Couture Television based out of Miami, FL is looking for 4 Host to Cover DFW, the Casting Call for this is April 7 from 10a-1p at SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park located at 2301 West River Rd, Dayton, OH 45418. But did you know that Dayton Fashion Week also made international headlines a couple of weeks ago when London based Fashion Magazine Fashion Politique named us one of the must see fashion events of the year and listed us as a partner! We also have the national media all a buzz and we welcome Atlanta, New York, and Miami based radio station 106.5 FM COLLABO who will be broadcasting live from Dayton Fashion Week. Last but certainly not least New York City based fashion magazine Just Off 7th Ave. will also be in town to cover DFW!
We’re 2 weeks into our Cover Model Contest and the competition has been stiff since day one! There have been over 5,000 votes cast so far and daily changes in the Top 5! If you haven’t voted yet you can do so by visiting our fan page at http://www.facebook.com/daytonfashion click on “photos” then go to the album labeled 2012 Cover Model Competition, “Like” your favorite photo(s) and it counts as a vote! The winner of this contest will grace the cover of the first Dayton Fashion Week Magazine. Now of course with all of this going on with DFW we are growing our staff as well! We are looking for photographers, makeup artist, and wardrobe stylist to add to our team! If you would like to join our team please contact us at [email protected].

Tan Envy..What To Know And How To Get It!

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First thing is first, I dont want this article to scare people. Any of my friends and family who know me well will all say I can be intense about suncare and skin cancer. While I am overly cautious about my skin it also very important to me to make people aware that there is a real risk with our thinning ozone layer of skin problems. Now I am not going to sit here and type the A,B,C,D’s of moles to you in fact if I went by that chart I would covered in scar’s from skin removals. What I will tell you is what I have learned about skin/sun care and also safe ways to have a golden glow.

Dr. Magdy Migally and his brother Nabil have been my long time dermatolgists. I started getting skin checks when I was a teenager with my mom. When my mom was in her early thirties she went to the ER for an asthma attack while she was there a nurse pointed out a spot on her back that she suggested be checked. Thats when the Migally brothers came into our lives. He quickly removed it but with confident assurance said, “even if it is cancer we removed deep into the tissue and it will be fine” That was my first experience with a doctor that seemed so calm about something that could be very serious. He has such a calming manner and makes you feel like its really going to be okay. It turned out my mom’s mole was not cancer but it was pre cancerous which meant from now on not only would she get regular checks but also be more careful in the sun. As a kid that was very impressionable to me and I cant lie that I have an intense fear of skin cancer. With that in mind I will also admit that I have used tanning beds and laid in the sun my fair share but I do go get my body checked head to toe every August and I am now tanning bed free.

Dr. Migally has always been very straight forward about skin issues with me. Everytime I go in I am convinced that I have an evil mole waiting to ruin my life. I have had one removed in 15 years and it was fine. “It’s not the snake in the grass, it is the lion in the far distance” that is what Dr. Migally has drilled into my brain. Skin Cancer is a very slow growing disease that can easily be prevented with yearly checks. It also important to do your own checks at home to watch for changes. Color is the most important thing to look for anything black, purple or bluish needs to go for sure. Also watch for dry patches of skin that dont go away with treatment, sores that wont heal and moles that are getting bigger, changing, bleeding or itching. Again the thing to remember is that these are the warning signs, just make an appointment, get it removed and go on with your day.

So how do you still get that healthy tan we all love? There are lots of ways now and it’s easier than ever! My first rule is tanning beds are not good for you! I dont care what the companies and lotions say, the World Health Organization has stated that people who tan in tanning beds are 75% more at risk for skin cancer than the average person. The fastest growing group of people affected by this are women 15 to 25. Teenage girls are 80% more at risk for skin cancer than any other group and have a 1 in 5 chance of finding a melanoma on them before the age of 30! This is a scary statistic and is reflected by the tanning industry. So yes tanning beds are bad for you even the occasional session is equal to 10 hours in the sun.

What about self tanning? I used to self tan and it requires dedication. The exfoliating and mositurizing just never works out for me. I know people who are great at it and never have an uneven spot. I always seemed to have a darker elbow or a strange line on my neck. There are lots of great product lines out there now that even have paint rollar type applicators so you can get your back. I am a fan of the Sun Labratories product line for both self tanning and airbrush tanning. The color is very natural and has never appeared orange on my skin plus they have that nifty rollar lol. The other great thing about the company is that you can go on their website and get samples to try before you buy. Visit http://www.sunlabsonline.com/index.html or you can purchase the line at Enhance Spa and Lash Studio in Springboro.

My choice of tan is now the airbrush. I was nervous the first time having never been fully airbrushed and hearing the horror stories of the spray tan. Susan, my airbrush artist was quick to answer all my questions and assured me I would not turn orange. She had me put lotion on my feet and hands and I could either just wear underwear or tuck my bra straps for the application but lets face it I work at a boudoir studio so I went for just the bottoms lol. You stand in a little tent and the artist will direct you when you when to turn and move to get an even application. I ended up doing three rounds on my entire body which gave me more color than I could have ever achieved myself and it was stunning. The color was natural, didnt streak, and was dry within seconds. I got the tan at 2:00 on a Saturday and that evening around 8:45 boxed in the Dayton Knockout in front of a thousand people. No streaks, no orange shirt, just a perfect glowing tan that my opponent Jen Dean from Dayton History also got earlier in the day. Her result was the same, perfect glowing tan. It lasted for me about 3 to 4 days but I shower twice a day and exfoliate regulary. This service will run you about 45.00 but the price is worth it if you have a special event and many times spas will run specials on airbrush tanning. Tips before you go: dont wear makeup, dont use lotion and be sure and shower/shave before hand. Many places offer this service but since I am a fan of the Sun Lab line I get mine done at Enhance Spa in Springboro with Susan.

Finally the spray tan or the poor man’s airbrush as I call it. I recently tried this for the first time and did the same prep as I mentioned above. Once again I have friends who have had it done and it looks great but for me it was a little intense. I went to LA Tan for mine and was instructed to put way more than I thought I could even need of the barrier cream on my hands and feet. I stood in front of this giant spraying machine and waited for the magic. A friend of mine had told me to do a twisting motion so that the application was more even. I did everything right…..I thought. I went home and went to bed once it dried and in the morning I looked like a mess!! Orange lines on my arms, hands that were orange and my face looked like a bad jersey extra. What to do? Google of coarse! I searched and found out lemon juice, exfoliating and showering would help. I went to get in the shower and watched as the orange ran down the drain and I frantically scrubbed away at my skin. Once I got out it was better and managable but it was uneven. It has been a week today and the fading tan looks kinda like leprosy on me lol. I have patches on my legs and arms that are dotted orange and pale underneath. Maybe it works for some people, maybe I will try it again but for now the spray tan is not for me.

So the moral of this article is that there are plenty of safe ways to tan. You can get a healthy tan without baking yourself. Use an SPF with at least a 30 in it. (I use an 80) to keep your skin from getting burned or damaged,  I prefer the kids spray brands because they smell better. Get your skin checked!! I dont care if youre pale, tan, freckled or dont have a spot on you go and get a yearly exam.(most insurances cover this as preventive care)You dont have to avoid the sun you just have to be careful and like everything use moderation. Dr. Migally was very supportive of this article and would be more than happy to do body checks on anyone who is interested. He is located at 5212 Brandt Pike Suite A. Huber Heights , OH – 45424. 937-233-0748.

Food Adventures: Making History at Culp’s Cafe

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Culp’s Amazing Pot Roast

One of Dayton’s best kept secrets is Culp’s Cafe located at the Carillon Historical Park.  The original Culp’s Cafe was started in the kitchen of Charlotte Gilbert Culp who sold breads and baked good out of her West Third Street home.  When downtown Dayton boomed in the 1940’s, The Culps opened a cafe by the Arcade building serving homemade food to about 5,000 customers per day.  During the 1960’s, people began moving to the suburbs forcing the Culp’s to sell their beloved cafe due to declining sales.  Culp’s Cafe is alive again thanks in part to Carillon Park and Chef Jose Calzada who puts his modern touches on nostalgic home cooking.  If you are looking for good, homemade food set in a beautiful atmosphere, then Culp’s Cafe is the place to be.

Culp’s Cafe celebrated St. Patrick’s day offering a menu consisting of traditional Irish favorites.  As soon as we heard about this, we knew we had to attend as guest of Chef Jose and the Dayton Historical Society.  The menu included a three-course lunch for $11.75.  The entrees were Irish classics: Fish and Chips, Sheperd’s Pie, and Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The desserts were just as festive including such tasty treats as Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse Cake, Chocolate Guiness Goodness, and a White and Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with Irish Cream Sauce.

Corned Beef with Cabbage

Our appetizers were brought to the table by a server decked out in a traditional 1940’s waitress uniform.  (Imagine a gray version of the uniform worn by Flo at Mel’s Diner.)  This really brings a nostalgic vibe to Culp’s Cafe!  We were served a simple, refreshing salad and a cup of hearty potato soup.  The soup was the tasty kind your mom used to make, but Chef Jose throws in a little bacon and cheese for added flavor.  We loved our appetizers and waited eagerly for our entrees to arrive!

Our friendly server, Carol, brought out our Fish and Chips and Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The Big Ragu is the known as the “King of Fried Foods” and naturally ordered the Fish and Chips served with a side of house-made Cole Slaw made with pineapple and poppy seeds.  We ordered the Corned Beef with Cabbage.  The dish consisted of three large pieces of Corned Beef that resembled the tongue of Kiss’ Gene Simmons.  (If you don’t understand that reference, we suggest that you Google ‘Gene Simmons Tongue.’)  The cabbage was tender and the Corned Beef was flavorful.  The Big Ragu even took a bite of the Corned Beef — an amazing feat if you’re familiar with the issues Ragu has with certain meat textures.  Too bad we didn’t photograph this part of our dinner…the facial expression was classic.  The Corned Beef with Cabbage was also served with boiled red potatoes leaving little room for dessert!

The Chicken Basil Sandwich is Mouthwatering

As we were waiting for our desserts, we thought we would entertain our fellow diners with our interpretation of “River Dancing”.  Fortunately, we left our tights and curly-haired wigs at home.  As the desserts arrived, our eyes got about as big as our bellies!  The Big Ragu ordered the Irish Cream Mousse Cake — a nice, light way to end the meal.  We ordered the Bread Pudding which we quickly devoured.  The Big Ragu makes pretty good bread puddings, but Culp’s Bread Pudding puts ours to shame.  Chef Jose took it to a whole new level by adding Dark and White Chocolate!  After all of this food, we were feeling “extra heavy”.  We feared the only way we could leave the cafe would be for someone to kindly roll us out to our car!

Incredible Bread Pudding

The Irish Feast was amazing and we appreciate Chef Jose and Elise Hafenbrack from Dayton Historical Society for inviting us to be a part of this great event.  Culp’s Cafe is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Some of the other dishes we highly recommend are the Reuben, Grilled Basil Chicken Sandwich, Original Culp’s Cake, and that amazing Pot Roast.  Culp’s Cafe takes you back to the long lost era of good, homemade comfort food set in one of the most scenic dining rooms in Dayton.  We encourage you to visit Carillon Historical Park and take pride in Dayton History and enjoy a great meal at Culp’s Cafe.

Have you had a chance to visit Culp’s Cafe in Historic Carillon Park?  Please leave your comments below !

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