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Archives for March 2012

Opening This Weekend In Dayton Theatre: March 16-18

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Hey, everyone. Sorry things have been kind of rocky getting off the ground here, and I absolutely promise you a nice, newsy wrap-up of what’s happening here next week, but I would be totally remiss if I didn’t plug the heck out of the two community theatre shows opening this weekend. You seriously should not miss either of these.

Opening This Weekend!

Bus Stop

Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Director Matt Smith brings us this classic drama by William Inge. The play is set in a diner about 30 miles west of Kansas City in early March 1955. A freak snowstorm has halted the progress of the bus, and the eight characters have a weather-enforced layover in the diner from approximately 1 to 5 a.m. Romantic or quasi-romantic relationships ensue.  “Bus Stop” original opened on Broadway in 1955.  The play was nominated for four Tony Awards.

The Dayton Playhouse production stars Lorrie Sparrow as Grace, Margaret Foley as Elma, Craig Smith as Will, Rick Flynn as Dr. Gerald Lyman, Ellen Ballerene as Cherie, Scott Knisley as Bo, Mike Rouseculp as Virgil and Mark Hassel as Carl.

Tickets: Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for students.

Dates: Bus Stop opens 3/16 and runs this weekend and next, closing on 3/25. For more information visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.thedaytonplayhouse.com

 

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxb5cPYTFWs’]

 

Going To St. Ives

The Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: Directed by Greg Smith and starring Katrina Kittle and Marianna Harris this drama by Lee Blessing is the story of what happens when the dignified mother of a ruthless African dictator travels to England to seek treatment for her failing eyesight from a renowned ophthalmologist, who in turn requests a favor. At first glance, it looks like one woman helping another, but each woman brings to the other her true agenda, triggering a profound moral dilemma and a chain reaction of events with great personal and political aftershocks that reveal the truth and its consequence.

It must be pointed out that Ms. Harris is an absolutely last minute step-in for the original actress cast, the delightful Catherine Collins. Due to unfortunate personal circumstances, Ms. Collins is unable to perform the role. I certainly hope we see Catherine onstage again soon!

Tickets: Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students.

Dates: Going To St. Ives opens 3/16 and runs 3 weekends, closing on 4/1. For more information, visit the Dayton Theatre Guild website at www.daytontheatreguild.org

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H06SxwO56KM’]

Ok! I know there’s a lot more going on, and I’ll touch base on everything else this coming week — but i really wanted to get these two in under the wire. Also — coming soon I’m going to be bringing you a feature on an award-winning independent film written, directed and produced by local people, and chock-full of local theatre actors. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Food Adventure’s Small Bites for 3/16/2012

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Behold another Food Adventure’s  “Small Bites” article.  Here we feature some of our favorite food items in the Dayton area.  We are not food critics, we are just a couple of guys who love to eat.

With no further delay, let’s dive into Small Bites for 3/15/2012.

The HOT DOGS at UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON SPORTING EVENTS:

Best Sporting Event Hot Dog…EVER

Nothing goes with good sports better than good hot dogs.   In our opinion, the University of Dayton has the best hot dogs of any sports related venue.  Whether at Welcome Stadium watching football, or at University of Dayton Arena watching basketball, these dogs always hit the spot.  President Barack Obama even downed a U.D. hot dog in record time this week with British Prime Minister David Cameron on their visit to Dayton for the 2012 NCAA Basketball First Four games.  So you see, these hot dogs are world class.  Since we were kids, we have enjoyed these hot dogs which are wrapped in a Heiner brand “sunny” bun.  They cost about $3 at sporting events.  What kind of hot dogs are they?  They are Cincinnati’s own, Kahn’s hot dogs, made with turkey and pork.  They are regular sized hot dogs, not the huge sausage dogs that The Big Ragu hates.  We told you where the best sports hot dog is, all you need to do is choose your toppings: mustard or ketchup… or both.

 

THE GYROS at GYRO PALACE :

The Supreme Gyro at Gyro Palace

Let’s face it, it is hard to find a good gyro in Dayton, Ohio.   Some people wait for the annual Greek Festival to get their fix.  But The Big Ragu knows where you can get a fantastic Gyro, year round.  In a small shopping center near the corner of State Routes 725 and 741 in Miamisburg, lies the Gyro Palace.  For more than 10 years this family run business has served up heaping handfuls of giant gyros to happy customers.  The kitchen workers slice the gyro meat, place it in a pita, then top it with fresh tomatoes, sliced onions and Tzatziki sauce.  The regular gyro sandwich is $5, while a chicken gyro is $5.50.  Trust us, this sandwich will fill you up and is worth every penny.  Whether you eat in or carry it out, you will enjoy a Mediterranean Food Adventure here!

 

THE DEEP DISH PIZZA WITH TURBO CRUST at JETS PIZZA:

Deep Dish Pizza at Jets

Want a pizza that packs a hunger busting punch?  Then you have to try the Deep Dish Pizza at Jet’s.  Started in Sterling Heights, Michigan, this thick square deep dish pizza is loaded with tomato sauce and sliced into rectangles.  Strangely reminiscent (we would say almost identical) to the Noble Roman’s Siclian Style Pizza of the 70’s and 80’s, this pie is a blast from the past.  It is also one of most filling pizzas we have ever eaten.  The thick crust is topped as you wish, then finished with a mound of cheese.  We suggest to also ask for the Turbo Crust which means the crust is brushed with butter, garlic and romano cheese.  A great value for the size and taste, make sure you fly on over to the location near Whipp Road in Centerville.  From this point forward, we are no longer responsible for your addiction to Jet’s Pizza.

 

THE FIREHOUSE 5-WAY at GOLD STAR CHILI:

Gold Star Chili’s “Firehouse 5-way”

In 1965, Gold Star Chili entered into the Cincinnati chili wars, and has been heating things up ever since.  Your Food Adventurers also like to spice things up.  Gold Star’s “Firehouse Way” option of ordering any Cincinnati style chili classic allows anyone to do just that.
What makes up a Firehouse 5-way?  The dish starts with the standard spaghetti, chili, onions, beans and cheese.  Then the magic happens, as a roasted red pepper hot sauce is added around the dish.  The creation is then generously sprinkled with a unique 5-pepper spice mix.  The meal is a great twist on a regional dish.  The Big Ragu like to visit the Monroe store, or the restaurant in Lebanon.  No matter which location you are at, if you want to share in the hotness, then order the Firehouse 5-Way at Gold Star Chili. When it comes to heat, they just dont sing it, they bring it.

 

Have you had one of our favorite Dayton food dishes?  If so, please comment below !

Expect an article from FOOD ADVENTURES every Thursday on DaytonMostMetro.com

Click here to become an official fan of our FOOD ADVENTURES page on Facebook.

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A Special Pint of Plain

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You are spending HOW MUCH on drinking?

There will be plenty of beer to be had this weekend on one of the biggest beer drinking days in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, $4.5 billion could be spend on this day alone, and breweries will earn about $250 million dollars of that, or 1% of their sales for the year. It is like Christmas for the liquor industry. A great deal of you will drink your traditional Budweiser and Miller/Coors products, dyed green for the holiday. Some of you will step out and hit a stout or Irish red, along with the tradition of the holiday. If you really want to go traditional, you would throw down on a few hard ciders as well, which are still huge on the Emerald Isle and the United Kingdom. Or, you can start to mix it up. Literally.

Many of you have heard of the Black and Tan. Some of you may have had it pre-bottled by Yuengling, Michelob, or other beer companies. It typically is a mixture of pale ale with a stout or porter, poured so the stout layers on top of the ale. Traditionally it is Bass on the bottom, and Guinness on top. When pouring the beer, if you want the layered effect, start with the pale ale first. Fill the glass about half way, then pour in the stout over a spoon or down the side of the glass slowly. The layering depends on liquid density. Most beers have densities that are very similar, so any rapid pouring or disturbance in the bottom liquor will automatically mix the two beers. The stout goes on top delicately. Yes, though it is denser in flavor and color, it is actually scientifically less dense. Go figure. Another variation of this is the Half and Half, where a pale lager (like Harp, so we can stay Irish) is substituted for pale ale. Sometimes the two are used interchangeably, so make sure you know what you are asking for in the bar you will be making your last stumble in.

The science behind the Black and Tan leads to many, many variations. Here are a few of them, as featured in various places around the web:

Black and Blue: Guinness over Blue Moon. It is also known as a “Dark Side of the Moon” or “Eclipse”
Black and Brown: Guinness over Newcastle (Maybe you can find some Mt. Carmel Nut Brown to work with)
Black and Gold: Guinness over Dortmunder Gold
Priest Collar: Guinness over hard cider. Here in the Midwest, we also refer to it as a Snakebite.
Belgian Brunette: Guinness over Stella Artois.
Black and Trash: Guinness over Budweiser. (Make it green for the holiday…)

Joy in a glass.

If you are looking for the traditional Irish way of drinking it, lay your Guinness over some Smithwick’s. This is usually referred to as a Blacksmith or a Pint Special. You can even get something they call just a Special, which it a pint of Smithwick’s with a small layer of Guinness over the top of it, just to give it a nice, foamy head. It would be in very poor form to ask for a Black and Tan. In the 1920’s, the British sent over a special paramilitary unit to try to put down an Irish uprising. They had more people than they had uniforms, so there was a mix of browns from light khaki to almost black. They spent a good deal of their time failing to stop the Irish Republican Army while shooting into unarmed crowds of civilians. This British group, formally called the Royal Irish Constabulary, is known in Ireland as the Black and Tans for their motley uniforms. Your trivia (and Irish Safety Lesson) for the day.

Guinness is not only found floating on top of other beers. It can be found layered on champagne and called a Black Velvet. It is said that after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria was inconsolable. At his funeral and around the city, she wanted everything to be draped in black. To drape the champagne at funeral and any other royal events n black, they poured in Guinness first, and then topped it off with champagne. It is important to do it in the proper order. Layering in reverse causes a huge foamy mess. Trust the writer on this one.

Beer mixing does not always involve Guinness. If you are looking for something to refresh yourself in this heat we seem to be experiencing, you may want something more light and refreshing. A shandy is an ale or lager (something light) mixed in equal parts with ginger ale, ginger beer, or lemonade. Put the non-alcoholic element in the glass first, and then add the beer on top of it. It is not going to layer, but it is going to mix for something cold and refreshing. If you are looking to add a little more oomph to your beer, you can go for a Depth Charge, which is a shot of liquor added to the beer of your choice. Some more popular options are tequila and Corona, orange vodka and Blue Moon, vanilla vodka and Guinness, and spiced rum and a darker bock or lager. Just remember that you are going to get hit a little harder by the extra shot you are getting with each beer.

The reason for the season, St. Patrick

If you are going to indulge in a little adventure, try out a few of the above mentioned beer concoctions to add some variation to your day. On the big day, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water to help minimize your hangover, and be sure that you are not driving. Have some eggs for breakfast, or plan to have them the next day, along with some coffee and more water. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. And if you plan on making a toast, here is a traditional one from Ireland…

Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here’s a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.

Sláinte!

 

 

 

Beers of St. Patrick’s Day – Video Reviews

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St. Patty’s day is just around the corner. As with most things having to do with Irish-Americans, this means a lot of alcohol consumption. I can attest to the validity of  this statement due to my heritage, which is mostly Irish (though you’d never know that because of my German last name). While most people think of Guinness as the quintessential St. Patrick’s Day beer, there are other options out there – in fact, there are a TON of beers to satisfy your Celtic craving. I recently shot reviews of a few of these beers. Check out these videos

 

Murphy's Irish Stout

Murphy’s Irish Stout

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJOfKb75n4I’] This is the Snobby Beer review of Murphy’s Irish Stout from Cork, Ireland. Murphy’s is sort of known as the “other” Irish Dry Stout, and is available in cans and draught. The can features a nitrogen widget that produces smaller bubbles than carbon dioxide, which gives the impression of a smoother, creamier beer. This beer is only 4% Alcohol by Volume. Murphy’s was bought by Heineken in 1983.

Killian's Irish Red

Killian’s Irish Red

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkkk1_f1XMs’] This one is pretty much only “Irish” in name. Killian’s is an amber/red lager brewed by Coors Brewing Company, and is available year-round. According to the website, Killian’s started as a more traditional Irish Red Ale. George Killian supposedly wanted to share his beer so much that he brought it to America. Whether or not this story is true, nobody can deny the fact that this is one of the most widely available beers on the market in America today.

 

That’s it. No, seriously, there’s no more beer reviews. Were you expecting something else?

 

…Oh, what the heck, here’s the Guinness reviews I shot last year.

 

Guinness

Guinness Draught

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upwI1ApnUnA’]Guinness Draught is made by Guinness Ltd, located in Dublin, Ireland. Guinness Draught is arguably the most famous stout on the planet. Unlike most stouts, which are generally on the heavier side, Guinness is actually lighter than some light beers! The perceived “heaviness” of Guinness comes from the nitrogen, which produces smaller bubbles.

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

Guinness Foreign Extra Stout

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRUOysHCoNM’] Guinness Foreign Extra Stout is the hoppiest stout made by Guinness. Many people say that this is better than Guinness Draught – is it? We find out in this video!

 

These reviews can also be found at Snobby Beer.

Dayton Fashion Week Introduces Makeup Artist ShaTerra Mills!

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Makeup Artist ShaTerra Mills of Priceless Beauty Makeup Photographer: CocoJane

My interest in modeling is wavering but a couple of months ago my interest once again peaked and I decided to test the waters and submitted my photos online to a couple of agencies in larger markets. Mind you, I’m 32 years old and let’s face it in this industry I’m no spring chicken, so I knew my chances of getting signed were slim especially since the majority of the agencies that I applied to made it very clear of their age restrictions and let’s just say I’m about 9 years past that age but I’ve always been a bit rebellious and submitted my photos anyway—and to my surprise a couple of weeks later I was contacted by one of the top modeling agencies in the world Factor Women which was formerly Elite out of Chicago—reminder in 2001 I was a Regional Semi-Finalist in the International Elite Model Look Competition so not only was this a little boost to my ego but I also felt the pressure to prove to people that you can teach an “old” dog new tricks!

The Before Shot...Don't Judge Me! lol

The most recent photo’s I had were almost 2 years old so I started looking for the perfect photographer and long story short I found ARC Light Photography who provided the hair stylist Chelsea Berry and the makeup artist and I just happened to be familiar with his makeup artist ShaTerra Mills of Priceless Beauty Makeup because she is on Dayton Fashion Weeks makeup team! Though I have yet to make that trip to Chicago to visit Factor Women I decided to make this photo shoot kind of an introductory to the DFW Team and set up a Q and A session with ShaTerra who is a former member of the U.S. Army, who recently received her first publication in Ellements Magazine based out of New York, and will be doing makeup for Project Runway’s Althea Harper’s fashion show this weekend.

The Transformation Begins

DFW – When did you know that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

ShaTerra – I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist after I seemed to have exhausted all ends of the spectrum of modeling that I could take. My passion had moved elsewhere. I knew I still wanted to be in the industry and I started off as an artist at an early age by freehand drawing so it only made sense to go back to what I truly knew which was showing my artistic abilities.

DFW – What work goes into planning a photo shoot?

ShaTerra – Planning for a shoot is a process. It means taking the time to clean my kit to make sure I have all of the proper tools needed for that particular project. Whether it’s restocking on disposables, new lip colors, hand sanitizer, etc. I always double, triple, and quadruple check my makeup kit the week before, the day before, and sometimes even a few hours before. I am very anal about making sure I am prepared.

Also, I love to know what’s going on so there is no confusion whatsoever. I am all for knowing the concept weeks in advance and keeping in constant contact with the involved team so that everyone is on the same page.

DFW – Describe what you did for my makeup during this photo shoot.

I'm ready for my close up Mr. Seville! Model: Caressa Brown Hair Chelsea Berry Photographer: ARC Light Makeup Artist ShaTerra Mills

ShaTerra – I viewed your outfit changes beforehand to visualize a look that went with the concept and vision you were trying to portray. From there, I added a slight touch of golden metallic to your eyes to give off a light sparkle and made sure your lips popped since the style spoke of fierce elegance to me.

Lights, Cameras...Action! Model: Caressa Brown Hair Chelsea Berry Photographer: ARC Light Makeup Artist: ShaTerra Mills

DFW –  What are some myths and mistakes regarding makeup application?

ShaTerra –  People tend to believe that caking on eyeliner makes your eyes bigger and that the more expensive makeup is, the better the quality. Caking on eyeliner to the point of raccoon eyes can cause your eyes to appear smaller or even as though you have a black eye instead.

Expensive makeup brands are not always the best for you or your skin type. People not knowing their skin types and how to color match foundations is another key problem–it’s all about experimenting with what looks great on you and what works best for each individual person! The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to makeup is thinking they know it all or that YouTube has all of the answers.

It’s important to cleanse and moisturize daily and let your skin breathe. Too much makeup can be harsh on the skin especially those with sensitivities.  Proper cleansing techniques will allow you to keep your skin hydrated and remaining flawless.

DFW – What are the hottest looks for Spring?

ShaTerra –  I am VERY excited about the upcoming Spring looks. Pastels and mattes are definitely going to be in for shadows for daytime looks. Peach and rose flushed cheeks will never seem to die. Different hues of reds for the lips are also popular as well as light metallic and shimmers for evening wear. The bare faced look and flesh toned lip color is becoming a very popular look on the runways.

DFW – What are your future goals?

ShaTerra –  I have very extensive goals for the future but I am taking things one step at a time. I am surely gearing up to travel more with my craft and networking! I do have several projects underway right now that I’m very excited about and I’m hoping to get a few more publications under my belt by summer. Maybe even get picked up by an agency or two. The sky’s the limit!

DFW –  What is the best part about being on the Dayton Fashion Week Team?

ShaTerra – The best part of Dayton Fashion Week–that’s a hard one! So far, I’ve loved everything about being a part of the Dayton Fashion Week team. Dayton has so much potential and seeing the talent first hand is amazing! We have so much in store and it is blooming by the minute! I cannot wait for July to get here. Everyone is so supportive of each other and they’re hard workers. It’s just great to be a part of history in the making!

For more information on ShaTerra Mills and Priceless Beauty Makeup please check out PricelessBeautyMakeup.com.

Bicycle Delivery and Messenger Service Now Open

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Dayton Cyclery, 506 Wayne Ave., is on the go in Dayton making deliveries to downtown residents, businesses and employees. The company serves all parts of downtown — including the Oregon Arts District, as well as the McPherson Town, St. Anne’s Hill and South Park neighborhoods and Miami Valley Hospital — delivering carry-out and grocery items from downtown restaurants and shops right to customers’ doors.

Dayton Cyclery can deliver any items less than 10 pounds for $5, and deliveries outside the primary service zone are $10. The business also sells cycling gear and offers a variety of bicycle repairs.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 223-2453.

FRIENDS WITH KIDS and THE HEDGEHOG Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Due to the underwhelming performance of recent titles, we had to make some quick changes to our upcoming schedule.  On Friday, we will open 2 new films.  First off is a film we’ve been marketing for several months – THE HEDGEHOG.  This film is based on a beloved book that many of you have mentioned to me – The Elegance of the Hedgehog.  Secondly, we will open a comedy with an all-star cast –FRIENDS WITH KIDS.  In addition to the 2 new films, we will hold onto A SEPARATION (winner of this year’s Oscar for “Best Foreign Film”) for a few more screenings.  With 3 very different films, we think we’ve got something for almost everyone this weekend.  We hope you’ll make it down to see us.

Synopsis for FRIENDS WITH KIDS: “FRIENDS WITH KIDS is a comedy about a close-knit circle of friends at that moment in life when children arrive and everything changes. The last two singles in the group observe the effect that kids have had on their friends’ relationships and wonder if there’s a better way. They decide to have a kid together – and date other people. This unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love.” (taken from Roadside Attractions)  Written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (KISSING JESSICA STEIN), FRIENDS WITH KIDS also stars Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Edward Burns and more.  Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0cYheYIT4o’]

Synopsis for THE HEDGEHOG: “THE HEDGEHOG is the timely story of Paloma, a young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renee Michel. When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library in Renee’s back room, and that the often gruff matron reads Tolstoy to her cat, Paloma begins to understand that there are allies to be found beneath the prickliest of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma’s own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect.”  (taken from NeoClassic Films)  Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bLq4ehVo7c’]

On Thursday, March 22 at 7:30, Keener Farm has rented our space for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary AMERICAN MEAT.  “The film explains our current industrial meat system and shows the feedlots and confinement operations – not through hidden cameras but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. The film then shifts to the burgeoning sustainable, local-food movement made up of farmers, food advocates, chefs and everyday folks who could change everything about the way meat reaches the American table…Sustainable farming is expanding exponentially as Americans learn more about their food and how to connect with local farmers…”  (taken from press notes)  The screening will be preceded by a meet and greet with appetizers provided by Olive: An Urban Dive (beginning at 6:30), and a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as local farmers & restaurateurs will follow the screening.  Admission is free (first come, first serve), but donations will gladly be accepted to help offset costs.

Save The Date!  April 1 at 3:00 – LUNAFEST: Short Films By…For…About Women.  More details in next week’s newsletter.

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

P.S.  We now have TWITTER.  If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us.

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 16 – Thur. March 22:  

THE HEDGEHOG (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:30

Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:30

Thursday: 2:50

 

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  5:00

 

FRIENDS WITH KIDS (R) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:

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

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN

March 23   THIN ICE 

March 30   IN DARKNESS

March 30   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April 13   THE RAID

April 27  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

mid-May   DAMSELS IN DISTRESS

mid/late-May   DARLIN COMPANION

May 25   THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

June 1   SOUND OF MY VOICE

Grand Opening of Second Location for Thai Restaurant

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First thing’s first.  Go to your calendar and clear any plans you may have for dinner next Monday, March 19.  ‘Why?’ you ask.  Because House of Thai in Miamisburg is having their Grand Opening!

House of Thai is a wonderful little venue located right off of South Springboro Park, owned and operated by Hemant Wiratsorn and his wife, Chuthamat Phornpiriyanon. This is the restaurant’s second location, as the other House of Thai is located in Beavercreek.  Actually, the Beavercreek venue helped get the ball rolling on opening a second location.  A loyal customer, who loved House of Thai’s cuisine, owned a vacancy within a building in Miamisburg, where he suggested Wiratsorn open a second restaurant.  This new location has the same delicious menu, with the scrumptious addition of sushi.

Business at this new location in Miamisburg has been steadily picking up, but more importantly to

Panang Curry

Hemant is the opportunity to develop a relationship with his new customers through this House of Thai Grand Opening on Monday.  It’s very important to him that his customers don’t feel rushed to eat and that they stay as long as they would like.  “I want people to come here for relaxation. That’s why we are the ‘House’ of Thai,” explained Hemant.  When I visited with my boyfriend, George, we definitely felt at home.  The dining environment was very casual and easy-going, and I especially enjoyed getting to know House of Thai’s friendly staff.  They made me feel like a long-lost family member, even though we had just met each other for the first time.  Hemant and his staff’s warm hospitality is surely what will bring me back to House of Thai many more times; at this little restaurant I have found a home—a house full of family and delicious food.

Bakery Rolls

Speaking of food, I have never tasted such delicious Thai cuisine before, nor have I seen such a gorgeous presentation of ANY type of cuisine.  I am, by no means, a food expert, but I would surely deem this food tasty.  To put it simply, House of Thai’s eats were spectacular. George and I felt like royalty on our visit.  I could tell Hemant and his staff were genuinely nice people simply through our conversation, but when it came to sampling some of the dishes, they went above and beyond for this interview.  When George and I were presented with seven different exquisite Thai dishes and two specialty drinks, we were awestruck.  For a few minutes, we said nothing but “thank you,” over and over again.  I honestly thought I was dreaming, but taking my first bite, I soon realized that I actually was living out this dream-come-true.  I still don’t think I can ever fully express my gratitude no matter how many times I thank them.

Pla Samors (three flavored fish)

While we were there, we had the great privilege of trying a number of delicious dishes.  George and I enjoyed every single dish, and we can honestly say there were no plates left unclean (embarrassing picture to follow).  As an appetizer, we dined on Chicken Satay, which is chicken marinated in coconut milk and herbs, accompanied with a peanut sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. From the seafood portion of their menu, Pla Samros is a scrumptious three-flavored fish, topped with bell pepper and a special three-flavored sauce.  I love fried fish, and the chef has perfected this fish dish.

Panang Curry was another great dish, which includes chicken, bell pepper, fresh basil, and kaffir leaves in a peanut curry sauce.  My person favorite was the Bakery Rolls, which were only being offered as a special for the night, but are definitely what I recommend ordering if they are on the menu Monday.  I also absolutely love sushi, so the three rolls the kitchen staff brought out were also

King Dragon Roll

plates of which I couldn’t get enough.  The first, the House-of-Thai Special Roll, was spicy tuna topped with salmon and crunchy flake (my absolute favorite of the three!).  The second, the King Dragon Roll, was a sushi roll made of barbecue eel on top of shrimp tempura.  And the last, the Rainbow Roll, was a rainbow of fish and avocado on top of a California Roll.  We were also presented with two wonderfully unique specialty drinks—Thai Iced Coffee and Thai Iced Tea.

Now, you can’t honestly tell me your mouth isn’t watering from reading about this pure scrumptiousness.  And all these pictures included in the article?  They were taken on that very day we were presented this feast (thank you again, Hemant!), and as this picture below can attest to, every dish was finger-licking good.

According to Hemant, House of Thai’s signature dish and favorite among customers is their Chicken Pad Thai, which I actually was able to try this last Saturday, when I visited again. It’s definitely worthy of its “signature” label.  All in all, if you asked me, I couldn’t pick a favorite dish on House of Thai’s menu. It is all that good!  Not to mention, House of Thai receives all of their produce locally, so all of the food is fresh, too! And I know some of you may be skeptical about trying Thai food, but if the spiciness is your concern, be rest assured that when you order, you will be able to determine the level of spice on a scale from one to ten.

It’s good for the soul to try something new every once and a while.  Meet that quota by attending the House of Thai Grand Opening in Miamisburg on Monday, March 19!  Come hungry, and you’ll leave with a family of new friends and a very happy tummy.

Nom nom nom.  Yum!

 

House of Thai in Miamisburg

59 Fiesta Lane   Miamisburg, OH 45342

(937) 938-9437

House of Thai Miamisburg Facebook

Check out their mobile site, too!

Lunch

Mon-Fri 11:00AM – 2:30PM

Dinner

Mon-Thu 4:20PM – 9:00PM

Fri 4:30PM – 9:30PM

Sat 12:00PM – 9:30PM

DPO presents Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan

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Dayton, the Celtic heart of Southwest Ohio.

No, I didn’t believe it either. Then I did a little poking around. It seems that there might be justification for such an expression.

For instance, there is the Annual Dayton Celtic Festival, which last year featured the Celtic (kel-tick, not sell-tick) bands Gaelic Storm, The Fuchsia Band, The Elders, Scythian, and Enter the Haggis (I’m not touching this one…).

Then one of my favorite haunts, The Dublin Pub, has a unique two-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The day before the feast day, March 16, the Pub holds rehearsals and calls it St. Practice Day. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day itself, is an all-day music festival starting at 7 am (!) that this year featured such Celtic groups as Bob Ford & The Ragamuffins, Castle Close, and the Miami Valley Pipes & Drums.

And Cityfolk hosts an annual Celtic Series.

But ever asked yourself what, exactly, is Celtic music? Answer Irish music, and you’d be right, sort of. If your ancestors were from Ireland, then you’re Celtic. The same holds true for folks from Scotland, of course. And Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias (Spain) and Portugal!

Still think Celtic music is just Irish music?

The term Celtic music derives from the music industry and encompasses a wide spectrum of music types that grew out of the folk musical customs of Celtic people.

So, say Celtic music, and you’re referring to both traditional music passed on literally by word of mouth as well as popular music that is recorded. It’s the music of the people of all 10 of those countries I referred to previously and whatever unique qualities each country’s music possesses.

Today, it’s become a great deal more than that.

Celtic music has incorporated elements from New Age, smooth jazz, folk rock, folk-punk, pop, rock, reggae, electronica, metal, punk, hip hop, Latin, and Andean. The new term for all of this is Celtic fusion (as opposed to confusion).

And, to further cloud the situation, if you write it and record it in a Celtic language, you can call it Celtic music.

All that aside, if you want to hear some of the very best Celtic music, you need to be at the Schuster Center at 8pm on either Friday, March 16 or Saturday, March 17 for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s (DPO) presentation of Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan.

Featured on more than forty compilations of Celtic Music, Ryan has produced a critically acclaimed body of discography that includes Cathie Ryan, The Music of What Happens, Somewhere Along the Road, and The Farthest Wave.

Her recording successes notwithstanding, Ryan believes that there is nothing like a live show, being with an audience, and sharing the music. “That is the best part of being a singer and writing songs,” she states.

If you follow Irish music, you’ll remember Ryan being in the famous Irish music collection, A Woman’s Heart – A Decade On, placing her amongst Irish music’s finest female vocalists and songwriters. It was the first time Americans were featured in the series, and she shared the honor with Allison Krauss, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris.

Irish America Magazine voted Ryan one of the Top 100 Irish Americans. Chicago’s Irish American News honored her as Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade, and the LA Times recently named her, “One of the leading voices in Celtic music.”

No less stars in their own right, the members of Ryan’s band know – and perform – the genre brilliantly.

As a young child, New-York-born Matt Mancuso (fiddle, trumpet, octave mandolin, guitar, vocals) got his introduction to Irish Music from his father Pete, a respected guitarist and record producer. Mancuso studied with the renowned musician and teacher Maureen Glynn and went on to compete in the prestigious All Ireland competitions, placing second in three consecutive years. Not bad for an Italian-Irish American in what can be a very closed musical society.

The star fiddle player in Lord of the Dance and a founding member of the rousing ensemble The Mickey Finns, Mancuso has taken star turns in tours with Irish super-group Grada.

Percussionist Brian Melick’s career in World Music spans over 30 years and includes playing with a diverse range of musicians, being featured on over 250 commercial recordings, and sharing his love of percussion both as an educator and a consultant to school arts programs.

Dancers from The Richens/Timm Academy, one of the most recognizable and respected names in the world of Irish dance, will join Ryan and the band on stage.

So, whether or not you’re Irish the rest of the year, come to the Schuster Center and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the DPO, Assistant Conductor Paddy O’Reynolds (the rest of the year, he’s Patrick Reynolds), The Richens/Timm Academy dancers, and Cathie Ryan and her band, for the very best music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany….

No matter. It’s all good.

It’s all Celtic.

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: March 14-18

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…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

NIXON’S NIXON

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Story: It is the night before President Nixon is to announce his resignation, and he has summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to the Lincoln Sitting Room. Kissinger arrives, expecting to find his President preparing to resign but Nixon leads his Secretary of State on a journey through the high moments of his administration and Nixon’s past. The journey borders on the surreal as Nixon pressures Kissinger into reenacting crucial scenes. Meanwhile, Kissinger is subtly working to convince Nixon to step down so that he can pursue his geopolitical goals—and his own quest for historical glory—unencumbered by a weakened President.
The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Rivertown Players Inc.

The Story: Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the restless years following World War Two A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is the story of Blanche DuBois, a weak and disturbed woman on a desperate prowl for someplace in the world to call her own. After losing their ancestral home, Belle Reve, Blanche shows up at the doorstep of her sister, Stella. However, Blanche’s snobbery wins her the instant dislike of Stella’s husband, Stanley. Stanley becomes enraged when Blanche hits it off with Stanley’s friend, Mitch.
The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rivertown Players | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

TIGERS BE STILL

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

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

…CONTINUING

Mariemont Players Inc.

COLE

The Story: Follows Cole Porter’s life – from Yale to Paris to Manhattan to Broadway to Hollywood. This delightful musical tribute to the King of Musicals includes such hit tunes as I Love Paris, Take Me Back to Manhattan, “Love for Sale, Night and Day, and I Get a Kick Out of You.
The Dates: March 9-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players Inc | 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

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

…ENDING THIS WEEK

THE DINING ROOM

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: A mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class. The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company| BTC listing

THE PRODUCERS

Loveland Stage Company

The Story: A fading producer, Max Bialystock, convinces accountant Leo Bloom to partner with him in producing a guaranteed flop and then running off with the money they’ve raised. “Springtime for Hitler” couldn’t possibly be a hit, right?
The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Through March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

ALMOST, MAINE

Xavier University Players

The Dates: March 22-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xavier University Players | BTC listing

CRYSTAL CLEAR DEATH

P.L.O.T.T. Performers

The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: P.L.O.T.T. Performers | BTC listing

GUYS AND DOLLS

Rotary Presents

The Dates: March 22-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rotary Presents | BTC listing

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD

Northern Kentucky Univeristy

The Dates: March 22-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

Brieabi Productions

The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Brieabi Productions | BTC listing

RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Dates: March 23-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

Drink Me, I’m Irish!

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Really...just coffee...nothing to see here...

St. Patrick’s Day. People are going to wear all the green they can find, and party as hard as they possibly can. This will all be before 10 AM, since most places are going to be open early so as many people as possible can enjoy the day. Most people are going to be drinking green beer and stouts, and washing it all down with Irish whiskey or other hard liquors of their choosing.

Keep an eye on the Irish whiskey this year. It is seeing a popularity that it has not seen since before World War 1. It is a very fine example of whiskey, and thought by most to be the earliest style of whiskey in the world. It is known that the Irish have been making it for at least 600 years, though some think it was distilled as early as the 12th century.  Barley is very easy to find in Ireland, and they roast that barley over the harder to find coal in the country. That is one of the key differences between Scotch and Irish whiskey; Scotch uses peat to roast the barley, which imparts a smoky flavor to the Scotch. The word “whiskey” itself comes from the Gaelic uisce beatha, “water of life”. They distilled this in various forms until the Irish placed a tax on barley malt in 1785, which drove many distillers to ply their trade illegally, and changed the overall complexion of the liquid by the addition of unmalted barley, which has remained part of the process to this day.  This began a long downward slide into near obscurity, with a book titled “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” by Alfred Barnard listing the number of legal distilleries in Ireland at 28.  This was also a time when, because of the distilling process Irish whiskey, it was considered one of the finest whiskeys in the world. It also gained in popularity around this time because the French vineyards were being ravaged by phylloxera, killing the French wine industry. By the turn of the 19th century, Irish whiskey was well on its way to taking over the alcohol drinking world.

And then everything went wrong. The growing temperance movements in the United Kingdom and the United States stared reducing demand in general, hitting bottom for the industry in when the 18th Amendment went into effect in the United States. World War I hit all of Europe hard, and then a generation of fighting in Ireland hit the island harder. Many distilleries closed or merged, leading to there being only four main distilleries now for all of the Irish whiskey produced. During this time, the Scotch producers stepped in and filled the void, as well as the Canadians. American whiskey production filled some more of the gaps after World War II. By the end of that war, there were only seven distilleries in Ireland. At its bottom in the 1970’s, Irish whiskey accounted for only 1% of the whiskey sold in the world.

The one to watch...rocketing the category to the top

Irish whiskey was considered one of the finest whiskeys in the world at one point. The requirements for being called an Irish whiskey are not remarkable complex, like they are for tequila or champagne, but they do contribute to its popularity. It is typically distilled three times in pot stills, which gives the distiller more control over the flavor. The triple distillation also takes out quite a few of the impurities that normally are not caught in only one distillation, which is more typical in other whiskey. It must be aged three years in a wooden cask, which goes a long way to mellow out and smooth over some of the rougher patches in many whiskeys. All of this helps to bring out some of the more subtle complexities while making it easy to drink. The bulk of all Irish whiskeys are blended, but if you look hard enough, you can find some single malt. If there is an age on a bottle of blended whiskey, each element in the bottle must be at least that age. Many whiskey lovers feel that because of the smoothness and sweetness of Irish whiskey, it is the ideal whiskey to use to introduce people who may not have been exposed to it before into the category.

In the last decade, Irish whiskey has been moving rapidly back to the top of the cocktail world. Part of this could be attributed to the owner of the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco, Jack Koeppler. He was served an Irish Coffee at an airport in Ireland, and was so enamored with it he was determined to recreate it. He did so, and has been serving it at that café ever since, up to 2000 a day. And with the craft cocktail boom hitting hard, bartenders all over the world are looking at old recipes and obscure liquors to try out. Irish whiskey fell neatly into that category, and they started to introduce those cocktails and flavors to their guests. Jameson has been leading the charge, driving up their sales by 30% over the last few years, and brining up overall industry sales by 20%. Sales are booming, and they are showing no signs of slowing. And all of it comes from just four distilleries in Ireland: New Middleton, Old Bushmills, Cooley, and the new kid on the block, reopened in 2007, Kilbeggan . Most of the brands come out of the New Middleton distillery.

When you are out for St. Patrick’s Day, or any night out on the town, take a moment to introduce yourself to this classically respected, yet newly discovered, style of whiskey. If you are looking for a great selection, the Dublin Pub has an amazing one, also boasting being the number one seller of Irish whiskey in Ohio (a popular seller: Jameson 12 year). Mix it in to your normal rotation, and you will also learn to appreciate this subtle and sweet liquor. Slainte!

South by Southwest Interactive: Emerging Ideas

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South by SouthWest Interactive was a huge discovery for me when I first attended in 2011. Everything was new and incredible. This year, I’m every bit as excited about all the new ideas and technology, and SXSW has definitely  delivered.

This year, I was selected to speak on a panel called “It’s Alive: Interactive Machines that Captivate”. South by Southwest has an intense selection process, so it was a huge honor for me. I was also excited to have accomplished co-panelists: Nathan Martin, CEO of Deeplocal, FK Funderburke from SapientNitro, Justin Bayer, founder of Welcome to College, and our moderator, Arundi Venkayya Cox, editor of Dayton B2B.

At SXSW, you never know how popular a session will be, but our room was full of people. I shared two of Real Art’s interactive machines, The Santa Claw and our Dip-A-Drip pitching machine for 7-Eleven. We had a lively discussion about the risks and rewards of interactive robotic projects, and each of us shared the ways other brands can develop campaigns that use these techniques. I was glad to see our panel discussion transition into a lot of great audience questions. I can’t think of any better way to kick off the SXSW experience. Our slideshow is available on Slideshare.

There are a lot of new ideas emerging this year, so I’m sharing a few favorites before heading out for a few more panels:

In-person Connections: Facebook connects many of us online. With the proliferation of smart phones that have geolocation tools, social apps are popping up that connect humans in the real world. The app Highlight is talked about a lot this year. Using GPS combined with a Facebook login, it shows you other people that are close by that share common interests. That is pretty handy at a large conference like this.

Data: There is still a lot of untapped potential in all the data generated by our online activities. Data visualization was an emerging trend last year. This week, Visual.ly announced the launch of their platform that allows anyone to easily create visualizations.

In case you’re not sure that data is an important focus:

“90% of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone.” – IBM

Dynamic Pricing: The growing mobile market is opening opportunities for retailers to engage customers and draw them offline, as well as to enable dynamic pricing. It’s been mentioned in a lot of talks, and two focused on it. One was from the founder of Loopt.com, the other session featured Julia Fitzgerald, Chief Digital Engagement Officer at Sears.

Transmedia: Storytelling through transmedia is a big theme this year. It represents the idea of storylines crossing platforms to reach fans in different ways, such as combining video with Twitter with an online chat. On Saturday, the producers of Bravo’s Top Chef shared the process behind creating the online Top Chef Last Chance Kitchen, where chefs could interact with an online audience for a chance to reappear on the show.

There are also a lot of creative promotions that aim to capture the attention of attendees. Here’s one, a twitter-connected vending machine that dispenses journals to anyone that follows @bohemianllc on Twitter.

I’m glad to still be here, finding new ideas and interesting people wherever I turn (some of them from Dayton!), and I’m headed back to more panels today to find more new technology to absorb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SXSW Brings Talent From Both Sides of the Ohio River to Austin

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The South By Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference — a series of creative events held every spring celebrating underground music, independent film and innovative technology through trade shows, panel discussions, conferences and performances at Austin Convention Center — kicked off this past Friday. SXSW music festival brings in nearly 2,000 acts, national and international, to play for six nights. Austin lures thousands of music lovers from all over to register and get their fill of the stuff they love: music and excitement.

“It isn’t one of the standard festivals of our time. It celebrates simply being a musician or a fan or a follower. This place, South By Southwest, [you will] find that essential noise,” said Irish singer, songwriter, humanitarian Bob Feldof at SXSW in his 2011 keynote.

And to anyone who’s been following Ohio’s indie-rock music scene, it’s probably no surprise to them these local bands are taking the spotlight at SXSW this month. These are the artists we search on YouTube to watch nearby locales get rocked by the sounds that once rang out of Cincinnati, Dayton, or Athens. Let’s take a look at the showcasing bands from our turfs.

Wussy (Cincinnati)

What to call them: Chuck Cleaver (vocals, guitar), Lisa Walker (vocals, guitar), Mark Messerly (bass, keys), Joe Klug (drums)

Where you’ve seen them: Northside Tavern

Their sound: Walker adds balance with her airy crooning to Cleaver’s puling backups and regular bouts of feisty outbursts. Klug’s hard-hitting drums sound like a ticking time bomb for the emotive vocalists. Wussy’s banging, gritty guitars and hefty distortion take us back to ‘90s garage rock.

Tracks to check out: A presence of tension between ex-lovers Cleaver and Walker in “Asteroid” exists in their heart-to-heart about feelings unknown to us. “Pulverized” is a group effort where bandmates join forces and chant to share the happiness of being in love, inviting enough to encourage listeners to sing along.

What makes them awesome: Despite recognition in SPIN and Rolling Stone, Wussy haven’t lost their heads as a result. Walker acknowledges Cincinnati’s music scene by telling Village Voice, “People play music here (Cincinnati) because they love to do it. It’s their outlet. When you live here, you have the free time to do that — have a family, have a job and you can go play in a band.”

What’s in store: After taking the stage at SXSW on March 13, Wussy arrive home on March 24 to play at Northside Tavern to celebrate the establishment’s 10-year anniversary.

More at: Official Site | Facebook

 

The Lions Rampant (Cincinnati area)

What to call them: Stuart MacKenzie (lead vocals, guitar), Johnny Walker (guitar, vocals, harmonica, bass), Richard Sherman (guitar, bass) Matthew Ayers (drums, vocals)

Where you’ve seen them: MidPoint Music Festival (four times), Northside Tavern, MTV

Their sound: The Lions Rampant are just feel-good and rugged; the kind of band that puts on shows in a buddy’s basement and where that sweaty guy can be seen flailing around among the others who don’t have a care in the world besides their friends and the music around them.

Tracks to check out: Lions’ SXSW showcasing artist promo video for “Crazy or a Liar” is up on YouTube. Not only is the video entertaining (anyone up for tribal cannibalism?) but the song is electric. “Lights On” sounds like it was recorded at a rowdy house party; but the tracks on It’s Fun Doing Bad Things were laid down in a trailer way out in the boonies of Burlington, Ky. A band that can bring this much fist-pumping energy makes any Kentuckian or Ohioan proud. Kentucky’s stereotypes of race tracks and moonshine and Ohio’s stock banalities of cornfields and the good ol’ Buckeyes are all meaningless when The Lions Rampant is around — forget the clichés. Go crazy.

What makes them awesome: As if MacKenzie’s tawny curls weren’t lion-like enough, the group takes an in-your-face approach to their name by performing in lion suits.

What’s in store: Soon after they pack up their gear at the SXSW performance on March 13, they’re hitting up Mainstay in Cincinnati on April 29 to promote the release of their 7-inch, which features new songs “Crazy or a Liar” and “The Push and Pull.”

More at: Official Site | Facebook

 

Motel Beds (Dayton)

What to call them: Tommy Cooper (guitar), Ian Kaplan (drums), PJ Paslosky (vocals), Derl Robbins (guitar), Tod Weidner (bass)

Where you’ve seen them: Southpark Tavern, Canal Street Tavern

Their sound: Motel Beds’ crisp guitar sounds make the band seem like a ‘60s and ‘70s British Invasion throwback. The indie-rock band could blend in with bands like The Who, and Paslosky’s scratchy voice has charismatic similarities to Jagger’s.

Tracks to check out: “Laugh Until You Die” is a simple, harmonious song that emphasizes Paslosky’s vocal orchestration with the sound of fingers zipping down an acoustic’s strings. “Tango Boys” does carry a particular sweetness but is more mind-bending and dreamlike. How Interpol and TV on the Radio cast feelings of sitting in a dark and empty room with an unseen musical power, Motel Beds set up a mental disposition that’s spacey like Modest Mouse’s The Moon & Antarctica.

What makes them awesome: They invited new-wave/garage-rock singer Kelley Deal, another Gem City native, to sing on “Tropics of the Sand” — a romantic song fragile lovers would want to listen to while locking lips for the very first time.

What’s in store: No word on what is next for Motel Beds after SXSW on March 13, but continue checking their website and become a fan on Facebook (as you should for all of these bands) for information on upcoming shows.

More at: Motel Beds Official Site | ReverbNation

 

Southeast Engine (Athens)

What to call them: Adam Remnant (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Jesse Remnant (bass, vocals), Billy Matheny (piano, organ, guitar, banjo), Leo DeLuca (drums)

Where you’ve seen them: Northside Tavern

Their sound: On one hand, the banjo plucking and the Remnant brothers’ sharp vocals ring similar to Middle Brother and Monsters of Folk. On the other hand, Southeast Engine don’t restrict their music to southern influence. The power of Matheny’s organ and the band’s guitars take over and bring on the handclaps from the audience.

Tracks to check out: The organ and fast picking in “Holy Ghost” makes this song stand out against the others, knocking the rest of the mellifluous tracks out of the water. Adam and Jesse’s vocals ride the rattling current of DeLuca’s percussion. This twangy jam has a way-out-west feel, and the wind chimes add a new ingredient, proving the song is of its own flavor. “Malcontent” masters the art of segueing from one emotion and style to the next in just four minutes.

What makes them awesome: Last year, Adam and Black Swans’ Jerry DeCicca went on a living room tour in exchange for bars and music venues. The two played, unplugged, in several Ohioans’ living rooms, where roughly 40-50 others gathered to watch.

What’s in store: After SXSW (March 15), Southeast Engine head back to Athens to play at Casa Nueva on April 3. Next is a show at The Treehouse in Columbus on April 21.


 

R. Ring (Dayton, Ohio) (Dayton, Ky.)

What to call them: Kelley Deal (The Breeders) and Mike Montgomery (Ampline)

Where you’ve seen them: Carnegie Arts Center

Their sound: Rocking two guitars, Deal and Montgomery have a quirky, unique sound that remains quite the mystery to anyone who hasn’t been to their shows. Deal describes it to Huntsville Times as “up-tempo and quieter stuff; kind of across the board.”

Tracks to check out: R. Ring have yet to officially release any recordings, but you can check out a small handful of clips from live performances on YouTube.

What makes them awesome: After kicking a heroin habit in the ‘90s, Deal has turned to knitting for comfort. She released a book in 2008 (“Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road with Kelley Deal”) and will be holding a knit-a-long in Austin after SXSW. Like Adam Remnant of Southeast Engine, R. Ring have also been in cahoots with Jerry DeCicca (they performed together on Feb. 20 in Alabama at Crossroads Music Hall).

What’s in store: They play at SXSW on March 15 and plan on releasing a 7-inch followed by a full-length through Misra Records as soon as possible. April 18 marks R. Ring’s return to Ohio to perform at the Taft Theater.

More at: R.Ring Official Site

 

 

If you’re not in Austin now, there’s always next year. SXSW continues to get bigger and bigger, so make sure to  register through the website early. And if you are there, enjoy seeing our friends on stage doing what they love in front of those who love it. It starts tonight.

 

August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean Coming to The Loft Theatre

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The New York Times called the late August Wilson “Theatre’s poet of black America,” and Gem of the Ocean is a fine example of why the accolade is richly deserved.

Wilson’s fame centers around his “Pittsburgh Cycle,” ten plays about the neighborhood where he grew up, each set in a different decade of the 1900s. Gem covers the first decade, set in The Hill District in 1904, although it was the next to last of the series written. The play revolves around Aunt Ester, the 285-year old matriarch who was brought to America on the slave ship in the title and who serves as the community’s advisor and moral guide.

The production by The Human Race, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, is directed by Mark Clayton Southers, Artistic Director of the theatre at the August Wilson center in Pittsburgh. Southers grew up in and still lives in The Hill, and recognizes many of the characters from real life. “I think there are Aunt Esters in every family,” says Southers. “They pass down recipes and oral history. African-American history relies heavily on the oral tradition.”

Southers say that while the setting is in an African-American community at a time when slavery was a very real memory, Gem, like all Wilson works, crosses cultural lines, “White audience members get to be a fly on the wall, hearing stories they typically don’t hear.”

The Human Race will present a special opportunity to learn more about Wilson and his work at a symposium at 1pm Saturday, March 31. The panel of the symposium, moderated by David Greer, includes Southers; Sala Udin, a Wilson childhood friend and actor in his early plays; Christopher Rawson, Pittsburgh theatre critic and professor and author of a book on Wilson; and Charles Holmond, who teaches a course on Wilson at Earlham College.

Southers has gathered a cast of local favorites and talented guest artists for Gem of the Ocean. Dwandra Nickole, who had a long New York career before joining the faculty at Ball State University, plays Aunt Ester. Jonathan Berry (Citizen Barlow) and Kevin Brown (Eli) have extensive experience in Pittsburgh productions of Wilson’s works.

Two Human Race Resident Artists are featured – Alan Bomar Jones as Solly Two Kings and Scott Stoney as a Rutherford Selig. Other locals in the cast are Dayton native Bryant Bentley (Caesar Wilks) and Marva M.B. Williams (Black Mary), who was in The Human Race in-school tour show, Change, last fall.

The set for Gem of the Ocean is designed by Dick Block, costumes by Colleen Alexis Metzger, lighting by Resident Artist John Rensel, and sound by Rich Dionne. Kay Carver is the Production Stage Manager.

Gem of the Ocean has a preview night March 29, with official opening March 30 and performances through April 15.

Gem of the Ocean and the August Wilson Symposium will both be in the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Tickets are available via www.humanracetheatre.org , by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, or at the Schuster Center box office.

Music Video Monday: March 12, 2012

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A few weeks ago, we told you about Oh Condor’s new cassette EP, Reflector, out now on Gas Daddy Go Records.  What we didn’t tell you is that the band also has a new music video.  You can catch them live on March 24 at South Park Tavern with the Lab Partners and The Flesh Pets.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ChvYSasT0′]

Regional Theatre Review Roundup – March 2012

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CHILDREN OF EDEN

Playhouse South’s purposeful, engaging, vocally strong presentation of composer Stephen Schwartz and librettist John Caird’s 1991 biblical musical “Children of Eden” clearly ranks among the organization’s finest productions.
Staged with minimalist cohesiveness by Carrie Thurston and based on a concept by Charles Lisanby, “Children of Eden” puts a family-oriented, contemporary spin on the familiar tales of creation (Act 1) and the great flood (Act 2) from the Book of Genesis. The parent/child-themed Act 1 is more engrossing than Act 2 due to the emotional value of Adam and Eve’s journey from bliss to banishment, but there is potency throughout, especially in the parallels of brotherly strife (Cain vs. Abel / Japeth vs. Ham) and the struggle God (named Father) undergoes while coping with the generational disobedience of His children.

Meaningful portrayals are offered by full-throttle tenor Sean Hurley as Father, Muse Machine alum Jacob McGlaun as Adam/Noah, Natalie Sanders as Eve/Mama, Bobby Mitchum as Snake/Cain/Japeth, David Stephen Thomas as Abel/Ham, Mackensie Vonderbrink as Yonah, and Jamal Cann as Seth/Shem. McGlaun, a wonderfully practical and sensitive Adam/Noah, has an appealing chemistry with the effectively inquisitive Sanders, a knockout vocalist. In fact, Sanders’ renditions of “The Spark of Creation” and the gospel-centric “Ain’t it Good” are among the best I have heard. I’m surprised “Ain’t it Good,” vigorously heightened by an uncredited pianist in conductor Brett Greenwood’s fine orchestra, does not receive a brief encore due to its nearly show-stopping magnitude. The ever-reliable Mitchum also hits the mark with pleasant versions of “The Pursuit of Excellence” (a highlight among choreographer Davy Folger’s routines), “Lost in the Wilderness,” and “In Whatever Time We Have” (opposite Vonderbrink).
The cast also includes Laura Bloomingdale, Alli Brown, Jess Evans, Tamar Fishbein, Jessica Freesen, Sherry Fox, Bobby Gray, Pauline Humbert, Leah Kushmaul, Kaylei Lowe, Ria Megnin, Brett Norgaard, Jordan Norgaard, Bethany Scearce, Bradley Scearce, TC Schrier, Victoria Tuccillo, Hailey Walters and Ashley York.
“Children of Eden” ends tonight. Catch it if you can.

“Children of Eden” concludes March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Clark Haines Theatre (Kettering Board of Education building), 3700 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $7-$12. For tickets or more information, call (888) 262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org.

THE BIG PICTURE

Dayton continues to be a hotbed for burgeoning musicals, but no one ever said the process was easy. The most recent example is lyricist-librettist David Brush and composer Jim Farley’s “The Big Picture,” originally workshopped in 2004 and currently receiving its world premiere at Beavercreek Community Theatre.
Set in 1962 Pine Springs, Illinois with flashbacks to 1942, “The Big Picture” centers on college student Billy Carson (Brian Kester), who returns home for the summer seeking answers about his long-lost father Jack (Michael Shannon). However, questions arise when Billy’s agitated mother Maggie (Pam McGinnis) refuses to reveal the past, particularly Jack’s history as a B-movie screenwriter/director. Family drama aside, romantic subplots emerge in the form of Billy’s affection for his high school crush Ellie Patterson (Angela Umstead) and Maggie’s topsy-turvy relationship with her amiable suitor Charlie (Shawn Hooks).

Brush and Farley attempt to create a poignant small town coming-of-age tale, but their foundation lacks cohesion, balance and depth. Jack and Maggie’s USO courtship is stagnant (more flashbacks would be beneficial). Billy and Ellie’s bond is awkwardly underdeveloped. Billy’s best friend Sam Morris (Eric Bracht) serves as comic relief, but is basically an annoying distraction. Further, the score, containing shades of Big Band, is merely serviceable than impactful (Act 2 ballad “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” is the strongest of 20 songs). Perhaps if the bulk of the score was cemented to the era a la “Hairspray,” also set in 1962, the show would have considerable flavor.

Artistically, director Doug Lloyd’s cast fails to engage or coalesce. Some actors have difficulty overcoming issues of age-appropriateness and memorization while others suffer from shaky musicality. Chris Harmon’s cinema-inspired scenic design and John Falkenbach’s efficient lighting design are technical pluses.

Instead of tweaking “The Big Picture,” Brush and Farley should consider retooling/resurrecting their 2003 musical “Summer of My German Soldier,” a sharper endeavor based on Bette Greene’s novel of the same name.  

“The Big Picture” concludes March 11 at the Lofino Center, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek. Performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 38 minutes. Tickets are $11-$13. The cast also includes Matt Owens as the Soldier. For tickets or more information, call (937) 429-4737 or visit www.bctheatre.org. In related news, BCT’s 2012-13 season will consist of “Musical Chairs” (Sept. 7-16, directed by Matt Owens), “The Sugar Bean Sisters” (Oct. 26-Nov. 4, directed by Doug Lloyd), “On Christmas Day In The Morning” (Nov. 30-Dec. 9, directed by Teresa Connair), “Steppin’ Out” (Jan. 25-Feb. 3, directed by John Falkenbach), “A Chorus Line” (March 1-10, directed by Doug Lloyd), “The Canterbury Tales or Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus” (Apr. 19-28, directed by Teresa Connair), “Legally Blonde The Musical” (June 21-30, directed by Chris Harmon).

BERLIN TO BROADWAY WITH KURT WEILL: A MUSICAL VOYAGE

Wright State University saluted the melodically rich legacy of composer Kurt Weill (1900-1950) with an excellent presentation of the 1972 revue “Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill: A Musical Voyage” March 2-4 in the Herbst Theatre.
As the title indicates, “Berlin to Broadway” chronicled Weill from his German benchmarks (particularly “The Threepenny Opera,” his legendary 1928 Bertolt Brecht collaboration featuring his muse/wife Lotte Lenya) to his New York successes (such as “Lady in the Dark,” “Lost in the Stars,” “Love Life” and “One Touch of Venus”). Weill, who became an American citizen in 1943, notably won the first original score Tony Award for 1947’s “Street Scene,” co-written by Langston Hughes. His diverse collaborators also included Maxwell Anderson, Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein II, Alan Jay Lerner and Ogden Nash.

Crisply staged with lyric-driven intent by Jamie Cordes and fittingly accented with mood-setting projections by Nicholas Crumbley, this breezy revue featured 38 songs and a dynamic octet solidly supported by musical director/pianist Susan Carlock. Highlights included Chrissy Bowen and Lizzy Miller’s fiery “Jealousy Duet,” Ian DeVine and Drew Helton’s playful “Progress,” Samantha Helmstetter’s beguilingly personable “That’s Him,” Jonathan Hacker’s reflective “Lonely House,” Cooper Taggard’s splendid “Lost in the Stars,” and Emily Thomas’ strikingly firm  “Surabaya Johnny,” “Pirate  Jenny” and “Saga of Jenny.” Helmstetter, a terrific soprano, also rendered a fabulously captivating, character-consumed “I Wait for a Ship” pulsating with seduction and strength. It is no surprise she is a semifinalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s esteemed Lotte Lenya Competition and will be seen as Christine in WSU’s spring production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Although a deeper, more compelling account of Weill’s illustrious career, including his relationship with Lenya, can be found in Alfred Uhry’s little known 2007 musical “LoveMusik,”“Berlin to Broadway” proved thoroughly satisfying.

WICKED TICKETS ON SALE SOON

Tickets for the Victoria Theatre Association’s four-week return engagement of “Wicked” go on sale to the general public Monday, March 19 at 8 a.m. in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Tickets will also be available at 9 a.m. online (www.ticketcenterstage.com) and 10 a.m. by phone (937-228-3630). Tickets are $42-$121. There is an eight-ticket limit per patron. “Wicked” will be performed May 30-June 24 in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center. For more information, visit www.ticketcenterstage.com