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Archives for May 2012

Bob MARLEY Documentary Opens Friday!

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Hello Everyone,

Over the past several weeks, numerous people have asked if we were going to play MARLEY – the new documentary about the brilliant musician Bob Marley. On Friday, it will finally arrive.
If you still need to see JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. DAMSELS IN DISTRESS and FOOTNOTE will stick around for another week. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our website – www.neonmovies.com.

And speaking of customer requests…we’ve had more calls and questions about THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL than any other film in recent memory. Fear not! It opens Friday, May 25.

Synopsis for MARLEY: “Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Marley is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.” Join us for our OPENING NIGHT PATIO PARTY. Before Friday’s 7:15 screening, live acoustic music will be presented on our patio by M Hunter of Columbus (performance begins at 6PM)!

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On Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30pm, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 has rented out our space for a special screening of INSIDE JOB – “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008″…and they’re inviting you to join them. “UFCW 75 represents nearly 30,000 members along the I-75 corridor in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky; our members work mostly in supermarkets, drug stores, food packing and food processing plants, and in health care facilities. We are Ohio’s largest private sector union. For questions, more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected].” (details provided by UFCW 75)

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 visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies
And don’t forget that your movie ticket gets you 15% off your food order at Sa-Bai…located directly behind THE NEON.

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

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. May 18 – Thur. May 24:

MARLEY (PG-13) 2 Hr 24 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:15, 10:00
Sunday: 1:00, 4:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:15

FOOTNOTE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 7:20
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:20

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday: 5:10, 9:30
Sunday: 5:10
Monday & Tuesday: 5:10
Wednesday: no screenings
Thursday: 5:10

INSIDE JOB (PG-13)
Wednesday: 6:00 – RSVP Required

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 THE INTOUCHABLES
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
DARLING COMPANION
LOLA VERSUS

Coming up in Dayton Theatre May 18th – May 31st

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Alright! Let’s get started with …

“Wicked” Watch!WICKED May 30 – June 24, 2012 – Schuster Center

Just a reminder to all you lovers of the Stephen Schwartz’s musical juggernaut, “Wicked” hits town on May 30th and stays through June 24. Tickets are on sale and good seats are still available! Visit the Victoria Theatre Association website at www.victoriatheatre.com for ticketing and further details.

Now Playing!

The Sound of Music

Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Dayton Playhouse’s well-received rendition of the classic continues this weekend and next. Tickets are on sale but my sources tell me seats are going fast. Like, super-fast. So if you want to see and hear all the songs you love so well, or introduce them to a new generation, it behooves you to call the box office at 937.242.8477 or to go to the website post haste!

Dates: The Sound of Music continues this weekend and closes on Sunday, May 27th.

Tickets: Please go online to www.thedaytonplayhouse.com to purchase tickets or get further information.

Coming Soon!

Band Geeks!

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: The Cuyahoga Marching Beavers are 75 trombones short of a Music Man, and there’s only one cornet left, but while the band may be close to extinction, its spirit isn’t. Band Geeks! is a rousing Glee with instruments, a tribute to the tribulations of the millions who have spent football halftimes pounding out Sousa-like renditions of “Maria.” If you were ever in a school band, ever knew someone in a school band, even ever heard a school band, you’ll recognize the woes and revel in the fun of Band Geeks!

Dates: Band Geeks! opens on May 31st and runs through June 17th.

Tickets: For ticketing and more information, please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE THEATRE Laramie ProjectThe Laramie Project

Sinclair Community College Theatre Dept.

The Skinny: A powerful portrait of one town’s healing in the face of terrible tragedy. Five weeks after Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, beaten and left to die on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyo., members of the Tectonic Theater Project traveled to the small town to begin a series of more than 200 interviews with its residents. The result was The Laramie Project, a poignant and deeply moving play that showcases man’s capacity for both brutal intolerance and breathtaking compassion. Named one of Time Magazine’s 10 best plays of 2000.

Dates: The Laramie Project opens May 18th and closes May 26. There is a 1o:00 am performance on Wednesday, May 23rd, as well as an evening performance on Thursday, May 24th.

Tickets: For ticketing and more information, please visit the Sinclair Community College Theatre Department page at www.sinclair.edu/arts/theatre/season/

Shameless Self-Promotion!

In the interest of full-disclosure, I’ll admit here and now that I’m the Production Assistant for the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, so I’m all sorts of biased about their sheer awesomeness. That having been said, the DGMC’s productions aren’t exactly theatre, but I’m going to give them a plug here anyway:

ExtrABBAganza!

The Skinny: The DGMC’s Pride Weekend concert this year features the music of everyone’s favorite Swedes: ABBA. This 2-act, full-length concert is guaranteed to get you clapping and grooving in your seats!

Date: Pride Saturday, June 2nd at the Victoria Theatre.

Tickets: Tickets are on sale now and are cheaper when pre-ordered! Go to the Victoria Theatre Association website at www.victoriatheatre.com for further event-specific information. For more information on the DGMC, including history and Mission Statement, visit their website at www.daytongaymenschorus.org

 

I think that about wraps it up for this fortnight! Remember, contact me with anything you want to see mentioned, as well as any questions, comments, criticisms or witticisms (apologies to Terry Stump, Technical Director at Sinclair Community College, from whom I shamelessly stole that last bit!)

Pedals 4 Pancakes: How bicycle commuting can change your life

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Join Five Rivers MetroParks for the annual Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast, 6-9 a.m. Friday, May 18, at RiverScape MetroPark. Details at www.metroparks.org/biketowork

Who’s got two thumbs and can help save the world while saving some dough and burning calories? This girl! And that guy, and that girl, and that girl, and especially that polydactyl guy. That’s right, anyone can accomplish this earth-friendly laundry list simply by biking to work. Celebrate your two-wheeled liberation on Friday, May 18, with a free pancake breakfast at RiverScape MetroPark, compliments of your outdoorsy pals at Five Rivers MetroParks.

Since gaining status as a bronze-level bike-friendly berg, Dayton’s cycling population has grown. New initiatives include the City of Dayton’s program that will place 100 new bike racks in strategic downtown locations. Following in the footsteps of other cities that have proven the “if-you-build-it-they-will-come” strategy is effective, the bike racks should provide ample parking to some of downtown’s coolest spots. Bonus—no more circling the block like a parking space vulture or endless see-sawing as you attempt to squeeze your four-door sedan into a parallel spot that could barely accommodate the recently vacated Geo Metro.

Besides ample parking right next to your destination, swapping your car for the bike has myriad benefits. Let’s talk economics. Let’s say you fill your 14-gallon tank once every two weeks. If gas prices were to stay at a reasonable $3.50 per gallon (maybe there’s no turmoil in the Middle East because everyone went on vacation?), you spend about $1,274 a year on gas. Reduce that cost by putting your foot to the pedal instead of the pedal to the metal. Studies show us that 25 percent of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40 percent of all trips are within 2 miles of the home, and 50 percent of the working population commutes 5 miles or less to work—yet 82 percent of these trips made that are 5 miles or less are made by motor vehicle!

Photo by Elzora.com Photography

What if you used a bike for those short trips? Even if you start small—one trip 2 miles away or less once a week for a year—you can still save some money. In my beautiful hypothetical world where gas prices hover at $3.50, you could save about $50 a year! If this doesn’t seem like a lot of money to you, please send all your extra cash my way because I’d love an extra $50 a year. I’d stop in the middle of the street to pick up a quarter!

If the wallet surplus isn’t enough motivation, how about the health aspect? Steady cycling burns approximately 300 calories per hour. If you cycle for 30 minutes every day you would burn 11 pounds of fat in a year. (This solves the mystery of how those bike commuters pack away thousands of flapjacks at our bike to work event every year and manage to avoid stretching out their spandex.) Bad knees you say? Pish posh! The Mayo Clinic suggests adding exercise like cycling to increase your mobility if you suffer from arthritis or other types of joint pain. Any way you slice it, using your bike is beneficial.

What? Being rich and fit don’t rank high on your personal goals? What if I told you cycling could make the world a better place? Recent studies reveal big payouts for bike-friendly cities. Researchers reviewed the effects of using a bike instead of a car in 11 different cities around the upper Midwest. Combining data on air quality, medical costs, mortality rates, car accidents and physical fitness, the research team discovered that if residents of the sample cities used bikes for just half of their short trips (less than 5 miles), they’d create a net societal health benefit of $3.5 billion annually from reduced air pollution, and net $3.8 billion in health care savings from those Midwest denizens being so trim.

Find a bikeway near you: www.metroparks.org/cycling

Of course because this is a Five Rivers MetroParks initiative, there is another ecological angle here. Those who drive 5 miles to work daily produce roughly 1860 pounds of greenhouse gases (CO2) into the atmosphere each year. It would take 133 fully matured trees per year to absorb those yearly emissions. Think about that for a second. Imagine planting 133 trees for your car alone. Now think about how many of your fellow commuters you see each day. We need another 133 trees to off-set the carbon from all those vehicles, and unless we’re willing to grow trees on a Cambrian-era level, we’re going to have to find ways to reduce our pollution.

If you think you have what it takes to start bike commuting but you’re not confident enough in your skills to make it to this Friday’s pancake breakfast, try taking the bike commuting class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. This program will include bike terminology, commuting equipment and trip and bike preparation. You’ll also get an overview of traffic laws, potential hazards, safe-riding skills and proper route planning.

Use the bike instead of the car. Start small—commute one short trip once a week and see how you like it. Uneasy about traffic rules? Check out the monthly Courteous Mass rides. This group-led ride will orient you to the rules of the road (Rule #1: Bikes are recognized as “vehicles” in the eyes of the law, so not only is it your right to ride on the road, it’s your legal obligation) in a safe environment. The group meets around 5:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Field on the first Friday of each month. Get in gear for your health, your finances and the environment!

More Bands For Your Buck: Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Adds to Lineup

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Griffin House

15 bands is good, but 23 is even better.  If you haven’t already marked your calendar for the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival on September 8th and 9th, you’ve got 8 more reasons to do so.  Festival organizers have just announced the following additions to their lineup including:

Red Wanting Blue (Columbus)

Griffin House (Springfield native)

The Werks (Dayton/Columbus)

Needmore

Brent James and the Contraband

Burnt Sugar

Bad Sines (Dayton)

Wheels (Yellow Springs)

Wheels

“We are very excited to add this group of talented artists to our already exceptional lineup,” said Matt Luongo, President, Downtown Revival, LLC.    “With these additions to our existing lineup, as well as one more round of  bands to be announced at the end of May, we are confident there will be  something for everyone at the first ever Downtown Dayton Revival and cannot  wait to bring these great bands to downtown Dayton in September.”

That’s right, there are still more band announcements to come.  In the meantime, two day passes and are available at www.downtownrevival.com.  Early bird ticket prices are $55 and include entry into a contest for a VIP package upgrade including access to the VIP hospitality tent, invitations to a Friday night preview party, artist meet and greet, and other exciting upgrades.  Early bird tickets are limited in quantity and will be on sale until May 31st or  until sold out.

The Werks

CONFIRMED ARTISTS: John Legend, Train, Guided By Voices, Guster, Rusted Root, Heartless Bastards, Motel Beds, Red Wanting Blue, Karl Denson’s Tiny  Universe, Andy Grammar, Griffin House, Brent James and the Contraband, Mat  Kearney, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Kristy Lee, Tony Lucca, Ivan  Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Bronze Radio Return, Bad Sines, Burnt Sugar, The Werks, and Wheels.

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Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: May 14-20

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…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

BECKY’S NEW CAR

The Story: Fortyish Becky Foster has a decent job at an auto dealership, a solid husband named Joe, and a freeloading psych-major son living in her basement. Her life is…okay, if not sublime. But when she crosses paths with billionaire widower Walter Flood, she’s offered the chance to test drive a very different kind of existence – if she can just keep him in the dark about the one she already has!
The Dates: May 17-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)

The Story: 600 Years of History in 6000 Seconds…History Will Never Be The Same! From Washington to Watergate, yea verily from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order – THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED) is a ninety minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters – it’s what you’ve done with it!
The Dates: May 17-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

Matt Dentino, Danielle Muething, Jennifer J. Araya & Patrick Phillips.

BABES IN HOLLYWOOD

The Story: Get ready to swing, sway and swoon to over 30 of the most glorious songs of the Twentieth Century. BABES IN HOLLYWOOD salutes the legendary musical careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. 
The Dates: May 16-June 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC listing

SONGS FROM THE TALL GRASS

The Story: SONGS FROM THE TALL GRASS is about the struggles and the triumphs of breaking the sod in the Midwest. The music tells the story about life and love during a time of the great expansion of our country.
The Dates: May 18-27, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

Brian Isaac Phillips as Shylock, Kelly Mengelkoch as Portia & Jared Joplin as Antonio. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: Passion, betrayal, and a bargain with a terrible price. In one of the Bard’s most controversial and thrilling plays, Antonio covers a debt for his friend Bassanio, from the complicated and persecuted Shylock—who has much reason to resent Antonio. Across lines of race and wrongdoing, Antonio must face a terrible fate, while Bassanio finds true love in the arms of the delightful Portia. Watch what happens as events culminate in a cross-dressing courtroom battle in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
The Dates: May 11-June 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

The cast of THE SECOND CITY 2: LESS PRIDE...MORE PORK. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE SECOND CITY: LESS PRIDE MORE PORK

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: The world’s premier comedy company will again set its razor-sharp sights on Cincinnati. What’s left to skewer? The Second City was in town long enough to know they haven’t come close to exhausting the material. Not to mention, between now and opening night, entire sports seasons will come and go, politicians will star on reality shows and streetcars may (or may not) be on track. The future holds nothing but promise for comedy at our expense. 
The Dates: April 29-July 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

ANGEL STREET

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: As the curtain rises, all appears the essence of Victorian tranquility. It is soon apparent however, that Mr. Manningham, a suavely handsome man, is not what he appears to be. When a caller from Scotland Yard visits Mrs. Manningham during one of Mr. Manningham’s many unexplained absences, pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. Author Patrick Hamilton has built and sustained some of the most brilliant, suspenseful sequences in modern theatre.
The Dates: May 11-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company | BTC listing

THE FANTASTICKS

Loveland Stage Company

The Story: Two fathers decide that they want their children to fall in love. The girl, Luisa, is a daydreamer with an active imagination. The boy, Matt, is a romantic. The two fathers decide to instigate a mock feud amongst themselves in order to help the boy and girl fall in love. They figure that this feud will give them the excuse to say no to the relationship, which of course will simply encourage the children’s love even more. The fathers go as far as to hire El Gallo to stage a mock abduction of Luisa, in which Matt can become a hero and save her. 
The Dates: May 11-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS

Wyoming Players

The Story: During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. They are Frances, a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist; Mindy, the cheerful, wise-cracking lesbian sister of the groom; Georgeanne, whose heartbreak over her own failed marriage triggers outrageous behavior; Meredith, the bride’s younger sister whose precocious rebelliousness masks a dark secret; and Trisha, a jaded beauty whose die-hard cynicism about men is called into question when she meets Tripp, a charming bad-boy usher to whom there is more than meets the eye.
The Dates: May 11-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Wyoming Players | BTC listing

James Oblak as Skip, Will Slenick as Wally, Nick Laughlin as Denny & Lee Slobotkin as Eugene. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Story: SH-BOOM! From the creator of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, comes the Crooning Crabcakes, the boy group banned from the Springfield High School prom that made it possible for The Marvelous Wonderettes to perform. The guys get one more chance at fame and fortune as Denny, Eugene, Skip and Wally form a singing group to enter and win the local radio contest and realize their dreams of making it to the big time! Featuring such classic songs as “Stay” (Just a Little Bit Longer),” “Runaround Sue,” “Tears On My Pillow,” “Unchained Melody,” “Earth Angel,” and of course the title song, Life Could Be A Dream is another musical trip down memory lane that will leave you laughing, singing and cheering!
The Dates: May 2-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC listing | BTC review |

Catherine Ross as Margaret Johnson & Abby Paljieg as Clara Johnson in Footlighters' THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

Footlighters Inc.

The Story: The show takes place in Italy in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson, the wife of an American, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara. While sightseeing, Clara-a beautiful, childish young woman-loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by an unseen hand, the hat lands at the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a handsome Florentine, who returns it to Clara. This brief episode sparks an immediate romance between Clara and Fabrizio. Extremely protective, Margaret attempts to keep them apart. As the story unfolds, a secret is revealed about Clara: she is not all that she appears. Unable to suppress the truth, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own hopes as well.
The Dates: May 3-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC listing

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

Mariemont Players

The Story: Nick, an Italian-American boy from New Jersey, wants to follow his dream and move to Seattle – far away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents and their routine Sunday dinners. But both sets of grandparents scheme to keep him from moving, using the lovely, and single, Caitlin O’Hare as bait.
The Dates: May 4-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC listing

David St. Louis as Marvell Thunder, Terry Burrell as Good Sister Dupree, Jennie Harney as Glory Dupree & Trent Armand Kendall as Jaguar Dupree, Sr. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THUNDER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Once upon a time, a mysterious, blues-playing stranger named Marvell Thunder arrives at the door of the Dupree family with a unique challenge — a “cutting contest,” in which twin guitars are the weapons of choice. If he has his way, the epic musical showdown will change everyone’s life forever. A mystical, magical celebration of love, family and the exhilarating power of music to free your soul. 
The Dates: April 21-May 20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

Cincinnati Music Theatre

The Story: TITANIC is based on the true story of the great ship’s maiden voyage from departure in Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. The show touches on issues such as class, immigration and mankind’s vulnerability in the face of nature. The story follows passengers and crew members who actually existed and were aboard the Titanic back in 1912.
The Dates: May 11-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Music Theatre | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

THE FOOL

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative

The Dates: May 22, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | BTC listing

CINCINNATI FRINGE FESTIVAL 2012

Cincinnati Fringe Festival

The Dates: May 30-June 9, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Fringe Festival |

Dion Lack: From The DYT To Hollywood

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Dion Lack in the famous Doritos commercial.

You all saw it. The hilarious Dion Lack Doritos Commercial (see below) that aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. The one where the cute kid pimp slaps a grown man for dating his Mom and eating his Doritos. Here’s where things get interesting. The adult male in the commercial is from Dayton. And his name is Dion Lack.

Dion has been in the entertainment business as an actor/comedian for eleven years. And as you can guess, his career got a nice boost from the Doritos ad. Lack took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about what he’s been working on, and life as a Dayton transplant living in La La (Los Angeles)

Greg Simms Jr.: The Doritos commercial. That made a lot of noise when it aired. How did that come about?

Dion Lack: “Yeah, the commercial was surprisingly a HUGE success. It came about from a buddy of mine that I worked with as an extra on the set of Fast Furious 4. He approached me a couple months prior with the idea and we collaborated and made it come to life. A lot of people thought I came up with the commercial because I have my own production company. (LackToast Entertainment) but I was just the actor in it.”

 

G.S.: What was the response to the commercial (from your perspective)? How did the commercial affect your career?

D.L.: “My honest opinion, I didn’t think it was that funny but I kept getting rave reviews from my surroundings that made me fall in love with it. I praise God for the commercials buzz because it had definitely got me a lot of acting and writing jobs that boasted my drive to be more successful.”

G.S.: You are from the Dayton area. when did you move to California? And why?

D.L.: “Yes I’m a proud Dayton native! I was born and raised in Dayton View and moved to Los Angeles in 2001. I came out here to act and was forced to get into the stand-up comedy world. Which I do not regret. Comedy has been my best move yet as far as networking and growing.”

G.S.: Obviously, you are a comedian. When did you know you wanted to pursue this career? And why?

D.L.: “Like I said on the previous answer, I’ve done comedy in high school but never thought I would pursue it as a career. When my family and folks got word I was in L.A., people started hooking me up with the right people that were already established for encouragement and motivation. I slid in just fine and performed and traveled with some of the greats. ”

G.S.: How often do you perform stand-up comedy?

D.L.: “That’s kind of a hard question seeing that I do open mics all the time to try out new jokes. Just like exercising, comedy is a muscle you need to workout. But I average about four scheduled comedy performances a week.”

G.S.: Have you been to the Dayton area lately?

D.L.: “No I haven’t been in back home since April of 2011. Which was a Redemption Comedy show at the RTA Center. It was a lot of fun with my Good Comedian Comrades Mark Gregory, Nate Washington, Will Speed, and produced by Terrance Dorsey. ”

G.S.: If you had to talk to any Dayton area up and coming entertainers, what you tell them?

D.L.: “Dayton is a small market and you can easily be unmotivated because there’s not a lot of encouraging people inspiring your dream. Please stay encouraged!!! Surprise yourself and allow you to be your only competition. Don’t follow and compare someone else’s success with the speed of yours because it will always frustrate you. Everything you do in life should make your life better. ”

G.S.: Do you have anything that you are working on currently?

D.L.: “I am always working on something. I have a Comedy CD that I’m working on which is full of pranks, sketches and most importantly comedy! It will be complete in the Fall of 2012.
I’m working on a fantasy trilogy that was inspired by my oldest daughter a few years ago. Its an analogy novel that I’ve done intense research on and been working on the 3 simultaneously for almost a year now. The working title is Boats which should be complete early Winter.
Like I said on my previous answer, I’ve developed a production company (www.LackToastEnt.com) with my Best Friend Twilla Tanyi. We provide full service to help anyone bring out that vision they have on paper. We’ve done skits, short films, Reality shows, sketches, commercials etc. Check out our new YouTube page (www.Youtube.com/TheLackToastEnt.com)Also, you can follow us on Twitter : @LackToastEnt, and
“Like” us on Facebook : LackToast Entertainment”

G.S.: What is your ultimate goal?

D.L.: “My ultimate goal is to live out all my dreams with no regrets. If I say I’m going to do it, it will be done! I want to be an example of “It Can Be Done!” I don’t cut corners and try to inspire the people around me to stay encouraged. And I will leave you with this: don’t allow money to be your motivation. God Over Money!”

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Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back

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When you think of the Fashion Industry as a whole, the first thoughts that probably come to mind are the vain egotistical plots and twist of the hit movie The Devil Wears Prada. Though bits and pieces of that movie may be true for some but in actuality behind that thin veneer of superficiality is one of the most philanthropically known industries in this country.  Whether it’s Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Fund to fight breast cancer, to Ken Coles AmFar Foundation for AIDS Research, to Gucci’s partnership with UNIECF, giving back has always been a key component of the Fashion Industry.

If you’ve ever visited the Facebook page of Dayton Fashion Week you’ll notice that we are listed as a Community Organization.  When I first came on board at DFW in October 2011, Junda and I both emphasized the importance of not just giving back but reaching out to the people of the Miami Valley.  For me it was second nature to be active in the community, I’ve been a volunteer since the age of 12, volunteering for such organizations as The Buckeye Trails Girl Scout Council as a Camp Aide, to the Anpo O Project which delivers school supplies the Standing Rock Reservation in S.Dakota where the dropout rate for students is 85%, to The Action Youth Outreach Program which teaches entrepreneurial skills for inner city and “at-risk” youth using STEM Curriculum, to being a Guest Speaker for the My Beauty is Priceless Seminars which teaches young girls tools of empowerment from spirituality, cooking,  education, and personal appearance,  not to mention I sign up to volunteer for almost every event that takes place in the City of Dayton!

For Junda, who is new to the area this would serve as her opportunity to see just how great the people of the City of Dayton and surrounding areas are.  Since word of Dayton Fashion Week broke Junda has been blown away by all of the hospitality, support, and encouragement that everyone has shown towards our Inaugural event!  During our first two casting calls, we collected can goods for the Dayton Food Pantry and doesn’t stop there–we are very happy to present Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back!   On Saturday May 19 we will be launching the first of many outings geared towards giving back to the community and raising awareness for important causes starting with our models and staff taking part in a build for Habitat for Humanity http://www.daytonhabitat.org.

Dayton Fashion Week Models pose for pictures during Urban Nights

As a producer for 91.3 FM WYSO’s Community Voices, I’ve been working on a story about The Vision Keepers and The Circle of Courage  re-entry and recovery program which is a local non-profit organization that provides clothing, bus tokens, emergency toiletries and support groups.  Founded by the late Dr. Robin Herman, the organization is now headed up by the 2011 Justice Award recipient Khadijah Ali and falls under the 2011 Dayton’s Ten Top Women Award recipient MaryAnn Angel’s Two Tree organization, http://www.twotreesinc.org/vision_keepers.shtml.  Dayton Fashion Week will host a fundraiser for this organization in August of 2012. More details will be announced soon.

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m very cautious of the company that I keep and I apply those same life rules to DFW and I’m honored to be amongst such good company.  I’ve heard several models refer to Dayton Fashion Week as a family and I can honestly say that we probably have the most amazing team filled with positive, caring and supportive people who aside from our love for fashion we are also into building each other up and building lasting bonds and friendships.

Since our Pre-Launch Party in March the models have been asking us to get together for a fun outing sp that we can spend more time getting to know each other and it was suggested that we form a team and be a part of the Mud Volley for Epilepsy.  So when I called the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio to inquire about what was needed to form a team I was a surprised when the Director asked us to do more than just form a team she wanted us to form a partnership–after all we’re both very small organizations, and both heavily dependent on volunteers so we came up with a couple of ideas about how we can help each other out we will be providing more details soon but in the meantime be sure to sign your team up at http://www.daytonmud.com.  We hope to see you all on July 14!!

July 24 will mark the official start of Dayton Fashion Week and we will be kicking things off with Fashion for a Cause!  This event will consist of a silent auction, live entertainment, and a local celebrity fashion show.  Proceeds from this event will go to our charitable partners Clothes That Work http://www.clothesthatwork.org and Hospice of Dayton http://www.hospiceofdayton.org .  This event will take place from 6pm-9pm at the Dayton Masonic Temple located at 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton OH 45405.

July 28 does not mark the end of Dayton Fashion Week’s activities for 2012.  We are 100% committed to being a part of the revitalization of Dayton and the entire Miami Valley year round. For more details about how you can help out with these worthy causes please click on the links provided and for more information on Dayton Fashion Week Gives Back please “Like” our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/daytonfashion.

 

 

 

 

 

GO W/ THE FLOW with Ben Rivet and Tori Reynolds

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Ben & Tori do their thing on Fifth Street during Urban Nights

Ben Rivet (known as BJSR in the local music community) has not stopped creating since his days as a student at the University of Dayton just a few years ago. After a bit of traveling that included performing on a cruise ship, Ben returned to Dayton and got noticed quickly with his iPhone-shot video that became a bit of a YouTube hit.  After that came the release of his popular debut album Axe and Vox that showcased Ben as not only a talented musician but an able producer and songwriter.  These days, Ben has returned back to something he discovered while at UD – yoga – and quickly became a well known member at Practice Yoga – a popular yoga studio on Fifth Street in the Oregon District.  Late last year he took his passion for yoga to the next level and began yoga teacher training, which is how he connected with PY instructor Tori Reynolds…

Tori discovered yoga while studying psychology at Wright State, and took it to the next level by signing up to get certified in Live Love Teach training and eventually becaming an instructor at Practice Yoga.   Through that program and with the support of her Practice Yoga community, she was inspired to get creative and explore new ways of practicing her craft.  The connection she made with Ben eventually led to the creation of a new concept called GO W/ THE FLOW – a unique rhythmic fusion of Ben’s beatboxing and acoustic guitar along with Tori’s yoga sequencing.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l3ZU-gFAGY’]

I spoke with Ben recently about the journey he has taken that has blended his passions for music and yoga…

DMM: How did the GO W/ THE FLOW concept come about?

Ben:  I had been working on completing my yoga teacher certification at Practice Yoga from September to April of this past year, and spending a LOT of time at Practice Yoga. I had played for a couple classes before and had fun doing it. Tori was just starting to teach a class or two at the studio and I asked her if she wanted me to play one of her classes. I think because we are close in age (24/26), have similar tastes in music, and similar ideas about a yoga practice – we complimented each other well right from the start. We got a great response and decided to cultivate it a little more.
I recorded one of the classes we held and posted it online for free to share with yogi friends, titling the track “GO W/ THE FLOW” because it was all very improvised based on the environment, mood and experience level of that class. Once it was online, word began to spread and we realized we had something worth focusing on. With the contacts Tori had through her teacher training we started making contacts and setting up classes along side my tour to SXSW music fest in Austin and the rest is history. The blog pretty much takes it from there…

DMM: What kind of feedback have you gotten from participants?

Ben: We are almost overwhelmed with how tremendous the response has been from GWTF. Not only from our friends and family, but from Yogis, instructors and fitness enthusiasts around the country. When we started, we were just trying to provide the best class we could for the yogis at Practice. But the more we worked on it, the more we realized that the music makes the class very accessible for first-timers as well as deeply beneficial for even an experienced practitioner. Tori’s goal is to teach a class that is fun and challenging for THAT group of people, my goal is to give her the best possible soundtrack to do that to. Participants walk away feeling invigorated limber and eager to do more yoga, which is the point.

DMM:  What are your hopes for the future of GWTF? Do you see this as something you’ll do for a while and then move on to other things, or something you want to stick with and grow?

Ben: For as much planning as it feels like Tori and I have been doing preparing for this summer tour, we are both trying to enjoy where we are RIGHT NOW… If we stick to our guns regarding the philosophy about GWTF, we will constantly be learning and growing from the practice as we grow ourselves as yogis, instructors and musicians, and hopefully we will never get “bored” with it. We’ve always thought that GWTF was a unique experience and not something that should replace a normal yoga practice, therefore we think that it could always be something that is sprinkled into our teaching and practice in future. Tori and I also really liking traveling, so it makes sense for us to get out and do this for as many people as possible right now. I still plan on cultivating my BJSR work and Tori will continue teaching in Dayton, but hopefully GWTF will always be apart of it. It does as much for our well-being as it does for our classes.

DMM: What is your message about GWTF to those who have never done yoga before but might want to try GWTF? To those who are experienced with yoga?

Ben: Yoga can definitely be intimidating for those who’ve never tried it or only done it via a DVD or gym experience. What we’re hoping is that the music and environment that we work to create will entice people to give it a try and have some fun. Tori’s teaching is encouraging and playful and my music keeps you moving and sweating. We’ve never had anyone leave unhappy and, in fact, many of our friends who tried yoga for the first time are now adding yoga classes into their regular workout routine. There is really nothing to lose by trying… other some sweat.

For the more experienced practitioners, the classe is a power Vinyasa class that is influenced by the Baptiste and ashtanga method. It moves a lot but the real focus is on the breath! We’ve found that music really helps guide the breathing throughout the class to give everyone the best opportunity to move fully through the practice with support and energy. The steady tempo acts as a subtle reminder under Tori’s cuing to keep you focused and motivated.

On Monday May 14 at 6:30pm, Ben and Tori will be at the RiverScape pavillion helping MetroParks kick off Bike Week 2012 with their GO W/ THE FLOW “Power Vinyasa” yoga which is also the start of their two-month bike tour in conjunction with BikeBot, an Austin, Texas-based “pro-pedal movement”  they connected with at the SXSW Festival earlier this year.  Power Vinyasa yoga is geared for all experience levels and builds whole-body strength, flexibility and mental focus.

Bring a mat if possible; Practice Yoga will provide a limited number of “loaners.” Another independent downtown business, basho apparel, will screen-print GWTF shirts live on-site.

 

Entertaining Doesn’t Have To Be A Dirty Word

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Entertaining is fun – really?!  Those are the words most people are thinking.  Of  course, everyone loves to be invited to a party in someone’s home, but to do it yourself –Unthinkable!!

It isn’t as scary as it seems.  I promise.  There is one key word to keep in mind, and  that word  is Fun.  Whether you are putting on a formal dinner or a cocktail party with heavy Hors d’oeuvre, fun is the main ingredient. 

Plenty of preparation for successful entertaining for both Formal, and Informal entertaining is at the top of the list.  This will help keep stress levels to a minimum.

Let’s do formal versus casual entertaining in your home.  Here are a few tips to make both types of entertaining a success.

Formal

  • Make sure that everyone coming to your formal dinner can eat the food that you are preparing.  Making a an incredible dinner with a fabulous salad, a beautiful beef tenderloin, red-skin potatoes and asparagus, ending with chocolate mousse sounds great to you, right?  Well, your guest, Alfred, can’t eat because he is a vegetarian and is allergic to asparagus.  Asking about food allergies and what types of foods your guest can eat is extremely important.  Believe me; I had Alfred at my table once.

 

  • Make sure the table is set correctly.  Are you dining continental or are you dining American?  As a Master Trainer for The
    Protocol School of Washington, I know the difference between Continental table settings and American table settings.   The difference is slight, but Alfred will notice.  (See PSOW Dining Map).    Having Alfred sit at your table and ask why the salad fork is on the inside, and he
    will ask    , could be embarrassing if your table setting is incorrect.

 

  • Keep centerpieces low to the table.  There’s nothing worse than sitting at a formal dining table and trying to talk around a huge table arrangement.  While the table arrangement might be beautiful, it’s nice to see the person that you are talking to.  If you are a person that does not believe in less is more, rather, More means a lot More, then make sure the table arrangement is tall enough that people can see under it.  You might see some of these arrangements at weddings.

 

  • Candles, Candles, Candles!  Presentation is everything and nothing sets the stage better than the glimmer of candlelight.  Not only should there be candles on the table, but there can be candles sprinkled around the room.

 

  • Music.    Music is part of the presentation.  Try to have some background music that is appropriate to the age group of your party.  Even better, if there is a theme, you can easily buy a CD to fit the occasion perfectly.  I had a formal sit-down dinner party for an engagement party.  They were getting married in Hawaii.  Yes, you see it coming.  I went out and bought a CD of beautiful
    Hawaiian music.  Wow!  Along with the Leis, and Hawaiian centerpiece, it really set the stage.  Theme parties are fun and easy. 

 

Informal

  • Map it out before you do anything.  Visualize in your head what you want to have and where you want things to go.  Once you put it to paper, it isn’t nearly as overwhelming, and you can start setting the stage a little at a time.  This works very well if you are having a pre-set buffet, or a heavy Hors d’oeuvre cocktail party.  You can use small crates and boxes or give your table highs and lows, cover with a table cloth and voila’ – a wonderful presentation.

 

  • Don’t be afraid to mix and match.  Be creative!  This is supposed to be fun.  Do you have a beautiful punch bowl that can double as your shrimp display?  What about those vintage nuts bowls for dips?  Don’t be afraid to mix and match napkins.  I am a firm believer that if you use real napkins, a ham sandwich display turns into Salmon and capers if you have real napkins.  You can collect these at vintage and antique stores for pennies.

 

  • Use real forks and glasses.  Yes, I know that Red Solo Cup is a great song, but purchasing real forks and inexpensive wine glasses will be worth its weight in gold.  There are so many places that sell inexpensive forks and sell $1 wine glasses. The forks usually come in a package of 25 or 50.   You would use the wine glasses for soda, water and wine.  The forks you can put on the buffet inside a napkin-lined basket.  Again, presentation is everything.   Buyer beware – once your guests see that you have these items, be prepared to lend them out.
    They will be calling you!
  • Music.  The same as for formal entertaining.  Background music and candlelight WILL make any party.  Additional Tip:  Don’t be afraid to move around some furniture to give your guests plenty of room to mingle.  You don’t have to remove every bit of furniture as they did to poor George Banks in Father of the Bride, but make sure to remove any excess furniture so that your home has a nice traffic flow.
  • Smile.  If you’re not enjoying your party, you’re never going to have another one.  So, space out the tasks, keep it simple and smile.  Your guests, even Alfred, aren’t there to critique you; they are there to enjoy your company.  Bon Appétit. 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFNlqU72wpY’]

 

My Mother…Myself Part 3

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Thank you to Kristi and Mary for sharing their stories. Both of these ladies are very special to me. Kristi has become one of my biggest supporters and is the sweetest woman you can meet not to mention a true beauty 🙂 Mary and I go way back to junior high. I was lucky enough to spend alot of time with both her and her mother especially on one very fun vacation to Alabama! I can attest that her mother is trully beautiful and is one lady that I have never forgotten.

Mary

I remember my mother as being a bit of a hippie when I was a young child.  I don’t remember her spending more than 5 minutes putting make-up on, or spending time putting outfits together, or obsessing over how her hair looked before she went into public.   I actually can only remember her owning 2 pairs of shoes at that time, a white pair of knock-off Keds and a pair of flip-flops.   And yet, I remember thinking how beautiful she was and how I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.  Then, at the beginning of my teen years, she took a job at a cosmetic counter of all places.  I remember her asking me for my magazines so she could get tips on how to put make-up on and even had me showing her how I did it.  She became a natural over the years at both selling and applying cosmetics.  Throughout high school my friends and I would take full advantage of the free makeovers for our school dances, and then as we got older, for their weddings too.   Yet still, even as I saw my mom embrace this new world of aesthetic merchandising, I still always thought she was such a beautiful woman no matter what and how lucky I was to even resemble her.

Now at 30, I realize exactly why my mother was always so beautiful no matter what she did and why she continues to be even more so to this day, and that is because she exudes it from within.  Her heart is bigger than the universe and her love fills it to the brim.  Everyone that knows her or has known her can’t help but to fall in love with her.   My mother taught me by example that whether you exude beauty naturally or you do the things that all of us women do to ourselves to portray that beauty that we all have and feel from within, it is the heart of a woman that is truly beautiful.  Thank you Mama for teaching and showing me by example the true meaning of beauty, I will be a lucky girl to become half the truly beautiful woman that you are.

Kristi

I have been blessed in this life to have the love and support of both my beautiful mom and her mother, my grandma. They both taught me and still teach me daily about true beauty.
From my mom I have learned most importantly to be kind and considerate to others, which really makes a person beautiful from the inside out. As far as physical appearances, she taught me the art of shopping LONG ago! We would drive 3 hours just to go “school shopping,” (my small home town had and still has no mall to speak of!) We had to make our trips count and she taught me the fine art of “mixing and matching,” wearing, for example, one nice sweater in a variety of ways, from casual to more dressy…a skill I have to this day.

Her mom, my grandmother has always been one of my most favorite people in the world. Ironically, we lost her yesterday so when Michelle asked me to write a few paragraphs about Mother’s Day and beauty, I had to include my grandmother. She taught me to always wear a smile, which is the best accessory ever. She also taught be to love others and never hold a grudge against anyone, true beauty. I miss you Grandma and flying to Seattle in just a few hours and not having you there waiting for me just makes me miss you even more.

I hope I can carry onwhat these 2 ladies continue to teach me about “beauty.”

Fleur et Vin

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Vail Sr, Vail Jr, Mif and Mike Frank

Twenty years ago Vail Miller, Sr of Heidelberg Distributing and Mike Frank of Arrow Wine got together to plan an event that would make drinking wine more fun and less formal.  They figured if they could convince folks to have a glass of wine with dinner at home they’d both make more money.  They also agreed that the event should benefit their local community and that’s how Fleurs was created.  The event has continued to flourish and now the 2nd generation of Vail Miller, Jr and Mif Frank are at the helm of Dayton’s Premier Wine and Gourmet Food Festival.

On Sunday, May 20th from 1- 4pm at Carillon Park, 24 restaurants will be on hand to compliment the over 300 wines that will be served up by local distributors. Restaurants scheduled to participate include: Amber Rose, Brock Mastersons, Carvers, Central Perc, Christopher’s, Culp’s Cafe, Dark Horse, De’Lish, Dewey’s Pizza, Giovanni’s, Hawthorn Grill, Jay’s Seafood, LeDoux’s, Louisiana Grille, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Meadowlark, Neil’s Heritage House, Oakwood Club, Sa Bai, Scratch Event Catering, Thai 9, The Dock, Top of the Market and The Wine Loft,

As you arrive you’ll be handed a plate and souvenir Fleurs et Vin wine glass.   The tent is set up so you can

Photo by Teesha McClam at 2010 Fleurs et VIn

grab a plate, and then cross over to the middle where the wines are and match up  wine to compliment your food.   Wine will be poured by area distributors,  as well as  VIP’s from Firelands Winery, E & J Gallo, Easley Winery, St Michelle Wines, Veleta Winery, Treasury Wine Estates and perhaps a few more. Take advantage of these experts knowledge to learn about their wines and ask for recommendations.

Several years ago a Belgian Beer Tent was added to the event, and this year you’ll be able to sample Leffe- sweet and silky beer with aromas of clove, vanilla and smoky caramel, Hoegaarden-a Belgium white, Stella Artois- a European-style pilsner, Duvell- a strong golden ale, Ommegang Hennepin- a hoppy, farmhouse-style ale and  Chimay Triple- the first Trappist Triple beer.  While supplies last, you ‘ll be able to take home a souvenir glass from your favorite beer.   Jump’s Gourmet Peanuts have donated their  nuts for snacking on, while  in the beer tent.

This years musical entertainment will be provided by The Eric Jerardi Band.  Jerardi has a long affiliation with Fleurs, for many years serving up treats from his Little Store on Peters Pike.   New this year, the Wall of Wine – for only $20,  guests will get to choose a mystery bottle of red or white.  Stocked bottles will range from a value of $10 – $85.  If you’d prefer to know what you’re getting, you’ll want to check out the silent auction that will feature art, theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates and much more.  At 4pm the live auction will begin, with an array of wine collectibles, chef dinners and more.  Even if you don’t plan on bidding, you’ll want to stick around and watch this- it’s always a high energy, competitive, fast moving part of the fest.

Tickets are  and are $60 in advance, available online or at your favorite wine store: Arrow Wine , Bella Vino, Brunning’s Wine Cellar, Cuvee,  Rumbleseat , The Wine Gallery,  Jerardi’s Little Store, Miami Valley Wine & Spirits , A Taste of Wine and The Wine Loft.   Proceeds from the day will benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History.

Ticket Contest

As a media sponsor for Fleur et Vin, Dayton Most Metro has two pairs of tickets to give away to this very popular event!  Justthis article (to help us spread the word on FB), fill out the form below and then comment below and tell us what your favorite wine is – even if it is just “Red” or “White”.  And if you are a non-drinker, then tell us which of the participating restaurants you are most looking forward to trying.  We’ll draw two lucky winners on Tuesday May 15 after 2pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Jenna Johnson and Bill Tatalovich – they each won a pair of tickets to Fleur et Vin!  CHEERS!

 

An Album Release with Jasper the Colossal

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Joan Jett, Janis Joplin, Heart.  Their sound, tough personas, stage presence, and command for respect has paved the way for women all around the world to get into music scene, which for numerous years has been dominated by males.  And the same holds true in the city of Dayton.  Throughout the city, a significant number of bands don’t have a single woman in their lineup.  However, there is a band that’s changing that.

The band is Jasper the Colossal.  Paige, Moriah, Nicki, and Sarah are four women that are on their way to making waves in the Gem City with their raw and distinct rock and roll sound.  On June 22nd, Jasper the Colossal will be releasing their first full-length album, Liar.   During a sit down with the band recently, the group explained that the album contains everything that people love in a great rock and roll album-some soft ballads mixed with some hard rock, catchy hooks, songs that you can sing after hearing it over and over.  Jasper the Colossal have spent most of the year writing for Liar, while it took only a week to record.

The band has big ambitions with the album.  With the goal of setting up a tour later in the year to play around the US, they also plan on releasing 1,000 copies of Liar.   In order to achieve these goals, the women decided to take a different path to get the album out.  Their approach is a revolutionary move that most bands are starting to lend to release music independently, and also get closer to their fans. They went to the internet, and set up a pledge on Kickstarter.com, a website that allows people to set up an all or nothing fundraiser.  The band
set up an amount that they wanted to meet, which would help pay for the manufacturing cost of the album.  When you make a donation of a certain dollar amount, you get you a reward (could be anything from a free EP, to dinner with the band.  Now, the only way that all of this could become a reality is if the band actually made the goal.   Within the first couple of days the fundraiser was set up, the band not only met their goal, but exceeded it.  A feat that the band themselves never thought would happen in such a brief period of time.

Jasper the Colossal shouldn’t be shocked, though. The fan support for this 4-piece girl band has been growing ever since its current lineup, which has been together for four years now.  Their live shows are full of raw emotion.   When they take the stage, their energy flies out and into the crowd, seizing their grasp of their viewers.  They aren’t out there to look cute.  They’re out there to fulfill their passion.  Each girl mentioned that this is their life.  Each chord strung on the guitars.  Each crack of the drumstick on the drums.  Each word sang into the microphone.  Its poetry. This is how music is meant to be. That is why they have a rabid fan base that has grown more and more each show.

Many people around Dayton will mention to you that Jasper the Colossal is one of the hardest working bands in the local circuit.  And the claims are true.  The band has played shows in California, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, and West Virginia.  With the extra money being donated thru the Kickstarter website fund, the band plans to use the extra money that’s used to getting transportation to go on a tour.

Jasper the Colossal aren’t going out and showing that girls can play instruments also.  Jasper the Colossal is out to prove that they are a band that is ready to take on the world one show at a time.  To want to prove that are just like the women pioneers before them-no matter what sex you are, rock and roll is here to tear the walls down.

To help the band by making a donation, go to their Kickstarter page.  Also, the band will be playing at South Park Tavern on May 12th . They will be taking the stage with Ghosts and Paper Hearts, and The Worthmores.  Cover charge is $5, and the show is for all ages.  (view all of Jasper the Colossal’s upcoming local shows on the DMM Music Calendar)

My Mother….Myself Part 2

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In this multi part series I will be posting local women’s stories about how they have been inspired by their Mother’s beauty advice. Thank you to all the ladies who sent in submissions. I am so excited and honored to share these beautiful stories.

 

Ashley

When I think back to my earliest memories of my Mom, I always remember how glamorous she was (and still is by the way!)  She and my Dad had date night every week and it was clear she loved the process of getting “pretty” almost as much as going out!  She would spend 2 hours taking a long bath, putting on her make-up, doing her hair, and picking out the perfect outfit.  I remember very fondly watching at her make-up counter as she would meticulously apply Chanel make-up to her face, thinking “Wow, I can’t wait to do that one day too!”.  Sometimes she would put a little on me and I used to think I was a movie star!

 

Today, I’ve inherited this same ritual (unfortunately for my husband, a love for Chanel came along…), but it wasn’t just about watching my Mom make herself more beautiful on the outside that made these memories so fond.  It was here, at this make-up counter, that she would teach me big life lessons: what it means to be a good person, how to pick and choose your battles, how to deal with heartbreak, how to problem solve and think critically…..and the list goes on and on.

Her make-up counter was my classroom for life and for beauty!  I, one day, hope to do the same with my daughter!  We no longer live in the same state so I, unfortunately, can’t sit next to her every time she does her make-up and ask inquisitive question about life. I can, however, call my Mom while we both do our make-up and pick up right where we left off!  25 years later, and I’m still learning big lessons from my Mom…..and I wouldn’t’ have it any other way!  I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s day!

Lea

What I learned from my mom was to see & appreciate beauty in life. She’s an early childhood expert and my favorite activity she teaches is to get paint sample cards for preschoolers and have them compare colors to their skin so they aren’t black or white but are beautiful colors like creamy hazelnut or sunset peach, encouraging everyone to appreciate their own skin. She constantly read us poetry and encouraged us to appreciate the beauty of the words and to learn to use our own vocabularies to create beautiful descriptions of our feelings. My mother is an accomplished world traveler; I have tried to follow in her footsteps despite my many irrational fears of airplanes and being more than 10 minutes from a Target; but, I have seen some of the most beautiful places like the rain forests in Costa Rica and the endless sand dunes under a star lit sky in Dubai thanks to her encouragement to appreciate the beauty of the world.

She taught me that my own beauty will shine through when I feel most fulfilled and happy. She taught me that if I love and respect myself, other will love and respect me. She taught me that beauty is so much more than looking pretty, but that it is being able to laugh at myself, being generous to a fault, helping others without judgment or expecting anything in return, and always appreciating what I have been given.

I have never felt more beautiful than on my wedding day. Yes, I was perfectly glammed up and had done more crunches the preceding months that I ever thought possible, but I felt beautiful because I was facing the man I am going to spend forever with, and I knew that even if I never shaved my legs again, or stopped wearing mascara, he would still love me unconditionally for the rest of my life. Without my mom’s teaching I never would have felt such confidence in my own beauty to find such wonderful love.

Want to read more?  My Mother…Myself Part 3

Hunks in Heels Race for a Good Cause

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Photo by Andy Snow

Clothes That Work presents its fifth annual “Hunks In Heels” fundraising event on Saturday, May 12, at The Greene Town Center in Beavercreek. Nearly 100 men will become “Hunks” as they don a pair of high heels and race around The Greene in support of the women in their lives.

“Hunk” racers will participate as individuals and teams. There will be approximately 10 Racing Heats. Each Heat winner will participate in the Final race in a heated competition to be named Hunks In Heels Race Champion.

In addition to Racers, the winner and runners-up of the Hunks in Heels, Best Legs Online Competition will be revealed. In this contest, local men slipped on heels, had their photos taken and then pranced around the Wine Loft to garner voters at a Kick-Off Party in April. Since then, their photos have been posted on the Clothes That Work website where they have been campaigning for votes of $5 each which will also raise money for the organization.

Clothes That Work, Executive Director, Lindsay Ackley says about the event, “I have so much respect for the men in our community who are willing to step into a pair of heels to honor a woman in their life and help a job seeker put their best foot forward. Hunks In Heels participants raise awareness for Clothes That Work programs and generate funds that provide area job seekers with interview appropriate clothing and image coaching. What an amazing gift to give to a man, woman or teen who is hoping to make their one and only first impression count!”

Event festivities start Saturday at 1:00 as the “ hunks” select their running heels. Races begin at 2:00 with the award ceremony starting around 3:15. There is still time to become a Hunk; men can register onsite for a $100 donation. A team of 5 men can register for a $400 donation and a team of 10 for $700. All fees are fully tax deductible.

Event emcees are Jim Bucher of WDTN, and Hunks in Heels Committee Member Lisa Grigsby of Dayton Most Metro & ARC Ohio.  DMM publisher Bill Pote will also be running in his second year!

For more information about the event or to cast a last minute vote for a Best Legs Hunk, visit: www.clothesthatwork.org. Voting for the Best Legs Competition closes at Midnight tonight!

(Submitted by Clothes that Work)

 

A Limitless View at DVAC

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"Distance In Itself Invisible" - by Stefan Chinov

Selected from over 100 exhibiton proposals received from our its 2010 Biennial Call for Exhibitons, DVAC brings it close to home for it’s fourth and final exhibiton of the season. The two-person exhibition features painting, photography, sculpture and painting by Dayton-based artist Stefan Chinov and Cincinnati painter Craig Lloyd.

Titled Limitless View, artists Chinov and Lloyd explore different methods of understanding and re-thinking limitless landscapes—both real and imagined.

Primarily a sculptor and draftsman, Stefan Chinov’s new work was inspired by his recent residency on the Bulgarian, Chilean, Spanish and Russian bases of Antarctica. Chinov imprints the Antarctic landscapes with sculptural installations in ice and volcanic ash and documents its untouched vastness in photographs and video that underscore its mythic presence. Additionally, Chinov plays with the lines of landscape in his geometric studies rendered in three-dimensions in two large floor sculptures; and in two-dimensions in three large scale drawings. Chinov, born in Bulgaria, lives in Dayton and is currently an Assistant Professor at Wright State University.

Craig Lloyd

Craig Lloyd’s paintings of landscapes in central and southern Ohio and northern Kentucky capture the sensation of stopping to take in a more careful and contemplative view. Working in the field or developing images further in the studio, Lloyd optimizes light, atmosphere and seasonal changes to create an idealized version of contemporary frontiers where open space has become a commodity. His fine brushwork captures a clear summer day’s perfect puffy clouds as they perch above a vast expanse of rolling hills, densely-leaved trees, and storybook curves in the road. Lloyd lives in Cincinnati and is an Associate Professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Together, these artists make for a remarkable exhibiton.

“Limitless View”
May 11 – June 16 at DVAC
118 N. Jefferson – Dayton, OH 45402
Opening Reception: May 11 5-10pm
Gallery Talk: May 17 6:15pm
 

 

Lone Star Family Feud

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(Clockwise from Top R) Greg Smith, Barbara Jorgensen, Gayle Smith and Jeff Sams in Dividing the Estate (contributed photo)

The colorful Gordons of economically grim Harrison, Texas circa 1987 are torn between the importance of legacy and ensuring a viable monetary future in “Dividing the Estate,” Horton Foote’s 2008 Tony Award-nominated comedy having its local premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

In the midst of juicy gossip and seemingly trivial chitchat, Foote’s delightfully dysfunctional and relatable characters sharply uncover the unnecessary strife that occurs when money overtakes love among relatives. As a child of the Great Depression, matriarch Stella (Gayle Smith) loathes talk of dividing the land that has been in her family for generations, but differing viewpoints, personal and practical, are astutely crafted with charming authenticity and occasionally moving poignancy. There is also a startling undercurrent flowing throughout the tale as the overt neediness of Stella’s three supposedly mature children Lucille (Barbara Jorgensen), Mary Jo (Julie Hauwiller) and Lewis (Greg Smith) morphs into a humorous, pathetic and sad display. A lot of blame can be passed around as infighting swells, but Stella’s continual willingness to spoil her brood speaks volumes about her parenting choices and the repercussions of those decisions contributing to her family’s fiscal woes spiraling out of control.

Director Ralph Dennler establishes a great pace and masters the tricky dynamics of uneasy conversation (excellently realized in the Act 1 dinner scene), but a firmly combative attack is missing among his principal players. As Stella rules the roost, Smith is sweet and genteel instead of an authoritative vessel of domineering intimidation, which diminishes her clout and the power of her arguments. Jorgensen, Hauwiller and Smith are a prickly trio that could be more explosive and galvanizing, particularly in Act 1. Still, Jorgensen is well-suited as a devoted, widowed caregiver wholeheartedly invested in her mother as well as her loyal son (the amiable Jeff Sams), Hauwiller grasps Mary Jo’s persnickety personality and fervent desire to be seen as an equal among her siblings, and Smith credibly portrays the agitation and disgust stemming from Lewis’ alcohol and gambling addictions.

Oddly, the standout performances derive from characters who are not Stella’s descendants, fueling the production’s off-kilter nature. Geoff Burkman shrewdly dials up the salesmanship as Bob, Mary Jo’s realtor husband intent to sway Stella to reassess her convictions with forward-thinking results. Franklin Johnson, as memorable here as he was last season at the Guild in “The Boys Next Door,” is absolutely wonderful as elderly servant Doug, a talkative fussbudget prone to jealousy and melodramatics who appreciates the Gordons and his place in their history far more than they could ever comprehend. In many ways, the bond between Doug and Stella, which dates back to Stella’s childhood, runs incredibly deep and gives the play emotional heft.

Claire Alemdar, Tori Easterling Doby, Lori Grissom, Lolita Long, Wendi Michael and Bernadette Rose commendably complete the folksy cast. Alemdar and Grissom’s ’80s-era dresses are notably designed by Carol Finley.  Attractively accented by Blake Senseman’s set, “Estate” lacks intensity yet remains a relevant tale of sacrifice in today’s rocky financial climate.

“Dividing the Estate” continues through May 13 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave.  (Click here for show schedule).  Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $10-$17. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org

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